Legal Representation in court?

[Goldilocks-34]

My boyfriend is due to appear in court for a minor assault charge this Friday. however as he is out of work he has applied for legal aid. This is taking time as they need copies of relevant paperwork e.g. Bank statements,wage slips etc he also applied to get s copy of this years tax return, but it still hasn't arrived in the post (postal strike I think). Anyway Legal Aid said because of this the case ( at magistrates court) it's likely the case will be adjourned. this evening there was a message from the solicitor saying that the court had been in touch and that my boyfriend must attend with or without legal representation. My question is: is this legal? and also could there be a chance the charges have been dropped or the judge could dismiss the case, but my boyfriend still needs to attend? What's the liklihood? All answers gratefully received as I don't think we will sleep tonight out of worry! many thanks

[Ramsbottom]

I can;t answer all of the question, but I know that if he turns up to court without legal representation and he wants it; there will be a duty solicitor available for free legal advice and representation should he want it.

If hes told to attend its always better to do so - defend actions / mitigate and apologise for the offence, that sort of thing

[Goldilocks-34]

My boyfriend is due to appear in court for a minor assault charge this Friday. however as he is out of work he has applied for legal aid. This is taking time as they need copies of relevant paperwork e.g. Bank statements,wage slips etc he also applied to get s copy of this years tax return, but it still hasn\\\'t arrived in the post (postal strike I think). Anyway Legal Aid said because of this the case ( at magistrates court) it\\\'s likely the case will be adjourned. this evening there was a message from the solicitor saying that the court had been in touch and that my boyfriend must attend with or without legal representation. My question is: is this legal? and also could there be a chance the charges have been dropped or the judge could dismiss the case, but my boyfriend still needs to attend? What\\\'s the liklihood? All answers gratefully received as I don\\\'t think we will sleep tonight out of worry! many thanks

[fredpuli47]

He MUST attend . When he does he can explain the situation re legal aid etc. and that he awaits legal representation. There's a duty solicitor there anyway, as Ramsbottom says, who is there to help people who are not represented. He or she can help explain to the court too, if needed.

[Goldilocks-34]

thanks very much.