Message to Parents
It can be
quite disconcerting to have a child appearing in Court for a misdemeanor
charge when you live out of state or even just out of town. It is also a
logistical problem for the parent to physically appear with the Student in
Court to help guide them through this process. I have represented students
with the knowledge and assistance of their parents for almost two decades.
With the students consent, I keep the parents informed of the process, the
final disposition, and the requirements to complete that sentence and/or
school, in order for your child to complete his/her requirements of
Municipal Court. I can accept payment for attorney fees on my website for
the convenience of the parents (who normally pay the legal fees) and who
would like for representation to begin immediately. If you have any
questions, please feel free to contact me regarding your child's
situation.
Appearing in Tuscaloosa Municipal Court
The first
appearance is called an "arraignment" at which a person can enter a guilty
plea, request the case be set for a trial where you can call and question
witnesses, or otherwise resolve the case. Missing an arraignment hearing can
result in an arrest warrant for "failure to appear".
INCORRECT COURT DATES
There are
times when a student may have one date on his/her ticket or citation and
ANOTHER date on the bonding papers or release papers from the jail. If
there in ANY question about which date is correct - go with the first date
and the Court will "sort it out". If a student MISSES the first date,
immediately proceed to Court with BOTH papers to show to Court personnel.
The Court will reset your court appearance (or simply have you come to the
second date) WITHOUT entering a warrant for arrest for failure to appear.
No representation is made that
the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the
quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.