Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Arrested for theft by check

[eblyss2002]

I recently visited the DMV to renew my driver's license. While there, I was informed that I had four warrants out for my arrest in regards to bad checks. I was totally caught off guard as these charges were about 10 years old and I had moved several times since living at the address where they apparently sent the notices. Anyway, the state trooper advised that he would have to bring me down to the county jail and that a $2,000 bond would have to be paid in order for me to be released. Luckily, my mother was with me and she asked the state trooper if the $2,000 was covering the checks also. The state trooper stated that the $2,000 was covering everything that went along with the four warrants that I was being retained for. My mother immediately obtained a cashier's check for $2,000 so that I could be released (within an hour).

Once I was released, I quickly reviewed the papers that were giving to me with receipts showing that the $2,000 had been paid for my release. As I read the papers, I saw that it stated that I needed to appear in each court the following morning. I asked the sheriff deputy if I still needed to appear since I had paid the money and she stated that the best thing for me to do was to go and speak with those courts. I did so, and was advised by the staff that i did not need to appear the next day. One court even stated that I would be due a huge refund as the amount that I had paid in bonds for their court exceeded the amount of the check and all charges that pertained to it.

Now, I just received a letter from one of the courts stating that I needed to come to court for an arraignment. What does this mean? I thought everything was take care of when I paid the bond. What do I need to do and what should I expect to happen?

 

[army judge]

I recently visited the DMV to renew my driver's license. While there, I was informed that I had four warrants out for my arrest in regards to bad checks. I was totally caught off guard as these charges were about 10 years old and I had moved several times since living at the address where they apparently sent the notices. Anyway, the state trooper advised that he would have to bring me down to the county jail and that a $2,000 bond would have to be paid in order for me to be released. Luckily, my mother was with me and she asked the state trooper if the $2,000 was covering the checks also. The state trooper stated that the $2,000 was covering everything that went along with the four warrants that I was being retained for. My mother immediately obtained a cashier's check for $2,000 so that I could be released (within an hour).

Once I was released, I quickly reviewed the papers that were giving to me with receipts showing that the $2,000 had been paid for my release. As I read the papers, I saw that it stated that I needed to appear in each court the following morning. I asked the sheriff deputy if I still needed to appear since I had paid the money and she stated that the best thing for me to do was to go and speak with those courts. I did so, and was advised by the staff that i did not need to appear the next day. One court even stated that I would be due a huge refund as the amount that I had paid in bonds for their court exceeded the amount of the check and all charges that pertained to it.

Now, I just received a letter from one of the courts stating that I needed to come to court for an arraignment. What does this mean? I thought everything was take care of when I paid the bond. What do I need to do and what should I expect to happen?

These charges aren't just going to go away. You're going to be advised of the charges against you and asked if you can afford an attorney. You'll also be asked to enter a plea. The money you paid for bond isn't a fine. It insures your appearance. If you don't appear, the money will be confiscated for failure to appear. You'll also be subject to arrest again.

Hire a lawyer, if you can. Whatever else you do appear at all court dates, and don't just blow thus off!!! When you appear, plead not guilty and make no statements, until you've engaged a lawyer.

Do exactly what the deputy told you. Forget anything anyone else told you. In the end, you'll have no proof of that anyway.

Get to court ASAP, as instructed. Shut up about thus until you have a lawyer. Plead not guilty and don't miss court.

 

[eblyss2002]

I guess I'm confused as to what's about to happen. Am I going before a jury or something? What happens when I plead not guilty? Will I be taken to jail? What if I can't afford an attorney?

 

[army judge]

I guess I'm confused as to what's about to happen. Am I going before a jury or something? What happens when I plead not guilty? Will I be taken to jail? What if I can't afford an attorney?

They probably want money.
You'll be arraigned. That means they'll tell you what the charges are. They'll set a bond. That's why you should contact a bail bondsman. The bondsman can find out what the charges are and what your bail will be. That way you can get the money together to pay the bond. If it's an old traffic ticket for speeding, most likely they'll release you on your promise to appear.