I was arrested for Disorderly Conduct: Fighting In Public in Tempe, AZ recently. I was leaving a bar and was confronted by a man who was extremely intoxicated and belligerant. The man made several antagonistic remarks and yelled that he was "going to kick my @ss". I explained to him that in Tempe there are about a million cops hanging around all the time and I had no interest in fighting with him. He did not accept my reasoning and tried to throw a punch at me, so I tackled him to the ground. Naturally, an officer arrived soon after to pull me off and put me in shackles. I spent the night in jail, and the next day was given the option to plead guilty with no additional sentencing. This doesn't sound too bad, but considering I was acting in self-defense I am wondering if I can get this off my record without a lawyer if possible.
2006-08-25 15:55:01 · 9 answers · asked by asumagnum 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
yes little one. and the world is round and it turns. and they said pluto is not a planet. go fly around now.
2006-08-25 15:59:42 · answer #1 · answered by Janina 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you need to report to court (for an arraignment date), ask to speak to the prosecutor. They may offer to reduce it to a petty misdemeanor usually not considered a criminal offense or perhaps a stay of adjudication where it will only be entered as a conviction if you have a similar charge within the time period specified in the stay. ***NOT LEGAL ADVICE*** Just some tips. Good luck. Also, if you only used the minimal force necessary to hold him off, you could plead not guilty and go to trial. Probably would want witnesses (preferably sober!)
2006-08-25 16:05:00 · answer #2 · answered by monsoon05 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally, before you commence to whooping up on someone, you have a duty to withdraw. If withdrawal is not prudent or available, you can go ahead and defend yourself. So for a self-defense defense to work, you have to prove that you were in danger and that you had no choice but to open a can of whoopass. Since the other guy threw the first punch, you are in pretty good shape, but it wouldn't hurt to have a couple of other witnesses to back up your side of the story.
A lawyer would be a good investment - seriously.
2006-08-25 19:39:54 · answer #3 · answered by shomechely 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You plead guilty. This means it is on your record. Lucky for you it is not a felony. I would not be too worried about the charge. Your only recourse is if you were made to sign the guilty plea. You should always consult a lawyer before you sign a plea.
2006-08-25 17:35:18 · answer #4 · answered by Sloan G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you pled guilty it will be very hard to get this off your record even with a lawyer.
Good Luck
2006-08-25 16:12:43 · answer #5 · answered by Maravista 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't plead guilty to anything I didn't do. Fight the charges.
However, in retrospect wouldn't it have been better to walk away? If he was as drunk as you say, he was in no condition to pursue you.
2006-08-25 16:03:42 · answer #6 · answered by banjuja58 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good luck plead not guilty represent urself
2006-08-25 17:54:16 · answer #7 · answered by Shaun M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lawyer up and hope to God there were witnesses
2006-08-29 13:03:56 · answer #8 · answered by rdwoelfe 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just pay the 50 dollar fine...they're not going to believe you...you should have just walked away..the justice system sucks...but it's the only one we have...
2006-08-25 16:04:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋