Asked 4/6/2016 – Kerrville, TX

I do not live in the county charging me (two Class C misdemeanors) and had inadequate time to secure legal counsel before the PTC, especially because I am having to do so long distance as I want to hire someone in the county my case is in. The conference is tomorrow. —– What am I to expect from a PTC? —- Is it important to retain counsel at this stage or will I be okay self-representing for now (I have official documentation disproving the charges)? —– Since I’ve not yet been able to hire an attorney, may I request continuance? —– How do I go about doing that? As in, what is the appropriate time (ex. upon arrival or when in front of judge), who is the appropriate person, what is the appropriate way of phrasing it, ect..? I intend to fight these charges and would feel more confident with legal representation but am unsure what my options are at this point. Thank you in advance!.

Answer

Make sure you appear. If you show up at court and ask the Judge to reset your case for you to retain counsel, your request will probably be granted if this is the first request for a reset and the case is not particularly old. Appear at the courthouse early and get the business cards of local attorneys.