Thanks Rew, so far the RI public defenders office has been really good. So next week when we talk to them again I'll bring this up. Also the fact that RI has a nasty track record of police misconduct, misuse of warrants and tampering with evidence

RI just had a murder case thrown out because the cell phone that was the main body of evidence wasn't obtained with a warrant.

More than likely, they will want you to plea out on the solicitation charges, as those charges will yield the most time. Try to have the PD get you the best plea deal he can. Going to trial could result in way more time if convicted.

I've got to try anything I can to stay out of jail. Period. With no priors, turning myself in and being the primary care taker of my wife so anything of any help is greatly appreciated.

So my plea date is the 29th yet I still don't have a pd assigned to me yet and it looks like that date might get pushed....

I guess the longer time goes on the better of a chance there will be to just get probation or something. I keep reading all sorts of crazy stories.

Once you turn in for fingerprint that its...I was shocked when I saw my husbands pictures on "SO" registry and the cops was so nice to him. Talking to him like friend and yet they knew what they were after. All his information, DNA, a way that they can watch him. What worse they will come visit an announce to make sure your living at the address you given to them. Its all about database about you were they can find you.

If you mean the PD has been helpful meaning the Police Department - heed the words of those here with experience - THEY ARE NOT BEING HELPFUL!! It is their job to gather evidence to nail you to the wall. They are not your friend and they do not care one bit if this is easy on you - they will lie big time!! Get a public defender - all you have to do is tell the police you need a lawyer and they are obligated to get one for you - memorize these words - I have nothing to say without my lawyer!! Say it over and over - this is not about being morally wrong it is about being legally wrong and exercising your legal rights -

I meant public defender NOT police department, lol.

So I received my letter yesterday from the public defenders office about a court date. Being the weekend I can't call for answers. But there are some questions that maybe people on here have insight to.
It says the state can seek a continuance but can the public defenders office do it as well?
It says that I may be charged at that time where upon the judge, prosecutor and public defender will negotiate. So is this the plea, discovery phase and plea deal all rolled into one date??
Makes it sound as if it takes place behind closed doors and not in an open courtroom?

I am not sure where you are in this criminal investigation, but here is how it is usually done:

After the arrest, they have 48 hours to have an initial court hearing called an arraignment. At that time, you will be formally charged, appointed an attorney if you cannot afford a private attorney, and bail will be set.

No, your attorney will most likely not negotiate a plea at this time. Almost everyone pleads not guilty at the arraignment. Your attorney will not plea at this time because he will want to see the evidence against you.

The discovery phase is a pre-trial phase in which the two sides trade evidence with each other. Interviews, depositions, etc., are swapped by each party, both the prosecution and the defense.

The discovery phase will enable your attorney to see how much the state has and the evidence against you. The discovery phase along with the preliminary hearing gives the defense attorney a good idea of what the state will use against the defendant.

Yes, the defense can also ask for a continuance.

I don't know when your attorney will try to work out a plea, but that is usually some time well after the arraignment. It can be done anytime, of course.

rewdiazepam

Turned myself in and had the "no plea" entered by the pd and now the letter which makes it sound as if they roll it all into one.

That letter which I'm sure is standard really hit hard. Fear, guilt, shame, for three months now the constant "Why?" and "Shoulda" haunt me, I have messed up dreams. My therypist has been trying to get me to compartmentalize everything but thats easier said then done. Knowing my wife cannot survive if I get put away for any length of time has destroyed me.

I am now reading Tuesdays With Morry. A fantastic book but a rollercoaster of emotions.

What state are you from again? And how many counts were you charged with?

I'm from CT but it happened in RI. Four counts, two third degree and two soliciting a child which would make sense but according to the public defender the soliciting a child is supposed to be for under 13yo which wouldn't go with the two third degree felonies. No priors, no probation, no drug or alcohol problems, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid mistake and I immedietly sought counceling help afterwards. My counceler has been incredible.

I know I just posted this elsewhere but for anyone following along here...
Turned myself in-no plea entered just bail. 
Court date set for May 29th and is called the Pre-Arraignment Conference in which four things can happen 
1 Continuances can be filed 
2 The state will determine if there is sufficient evidence for felony charges, if not it will be entered as "No Information" BUT the charges could be brought back at any time. 
3 I will be charged at which point any evidence will be handed over to the public defender and negotiations will start between me, pd, prosecutor and judge. 
4 No offer may be given and my case will go straight to superior court.

In my personal case I was never "processed" as it were till after my case with the courts was completed and I had a decision with a judge. In my own court dealings I was never put into jail nor was arrested. What I did at my first arraignment, was to just enter the plea into the court. I was released on personal recognizance that day Just promising to show up at my next hearing a month later. There was no bail or bond. I also had a lawyer that I hired show up with me. My next court date was my lawyer meeting with the DA prosecutor in superior court and they talked about the discovery and evidence. I was at the court house but not in front of the judge. I was offered a plea deal. On my last court date, I saw the judge and entered a second plea. I was given a decision.

I would ask your defender or lawyer why you were processed so early on. My guess is that they just want to know who you are and to get you into the system. I did that with probation as I had a fully suspended sentence. I do think my experience in the legal process was a unique one. In my legal case I had received from the judge a lesser sentence that the plea deal offed by the DA prosecutor. I am not sure if all the sates do that or not.

I am glad that you do have some kind of support network. I find it very much needed and helpful to have support form family and loved ones even if they live far away.

I suspect NH that each state is different in how cases are processed. How mine is laid out is what is on the letter I received and my experience thus far.