Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

To whom this may concern:

I was arrested last weekend for provideing alcohol to minor. I wish to contest this charge, because I believe that I am a vicum of circumstance. The charges aganist me are furnishing and purchacing for a minor. I was bailed out on a 2500 dollar bond and am currently awaiting my court date. How should I plea? Should I plea no conteste or guilty? My aim is to stay out of jail and minimal cost in court fee. The evidence that I have to defend my self innocent is circumstantual and would not stand up in court. Thank you for your leagal adivise

sincerely,

LAWGURU BELIEVER


Asked on 5/05/10, 9:40 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Keith Engelke Law Office of S. Keith Engelke

If an attorney was not appointed to represent you when you were in jail and you don't have one at your initial court appearance, one will be appointed to represent you there, unless you want time to hire one in which case the court will reset your case so you can hire an attorney.

To stay out of jail, make sure you appear in court on time on each of your court dates.

Your attorney should review the states evidence. Perhaps their case is weak as well.

In all criminal cases you will have the option of negotiating a plea bargain or taking the case to trial. Trial is the only option the offers the chance of an acquittal. Unfortunately trial also offers the chance of a conviction. Generally a plea bargain will offer a conviction and some known punishment jail time or probation. There are two kinds of probation deferred adjudication, which does not involve a conviction and regular probation which does.

Ask your attorney about the details of each.

Another, remote possibility is that your attorney could get the case dismissed. Discuss this with your lawyer as well. There may be problems with the state's case.

Good luck!

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Answered on 5/11/10, 5:28 am


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