I got a summons to go to court for Obstruction/resisting for going into my residence instead of getting my traffic citation, is the summons the actual trial?
2007-09-11 09:52:43 · 6 answers · asked by squeezycook 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Yes. This is your only chance to be heard. Have all the evidence with you and be prepared to explain your actions. You may get lucky and the cop won't show, but you never know.
2007-09-11 09:59:36 · answer #1 · answered by buggerhead 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It probably is not a trial, but you have to show up for the summons. It may be a sort of arraignment or similar procedure to advise you of your rights, to give you the oppurtunity to plea bargain, and/or find out what your plea will be.
You should call the court and get clarity because every court has a little different administration. How serious the crime is depends on what state you are in. If it's a fine-only offense, you do not have a right to counsel, so you would have to hire your own attorney. However, if it's a fine-only offense, hiring an attorney may very well not be worth it.
2007-09-11 17:21:12 · answer #2 · answered by Benjamin Gladstone 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably. Read closer: if it has info of where you need to be at court and at what time, etc., then likely it is a preliminary hearing and then a trial will be set. If the summons asks you to respond in writing within 30 days, then you need to respond with an answer. Either way, you should get a lawyer.
2007-09-11 17:00:35 · answer #3 · answered by Hillary 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My experience with this is that you go to court and will either plead guilty or not guilty. If you plead not guilty, you will be issued a court date to appear and state your side of the story. Plead guilty, and you will get your sentence right then unless there are circumstances the judge wishes to look at first.
2007-09-11 17:03:59 · answer #4 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In most places, that initial date is to plea only. You pay the fine if you plead guilty, or trial is set for later if you plead not guilty. BUT, call the court to be sure they don't do it differently.
2007-09-11 17:17:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The charges are somewhat serious. Be prepared, have an attorney and bring whatever witnesses and evidence that you may have.
2007-09-11 17:02:20 · answer #6 · answered by DrIG 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋