Please help

[Hoosiermom]

My son is currently searving time in Indiana.He requested a modification and the judge has granted him a modification hearing date.Thank god because we have waited 6 months to get a hearing.
Now here is the part we need help with.......My son filed for this hearing on his own (we can not afford an attorney and his court appointed attorney acted as if he didn't want to be bothered with it).My question is,now what? What should my son be prepared for when he goes befor the judge?What kind of questions will be asked?Please help.We really don't know what to expect or how to prepare.This is all new to us.
He was 18 when he got into trouble (burglary) he was the "lookout" and NEVER entered the house.The other two involved testified to that.They were juveniles and only spent 2 weeks in juvenile detention.My son got 8 years because he was the adult.Don't get me wrong I fully believe that my son was wrong but I do not believe that the punishment fits the crime.He also has to pay all the restitution in this case.He was told by his attorney that he would have to take the other boys involved to small claims court in order for them to be held responsible for any part of the almost $9000 in restitution that is owed.
Please any help would be greatly appreciated.

[mamalion]

Oh my goodness...He is gonna need a lawyer to represent him..Maybe if you could call legal aid services or maybe see if a lawyer will do it pro bono...Some lawyers will work with you if you pay them so much down and make payments..He for sure is gonna need a lawyer...Maybe when he gets a court date and he goes to court he can exsplain to the judge he has no lawyer he might appoint him one..But i recommend getting him a paid attorney ..Hope this helps

[robsladykat]

I hope he gets his modification approved. I just filed one today with the court on my husbands behalf. I hope it does'nt take 6 months but for you the fact that they are even willing to bring him back to court is a great sign. May I ask how long he has been in b4 he sent in the mod? also what did he ask the court to modify his time to? I am curious because I wanted to wait a little longer and fear that if I had we may have had a better chance. I asked for 6 months off my husbands sentence because that will bring him closer to a community release date. As for an attorney they may appoint him one at the court. have you asked at the courthouse if you will need one? They should be able to tell you or perhaps a free consult with an attorney in your area.

[Hoosiermom]

So far he has searved a total of 18 months. I had not thought about calling the court to ask about an attorney.I will call them Monday morning.Thanks for he idea.

[gingerann]

How did your son file a modification?What was the process?My brother is also serving time in a Indiana prison.

[BrownSuga77]

Hi everybody! I'm new to all this so I don't know all the prison terms and words yet. What is a modification? How do u get one or do one. Thanks for ur time and help.