DUI turns to Fugitive

[sbrigham65]

What is the name of your state? Michgan

After receiveing a DUI Drugs in Illinois, I returned on three occasions to contest the charges. Every time, I was urged by my public defender to accept a plea bargain. Every time, I refused, and every time I was made to wait outside until court was over only to receive a notice of another court date.

After not being able to attend the susequent hearing (the court was unwilling to postpone - no communication from attorney), a felony warrant was entered into the computer. I was arrested in Michigan on the warrant, jailed for 4 days, then released on P.R. bond with instructions to return to Illinois and clear the charges. I was given a date to return to the Michigan court and prove the charges have been dealt with in Illinois. I haven't been able to accommodate the 8 - 10 hour trip, mainly because of financial reasons. What is my responsibility to Michigan? What can I do to buy some time to deal with this? Do I have a legal obligation to Michigan in this matter? What am I facing going BACK in front of the Michigan judge with this Illinois situation unresolved?

[saminalham]

Sorry to tell you this, but you just have to bite the bullett and go to court-at least for the first date. Then you can IN PERSON tell the judge that it brings you great financial hardship to come to court (bring proof of this) and he may be able to help you.
By not showing up to court, you are showing disrespect to the judge and the system, which judges do not appreciate. Show respect, do what it takes to buck up and show up, and deal with it. I am being blunt, but you need to understand that courts do not work around you, but it is certainly the other way around.
Take care of it now, or it will follow you to your grave.