Asked 8/11/2016 – San Antonio, TX

Currently trying to decide if I should hire a defense attorney who charges by the hour, or a misdemeanor attorney who charges a flat fee. By the rate they are asking, I’m also thinking of asking for a court appointed lawyer. Also trying to decide if I should just represent myself, and plead “No Contest”. If the circumstances are right and I have no history at all, may I be able to negotiate a class C deferred adjudication? Which can be totally expunged??

Answer

1) You are not entitled to a court appointed attorney on a class c misdemeanor. 2) Deferred adjudication cases are NOT eligible for expunction. A petition for nondisclosure may be filed in such cases if the probation is successfully completed and the case is dismissed. 3) You have a constitutional right to represent yourself if you choose to do so. If you choose to retain an attorney, make sure they know what they are doing in the municipal or justice courts.