Dear Friends,

I find myself in quite a predicament due to my own misfortune and bad judgment. My 6-year-old son and I were recently left homeless after I was laid off from my job and my house was taken by the bank.

I enrolled my son in a nearby elementary school when school started in the fall. I used the address where I lived last, because I don’t have a current address. The school district discovered that I wasn’t living at that address and charged me with fraud. I was arrested yesterday and haven’t yet been to court. My son was placed in the care of protective services.

I just want to get out of jail as soon as possible to reunite with my son. I have some questions, and I was hoping you could do some research to find the answers for me.

Please answer the following questions: Provide Reference page

·         Do you think I really need an attorney? After all, I am guilty, and I can’t afford one.  

·         I also don’t have any money for bail. Are there any options that would allow me to be released from custody prior to trial and that would not require money?

·         How do I get to see the police reports?

·         What is the difference between the grand jury hearing and a preliminary hearing? Which would be better in my case?