Amanda Marie Sampaio’s Answers

I agree with the other answers and would add that the fee alone for CD of the audio the fee is around $15. There is an additional fee for a written transcript.

Almost definitely. If the Judge does not revoke the bond he/she will probably set a very high bond. If you get an attorney to go to first appearance with the person they may be able to get that judge to set a bond; otherwise they can try to file a bond motion at a later time.

"No Contest" will get you a criminal record so refrain from doing that before you speak to an attorney. At your first court date, the Judge will not ask you about the facts of the case and you don't need to talk about them (this is where your 5th Amendment right to remain silent comes into play). Most likely, the Judge will just tell you what you are charged with, ask if you have an attorney, and will give you your next court date. Sometimes the prosecutor will make you a plea offer, but you...

The question is, can you prove they testified falsely?

I agree with the other answers and would add that you should probably make sure that you report the abuse/violence to the police so there is a record of it. As a victim of domestic violence, you are eligible for a U visa or U Immigrant Status. To get the U visa I believe that you must cooperate in the prosecution of your abuser.

No, you do not need a court date in order for the state to drop charges. The State can decide not to prosecute at any time. Sometimes we can prevent the State from filing charges even after an arrest was made. Attorneys can talk to the prosecutors outside of court before you have a court date.

Make sure you do not admit to anything before speaking to a lawyer. You may have a defense to this crime. Even if you do not have a great defense, you will probably be offered Teen court or another type of diversion program and if you complete the program the charges will probably be dropped and will not be on your "record" at all. Even if the charges are not dropped, Juvenile records are sealed which means the public can not access them. Also, you can can later apply to have your...

You will get a jury automatically unless the Judge certifies that he/she will not give you any jail time and will not adjudicate if you lose. In most cases it is preferable to have a jury but there are some cases where it might be better to go without. It would be best to consult an attorney before making this very important and strategic decision.

The pros and cons will depend on the specifics of your case. This is a decision that can be very strategic and I highly suggest you speak to an attorney before waiving your right to a speedy trial.

If you went through a Faretta hearing and the Judge found you competent to represent yourself, that should mean that the Public Defender is no longer representing you. Just because your paperwork or the computer says the Public Defender is on your attorney does not mean that is true. It is not uncommon that clerical errors are made and those can be cleared up at your next court date or by contacting the clerk of courts.