Misdemeanor MIP - Can't make court date

[d_dawg]

Colorado

I am being charged with misdemeanor possession of alcohol as my first offence. The officer said I would be able to reach a deal over the phone as I received the citation while travelling and am a full-time student almost 300 miles away from the court house. After calling the D.A., I am still being forced to appear in court without being able to reach an arangement over the phone. I have no vehicle. What options do I have? Currently I am considering:

- attempting to hire a lawyer to make a one time appearance on my behalf
- riding the bus, roughing it out at least two nights, and miss about 3-5 days of work and classes which I can ill afford to do

Will I be able to find an affordable attorney to make a one time appearance? Do I qualify for a public defender? Any advice would be appreciated!!

 

[Silverplum]

Colorado

I am being charged with misdemeanor possession of alcohol as my first offence. The officer said I would be able to reach a deal over the phone as I received the citation while travelling and am a full-time student almost 300 miles away from the court house. After calling the D.A., I am still being forced to appear in court without being able to reach an arangement over the phone. I have no vehicle. What options do I have? Currently I am considering:

- attempting to hire a lawyer to make a one time appearance on my behalf
- riding the bus, roughing it out at least two nights, and miss about 3-5 days of work and classes which I can ill afford to do

Will I be able to find an affordable attorney to make a one time appearance? Do I qualify for a public defender? Any advice would be appreciated!!

Here's contact info for the CO Public Defender offices: http://pdweb.coloradodefenders.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=7&Itemid=55

If you don't qualify, find and hire a local attorney to appear on your behalf. Much better than trying to handle it yourself.

 

[Ohiogal]

Colorado

I am being charged with misdemeanor possession of alcohol as my first offence. The officer said I would be able to reach a deal over the phone as I received the citation while travelling and am a full-time student almost 300 miles away from the court house. After calling the D.A., I am still being forced to appear in court without being able to reach an arangement over the phone. I have no vehicle. What options do I have? Currently I am considering:

- attempting to hire a lawyer to make a one time appearance on my behalf
- riding the bus, roughing it out at least two nights, and miss about 3-5 days of work and classes which I can ill afford to do

Will I be able to find an affordable attorney to make a one time appearance? Do I qualify for a public defender? Any advice would be appreciated!!

Your big problem is you seem to think appearing is something you can CHOOSE to do or not. You are not being "forced" to appear but rather these are the consequences of being charged. I note you did NOT deny having alcohol.

 

[HighwayMan]

Start calling attorneys local to the court now and get an idea about what this will cost you.