Macy Michelle Jaggers’s Answers

It sounds like at your next court date you need to clear up with the court whether this attorney is appointed to represent you or whether you need to hire one. Obviously, if the court requires you to hire your own attorney, you need to shop around until you find one you're comfortable with.

You're just going to have to contact the court and apply for a court appointed appellate attorney. If you qualify for one, the court will also cover the cost of the transcript.

Rates vary from attorney to attorney. Most offer free consultations. I would call a few in your area and set up appointments to discuss the case with them in detail. This will give you an idea of how they would handle the case as well as their fees and payment plans.

Possibly. It's hard to say. They can file a misdemeanor without going through the grand jury process if they feel they have sufficient probable cause. If you are not guilty and your job is on the line, you probably shouldn't plea. Your attorney is in the best position to advise you on this.

If the police are impounding the vehicle (as they often do subsequent to an arrest), they are required to do an inventory search of the entire vehicle. They do not need a warrant in this situation.

If you're lawyer doesn't have time for you, you should ask for your money back and hire a new lawyer. A waiver of a right to appeal is a standard requirement of any plea bargain. The State will not sign a plea bargain if the right to appeal is not waived (except in unusual circumstances by agreement). So basically, you either have to waive your right to appeal or have a trial.

Anyone charged with DWI needs an attorney experienced in handling these cases. They are technical cases and there are many ways to beat them. Whatever happens with the case, your life will not be over. But you do need someone who knows what they are doing to do everything possible to protect your record by getting the case reduced or acquitted. Most defense attorneys offer free consultations. Start calling around to find out about fees and payment plans.

It is WAY too early for it to be a sign of anything. Blood results take about three months to come back. Then the police agency has to file the case with the DA's office. Then it has to get a first setting with the Court. Sometimes this happens a little more quickly, sometimes it happens a lot more slowly. I know you automatically received a first setting date when you posted your bond. This is not a real court date. It's just a date that is automatically generated by the AIS system....

I think you are misunderstanding the way criminal records read. As I stated before, if you took a conviction on the ticket it will show on your record that you have been convicted of that violation. Typically the record will not specify that you were arrested. However, because you were arrested, it is certainly possible.

It is usually done orally the day of trial. Stop worrying about all of this and let your attorney do the job you hired him to do.