WA state DV - Assault IV Case

[abc83ah]

What is the name of your state? Washington

I have a problem. I have a criminal court date on May 9th. Unfortunately, I'm also out of town through May 10th. See, what had happened was, my boyfriend talked to the prosecuter and the prosecuter looked over the case and JUST called me back today. He told me that he's LEANING towards dismissing the case, but I still have to make my court date. Well, I was banking on the dismissal so I didn't change my plans. I never got a lawyer, because I figured I didn't need one. I still probably dont, but I need to get my court date changed. My boyfriend told me that I should just represent myself and file a motion for continuance. He said if I do that though, it could take 7 days until my court date and I leave in 1 week. What can I do?

I have a VERY ill family member and this may be the last time I can ever see him. My flight plans are non-refundable and I wouldn't be able to afford another flight. Could I possibly talk to the court or try to get in front of a judge asap?

[FlyingRon]

Until you have a dismissal or a continuance in hand you should not have made any plans to not attend. It is almost a certain that a FTA on a criminal case will result in a warrant being issued. You should contact the court IMMEDIATELY and figure out what you have to do for a continuation. Don't let the date bear down on you and be a no show.

Frankly, I would talk to a lawyer ASAP as well. The lawyer will know immediately how to fix the court date and if there's a possibility that the DA wants to dismiss, he can probably accelerate that as well.

[abc83ah]

That problem was that I had made the plans earlier. Before any of this even happened. I was going to cancel my plans, but my boyfriend told me that he would get the charges dropped so no need. Now, it turns out I should NOT have listened to him. This is so frustrating! I have no criminal record and this is my only dent and it's pretty much ruining my life.

[PJ Weber]

He said if I do that though, it could take 7 days until my court date and I leave in 1 week. What can I do?

What is stopping YOU from talking to the Prosecutor? Do so now !