I was arrested for my first (and LAST) DWI this past March in St. Louis County, Missouri. I have no prior convictions…in fact, my record is completely clean. My BAC that night was a .12.
I had an attorney and everything was going fine, until I lost my job and I was not able to pay him. He had to withdraw from the case, and now here I am with a court date TODAY with no attorney.
The administrative (license) side of the case is done, and I am on the tail end of my suspension. He said most of the work for the criminal side is finished, but I have no idea what that means.
I was told to request a continuance tonight in court, to try to get some more time to find a new lawyer. I now have a new job and can afford one, but I just need more time.
So, my question is, what are my options? When I go in there, what is the standard etiquette and procedure and whatnot involved in requesting a continuance? Am I eligible to be appointed a public defender?
I’ve never been to any kind of court before, not even for a speeding ticket. So, I’m completely clueless about what to expect and I’m very nervous about going in there by myself.
Any advice is appreciated, thanks very much in advance.