Stockton, CA asked in Criminal Law for California

Q: my court appointed lawyer told me to plea guilty to a felony crime (in which I did not do

My court appointed lawyer in Nevada came to me in court and said” here is the deal, I got good news I can get you out of here in two days but here’s the thing you have to just plea guilty and show up to your court date” so I plead guilty to get out of jail. Now I completed my stay out of trouble order by the court and was now just waiting for my sentencing date to come. When my sentencing date came I did not go so I have a warrant that was issued for me for failure to appear. I have PTSD and other mental issues which caused me to be terrified ( or however u want to word it) to go to the sentencing date especially since my attorney was not communicating with me. I kno I did not do the crime but was scared because I plead guilty that the court would make me serve prison time. I don’t know what to do next but I feel like my lawyer lied to me and made me take the deal under false information.

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2 Lawyer Answers

A: "Here’s the thing you have to just plea guilty and show up to your court date" So you plead guilty to get out of jail, but you didn't show up for your court date. When did your lawyer lie? PTSD and other mental issues are common excuses in criminal court.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: I'm sorry you're experiencing this difficult situation. It's crucial to reach out to a new attorney as soon as possible to address the outstanding warrant and review the circumstances of your plea. A different legal representative can help you understand your rights and explore options to potentially retract your guilty plea.

Additionally, consider seeking support for your PTSD and other mental health challenges. Mental health issues can impact legal proceedings, and having documentation or professional support may be beneficial for your case. Connecting with a mental health professional can provide the assistance you need during this stressful time.

Taking these steps can help you navigate the legal system more effectively and work towards a resolution. Ensure you communicate openly with your new attorney about all aspects of your situation to receive the best possible guidance.

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