No one to talk too. Where's a Public Defender, it's over 72 hrs.

[anonymom61]

My daughter was brought in to jail on 1/2/2015. She didn't see anyone till Mon. 1/5 and all she did was sign a paper for a Public Defender, she didn't even get to explain what happened. We've been calling several times a day to different departments to find out wants going on, and why she hasn't seen the judge yet. Everyone keeps saying they're behind in paperwork, yet people that come in before and after her are seeing the video judge several times a day and then going home the next. What is going on? They say the DA hasn't signed off on her paperwork. Her charges were for Dom Vio, Assault W/DW, Controlled Sub, the weapon charge was her just wanting to kill herself, not against anyone else. She's still in and they still don't have a date set or a Pub Def, it's been a week. Isn't there a law about that? We can't afford bail or an attorney, what do we do?

 

[Proserpina]

It hasn't been a week yet, correct?

The truth is there's actually no standard - in some states a felon can be in there for as many as 16 months.

There is a bit of helpful information here: http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/the-right-speedy-trial.html . There's also this: http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/how-long-can-you-be-held-in-jail-before-arraignmen-1757092.html

(I know you're in Nevada - just trying to give you a heads up)


She needs to ask the questions though.

 

[CdwJava]

She won't get to "explain" anything for a very long time. The first hearing - which she may have already had - is an arraignment. At the arraignment she will be read the charges against her and will be asked for a plea. She will also be provided counsel if she cannot afford her own counsel. The fact that she signed a paper for legal representation indicates to me that she may have already been arraigned or agreed to postpone the arraignment until she met with legal counsel (usually, here anyway, this means that a "not guilty" plea is initially entered by the court until she would have time to speak to legal counsel). If she has NOT been arraigned, then that is curious. If she is on probation or parole, then she can be held for violating those actions, but she would still have to be arraigned on the new charges at some point (if they intend to prosecute her).

 

[disagreeable]

They are in no hurry with her case. She is going to jail. She is simply getting time served out of the way now. If she cannot afford a lawyer and has time for all those crimes, cooling off in jail is likely best for her as she has no place she needs to be for the next 5 years or so anyway and it is keeping her out of more trouble.

 

[Proserpina]

I have a feeling that there is a difference between reality and what Mom is being told.