Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

About a month ago I was arrested at a college football game in Pasadena, Ca because I had been drinking. I was taken to the police station for about 6 hours and then released. When I was released the cops told me that no charges where being filed, and I was free to go. Now, a month later, I got a letter in the mail saying I am being charged with PC647F - public intox. and I have to appear in court. What will likely happen in my sentencing? I cant afford an attorney, and Im only 20 yrs old


Asked on 10/20/09, 9:57 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Gary Polston The Law Office of Gary M. Polston

647(f) is a Misdemeanor, and if found guilty, you can be sentenced up to six months in jail, a $1000.00 fine, or both. What your likely sentence will be will depend a lot on how well your attorney works with the Prosecutor.

If you can't afford an attorney, you should ask for a public defender. However, be careful to take this charge very seriously. If you are in school right now, you will want to keep your record as clear as possible as you may be subject to a background check by your future employer. Good luck!!!

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Answered on 10/21/09, 1:21 pm
Juan Dotson Law Office of Juan F. Dotson

Although you are facing up to 6 months in jail, you will likely receive an offer to plead guilty to the court for credit for time served, along with probation and some alcohol anonymous classes. That is assuming you have no prior criminal history. Probation can be avoided if this is your first time offense. If you want to speak to an attorney, the court will appoint the Law Office of the Public Defender to represent you. That attorney would be in a better position to tell you what will happen if you plead guilty based on the available evidence outlined in the police report (meaning the offer could be higher and include jail or Sheriff work release if its an aggravated case).

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Answered on 10/22/09, 9:16 pm


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