Asked 7/28/2016 – Athens, TX

I was arrested on drug possession charges in Kingsville, TX on April 1st, 2016. The car I was driving had an open container in which gave the police a cause to search the vehicle anyway. It was not my vehicle, nor was it my container. I received a ticket that said I was to plea on the date of 4/22. I had been dealing with court, pretrial services as well as being a full time student in college and was not able to respond to the court, and I am wondering is it too late, I am a struggling college student barely getting by with the court fees from my arrest, I cannot pay a $390 ticket from an open container when I wasn’t even drinking. Would like to know if I could still fight this, do not have much money even for legal representation. How could this be solved. Trying to move forward with my life.

Answer

If no plea has been entered, you still have the ability to contest the matter. A bond must be posted, however, to remove the warrant before the case can be set for trial. You have the option of posting a cash bond in the full amount of the fine with the court, and if you are found not guilty, you will be refunded the money; if you are guilty, any fines imposed can be deducted from the bond. You can also contact a local attorney or bond company who can post a bond on your behalf. The fee you would pay them is a small percentage of the bond, but you will not receive any refund at the conclusion of your case. Call a local attorney in the area and discuss your options.