Can My Lawyer Represent Me In Court Without Me Being There?

Court trials are frustrating and time-consuming. In order to avoid taking too much of your time, sometimes your personal injury lawyer in Sacramento can appear in court on your behalf. This depends upon the severity of your charges. Initial appearances, preliminary hearings, arraignments, motion hearings, and dispositional conferences are just a few examples things you may need to do before the actual trial. These proceedings and an actual trial can be very intimidating if you are not familiar with the legal system. This is another reason to have a personal injury attorney in Sacramento.

Let us take a look at different cases.

Minor Wrongdoing and Felony

Unless the judge orders explicitly otherwise, an attorney can present in a misdemeanor matter on your behalf. In felony cases, the accused must appear before the judge unless an attorney has permission to attend on their behalf.

Hiring an attorney assures that you have an experienced and qualified expert by your side, eliminating the trouble and worry of having to appear in court. With job and social commitments, it is challenging to have an entire weekday morning sitting and waiting for your turn. When a lawyer represents you, you can have peace of mind knowing your case is in safe hands while you focus on other essential aspects of your life. With the court’s permission, you can rely on your lawyer’s experience, expertise, and skills to represent you in all court proceedings, even without you being there.

The law permits an attorney to represent a client in court for waivable offenses. A lawyer handles waivable cases without requiring clients to appear in court. In some instances, attorneys ask clients to deposit funds, which they will keep in trust for them. They use the trust money to pay the court costs and any fines. Once the fee is paid, the remaining amount is returned to the client. People dealing with car accident cases must consult an injury lawyer in Sacramento.

Exceptional Situations

Your attorney will not be able to represent you if you are the victim of domestic abuse. You must be present in the arraignment and sentencing stages. In domestic violence cases, the court may announce a protective order. This order is for the defendant to serve by appearing in court.

When you are suspected of violating the conditions of a protective order, you must appear in court.

Suppose you’re the accused in a domestic violence case. In that case, your presence in court may be necessary or not, depending on whether you’re involved in a misdemeanor or a felony. As mentioned, a legal professional can represent you if you’ve committed a misdemeanor. If you committed a felony, you must attend the court proceeding unless your lawyer is permitted to represent you.

Legally speaking, a domestic violence case can be classified as a misdemeanor if you allegedly used, threatened to use, or attempted to use physical force against a member of your household. On the other hand, domestic violence can be categorized as a felony if there’s a deadly weapon involved or the victim is a child and/or has suffered severe injuries.

But regardless of whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony type of domestic violence, solid legal representation from an experienced lawyer is necessary when battling domestic violence charges in San Francisco or wherever you may be.

Aside from a domestic violence-related felony, there are other cases wherein the accused’s appearance is needed in court. For example, although your attorney may appear on your behalf in a DUI case, you must be present during the arraignment, plea, and/or sentencing.

What If You Fail To Appear?

If you violate a court order, the punishment can be severe. The consequences given below occur as per the laws and regulations of different states.

  • A bench warrant for your arrest
  • Jail time
  • Paying fine
  • Revoking your driver’s license
  • No bail opportunity
  • In civil matters, ruling in favor of the other party

Conclusion

Always consult an attorney who will guide you through the legal process. In some cases, your attorney may represent you on your behalf, while, in others, the judge may ask for your presence. Make sure to abide by laws and regulations to avoid any trouble. If you are dealing with a car accident, consult an auto accident lawyer in Sacramento.

Photo of author

Libby Austin

Libby Austin, the creative force behind alltheragefaces.com, is a dynamic and versatile writer known for her engaging and informative articles across various genres. With a flair for captivating storytelling, Libby's work resonates with a diverse audience, blending expertise with a relatable voice.
Share on:

Leave a Comment