Post: #1

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Post: #2

You can't elaborate on the nature of the charges?

Post: #3

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Post: #4

I'm not a criminal I don't know criminals
I'm like a like a scared kid right now

Post: #5

I don't know much about criminal law, but I would really try to form a bond with your public defender if thats what you can afford.

Don't want to kick you while you're down, but did alcohol have anything to do with this? It's just so frequent ( i've worked in prisons in health care) that I kind of assume it does, and if so it's more complex than a legal problem.

Also it sounds like you might be in denial about how serious what you did was. It sounds like you scared the living shit out of someone. I've met many lifers who had an attitude that it was a momentary thing, that it wasn't really "them".

Do you have any previous arrests for anything involving violence?

The courts do not look kindly on convicts who do not look closely at themselves in a very, very serious way. To be blunt, it sounds like you are in denial about how others perceive you. They think you are a violent, scary motherfucker. You think you're a nice guy who just got a little angry.

And even if you DO look at yourself in a very serious way, no one will tend to believe it until after a long (5 years plus) period of good behavior.

It's good you're scared. In my research in prisons, the "model prisoners" who showed high anxiety in testing and followed the rules "inside" had better outcomes than those who didn't give a fuck.

Post: #6

no alcohol at all

Post: #7

So you roughed someone up or what?

I'm not a lawyer nor have I ever really dealt with the legal system so take this with a grain of salt, but my guess is you'll probably at the very least be able to plea bargain down to having the two felonies dropped.

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Post: #9

I guess the biggest thing is to try to not get any felony convictions. Do you have any other arrests for violent offenses?

Before I would interview a patient in prison, first thing I would do is look at their record. Sometimes no priors, sometimes 25 pages and 70+ arrests.

Post: #10

That blows man.

I would normally say wait for el mechanico to respond, but my advice is to try to find the money for a lawyer or you are potentially facing some real shit and it will follow you for years. Without knowing the facts and circumstances I can only speculate, but if you get a good lawyer and luck out with the judge you can often get some of those charges dropped or dismissed. Why not get a free consultation at least?

I'm assuming it's a domestic issue. To what extent have you tried to work things out with the other party?

Otherwise public defender is the way to go.

Post: #11

Get a very good lawyer if you can afford it. It would be very hard to drop all four charges, but I take it that's what you're going for, since what you're scared about is anything being on your record.

Post: #12

Your only choice is to get a lawyer. There's no way around it. If you are financially disadvantaged, talk to the public defender or some other association that represents those without financial means.

If you make too much money, than suck it up and find a lawyer that will let you go on a payment plan. Many lawyers will do this. Don't try and get "free" advice on the internet and represent yourself. Judges hate that. The law is big business and if the judge thinks you're trying to skate by without paying into the legal system the judge will be pissed. You don't want that.

I know what it's like to be charged with something that's either grossly exaggerated or simply not true. You might feel like it's unjust you got charged and now have to pay out your ass to defend yourself. While that maybe true, if we look close enough we often see the hand we played that put us in the circumstances we find ourselves in now.

It's a learning experience, pay the price for it and move onward to the future a wiser man.

Post: #13

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Post: #15

So the cops are trying to pursue charges, not the other party?

If she's willing to provide witness on your behalf then that's a big plus.

Post: #16

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Post: #18

RuralGamer:

Get off the computer immediately. Keep your mouth shut. Contact the best attorney you can find, and follow his guidance absolutely.

Stop talking to other people, and looking for a security blanket.

You are harming yourself by asking other people for advice and guidance. Get off the computer, stop talking, and do what I just told you to do.

For your own good, this thread should be closed, in my opinion.

.

Post: #19

(05-23-2015 11:19 AM)RURALGAMER Wrote:  domestic issue yes. she doesn't want all of this either.

I know I know.

If she's not going to co-operate with the prosecution I imagine the prosecution will offer you a deal or have to drop the charges all together.

You will still need a lawyer to get the deal you're entitled too or charges dropped.

Post your bond, and find a good lawyer who will take payments. Defense attorneys are often very understanding. I regard them much higher as people over prosecutors.

If you have to go to court without a lawyer, ask for a postponement so you can find a lawyer. Let him know your financial situation.

My sense is it will all be ok if you get a lawyer to handle it. Especially if she regrets all of this happening to you.

EDIT: Quintus makes a very good point. Don't talk about the details with anyone, not here on the forum or with your friends. Just confide in your lawyer.

Post: #20

Getting DV charges dropped now are about as hard as getting out of a DUI. The court systems are tired of repeat cases. And it really comes down to liability. Now they have to charge. WAY too many repeats in both crimes that have left too many dead, including cops.

Both are horrible situations to be in, and can affect future employment forever. It's best just to avoid at all costs.

FTR- I used to work in the 'system' and law enforcement.

Post: #21

Good call.