Legal Summons Question

[Felch]

I say contact the lawyer immediately because some judges look particularly unfavourably on things like "I didn't turn myself in immediately because I didn't want to miss my birthday".

I'm preparing a defense, of course. Calling a lawyer makes a lot of sense.

[Felch]

EDIT: Another interesting case shows how constructive notice didn't cut it where it was a defendant notifying the clerk's office, but as always it was totally dependent on the state statute's notice requirements. What state are we talking about here?

So the legal precedent looks like it's all against me. That's very disappointing.

This is all in Maryland.

Anybody know any good lawyers in the DC area? I won't qualify for a public defender.

You say you got notice of the speeding ticket? Was it sent to your correct address? If so, add a copy of it to your pile of evidence.

It's got a more accurate address, street spelled right, but missing the first digit. It got to me though. I've got to find it, I know I kept it, but I can't find it anywhere.

[Felch]

I know professional responsibility rules bind me to make that recommendation, but let's be honest here - is ~$300 of an attorney's time worth it to avoid a ~$50-200 fine (which an economically rational person would discount to even less based on the low probability of its actually accruing)? We're not talking about a murder charge here. Failure to appear in felony cases brings fines into the thousands and/or significant jailtime, but typical failure to appear statutes only fine "not less than" $200 or so for piddly-**** traffic administration. It'd help to know what state this is, but that's the norm.

Around here at least, having the right lawyer is more important than having the right facts.

You're right in general though about the economics. A lawyer for a suspended license around here starts at $600, while the fine is about $500 plus a bunch of points. My legal strategy is to always appear when summoned, get a continuance for legal counsel, show up the second time without a lawyer, and hope the cop doesn't come.

It's worked once, and failed miserably once. It doesn't really work in this case though.

[SlowwHand]

So you're a habitual criminal? Hang him!

[Wiglaf]

You don't need a lawyer to make this defense. It's not like you killed your wife and need to find a clever way out. Also, bring a cyanide pill and place it in your mouth or a fingernail in case a harsh sentence comes down or you get gaypounded in your cell.

[Jon Miller]

Get a lawyer. I have seen the difference that a lawyer makes being a slap on the wrist and a serious punishment.

Always get a lawyer.

I would say that for anything more than a minor traffic ticket, get a lawyer.

JM

[Wiglaf]

Jon Miller

Stop repeating yourself. I have seen the difference that not repeating yourself can make a post much shorter.

You always repeat yourself.

I would say that you seem to repeat yourself.

Jon Miller

JM

Jon Miller

----

Jon Miller IS CANADIAN
JM

[Ming]

Around here at least, having the right lawyer is more important than having the right facts.

Exactly... it might be a good idea to call the court house and find out which lawyers work there often.
A local boy is usually better than a mid level out of local area guy.

[self biased]

Jon Miller

Stop repeating yourself. I have seen the difference that not repeating yourself can make a post much shorter.

You always repeat yourself.

I would say that you seem to repeat yourself.

Jon Miller

JM

Jon Miller

----

Jon Miller IS CANADIAN
JM

needs moar mispellings.

[Wiglaf]

Oh please girlfriends. You don't need a lawyer for this. The summons went to the wrong address, case closed. This isn't China.

[SlowwHand]

Was that a shot at China's HUMAN RIGHTS?

[DaShi]

Oh please girlfriends. You don't need a lawyer for this. The summons went to the wrong address, case closed. This isn't China.

I agree, getting a lawyer will just add another $500 or more to your fine. You're best bet is to flee the country and lay low for a couple of years. Afterward, you can return under a new name, with a moustache!

[duke o' york]

Yeah, and paddling your canoe over from Havana will make your arm muscles much bigger and you'll attract even hotter chicks than you will just with the moustache and tan. Win-win.

[Timexwatch]

Check to see when your county (or municipality) holds court. It would suck if court couldn't arraign you in time for the weekend.

[Asher]

It's all about perspective. You don't have any expenses in jail.