My first court hearing is coming up, but I’m stuck in another state for work and can’t make it. Is it absolutely necessary to be there for the first hearing? I need to figure out the next hearing date from the court. What should I do?

While it is generally advisable to be present for the first hearing, it’s not absolutely mandatory in all cases. You can explore options like seeking an adjournment via your lawyer or sending a representative with a power of attorney. To find out the next hearing date, contact the court and inquire about the procedures for obtaining that information.