Legal Question in DUI Law in California

i have recieved a misdermeaner for possession or marijuana 2 times alcohol once and battery for shooting people with an airsoft gun also a felony for possesion of stolen items and a dui where my bac was 0 but they found paexl in my blood i have recently returned from a wilderness program and i go to aa meetings every morning i recieved the battery and dui charge a month after my return but since then i have remained sober and continue going to aa meetings i have an interventionist as well and i wrote an apology letter to the police station, my choices are go to a boarding school so when i recieve the letter i will be there or wait for court hoping i dont get any jail time im 16 years old what should i do?


Asked on 2/17/11, 11:27 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Do? Immediately hire a criminal defense attorney who will know how to handle this.

When charged with a misdemeanor, you potentially face up to 6-12 months in jail and fines, etc.. On each count. With priors and strikes, penalties are enhanced.

When arrested and charged with any crime, the proper questions are, can you be convicted, and what can you do? Defend the charges. Go to court, enter a not guilty plea, set up and attend the court hearing[s] and trial date[s]. Effective plea-bargaining, using whatever legal defenses, facts and sympathies you may have, could possibly keep you out of jail, or at least dramatically reduce it. There is no magic wand to wave and make it all disappear. Not exactly a do it yourself project in court for someone who does not know how to effectively represent himself against a professional prosecutor intending to convict you. If you don't know how to do these things, then hire an attorney that does, who will try to get a dismissal, diversion, reduction or other decent outcome through plea bargain for you, or take it to trial. If serious about doing so, and if this is in SoCal courts, feel free to contact me. I�ll be happy to help you use whatever defenses you may have. If you can't afford private counsel, you can apply for the Public Defender.

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Answered on 2/18/11, 12:14 pm


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