Legal Question in Criminal Law in Kentucky

Complaint and it effects

I am on Parole and have received a complaint on verbal harrassment (525). The judge laughed at the complaint at the arraignment and had to inquire with the prosecuter why she was even seeing this case but went ahead and proceeded to schedule a bench hearing anyway.

A plea of not guilty was entered in for me. I have 2 witnesses as to my where abouts. Do I need to pay for legal representation or can I represent myself. Finances is a problem and I do not qualify for a public representative.

What can I do?


Asked on 8/15/02, 4:10 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Philip Owens Philip M. Owens, Attorney at Law

Re: Complaint and it effects

I think the question is "How much do you want to remain out of jail?". This happens a lot but the Court has to process the matter. The Judge could die tomorrow and someone else not as favorable come to the bench. A lot can happen. You need to preserve witnesses, etc. Talk to local counsel. You may be surprised at how much help you can afford. Do not just assume that you cannot afford counsel.

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Answered on 8/15/02, 4:26 pm
Jerome Baker Jr Jerome (Jerry) Baker Jr

Re: Complaint and it effects

OK....here goes. First of all; if your on parole your in jeapordy of violation if convicted. That means a crime which ordinarily is fine only such as harrassment actually could result in incarceration. That means you are entitled to the Public Defender if you are eligible as indigent. Because a liberty interest is at stake even though the Harrassment charge doesn't ordinarily result in incarceration. So call the Public Defender in your county. Second, what bench hearing? Your entitled to a jury trial not a bench trial. Third, it's a condition of parole that you have a job. Get a job. Get a lawyer. Get a life. Have a nice day. Jeeeeezzzzz....Jer Oh yeah....I almost forgot. You can represent yourself if you want to. Thats a constitutional right. But you will have a fool for a client counselor. Later.

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Answered on 8/15/02, 4:41 pm


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