Hi i am a 18 year old freshmen of UIC. I took one of my friend's id and attempt to enter the HorseShoe casino at Hammond. I was arrested and charged with Class A misdemeanor criminal tresspass. The bailing bond was 1000$.The judge say i might be locked up for one year. WHat should i do?
Thanks for looking,
Blake
2007-08-07 09:15:48 · 6 answers · asked by donthaveone@sbcglobal.net 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
be honest and don't do stupid things again
2007-08-07 09:18:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2016-06-10 12:16:58 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First - find a lawyer that practices regularly in the Court that you are before. If you have a problem finding one you can get a hold of the bar association for the County or State (Indiana)that you are in. You also may be able to find Chicago lawyers who practice there as well.
Second - hire the lawyer. Yes it will cost money. Bottom line - the lawyer will probably know the DA or the Judge and may be able to get you a better plea deal then going in and "throwing yourself on the mercy of the court." You are not fighting a speeding ticket where the alternative might just be a fine. If you are convicted on a misdemeanor it may go on a permanent record and you will need to disclose it when applying for jobs or certain licenses.
In fairness I will disclose that I am a lawyer (although I don't live or practice in the midwest) and I have met too many people who think that they can wing it without realizing the long term consequences. Even if you can't afford a lawyer you may be able to get legal aid - and that is still better than nothing.
2007-08-07 10:26:55 · answer #3 · answered by Neil T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is very unlikely that you will be incercerated at all for criminal trespass, unless the judge is having a *very* bad day. The judge was informing you of the maximum possible sentence so that you will be able to make informed decisions about your defense, it does not mean that you will be given the absolute maximum. Most cases do not bring near the maximum penalty.
In my experience, simple criminal trespass will usually bring a $50 to $100 fine, plus court costs (of course, this is not a guarantee. Every judge is different.)
Every year thousands of college kids are arrested for, among other things, using false ID's and other minor malicious mischief. If they were sent to jail or prison, there would be little room left for anybody else. Listen to Zipper, and you might get off with a small fine and some probation.
P.S. Bear in mind that regardless of what you were arrested for, at any time you might additionally be charged with using false identification to impersonate another individual (depending on the specific law in your state).
2007-08-07 10:20:21 · answer #4 · answered by Jason W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can go to prison: the judge already pointed that out to you. Call the HorseShoe Casino and ask them to drop the charges if you promise never to set foot in the Casino again. Tell them you were young foolish and stupid; and you learned your lessened. They mite cut you a brake.
If not throw your self one the mercy of the court and tell the court the same thing. You were wrong by being there and will never enter that casino again or any other until your of age to legally do so. You could get provation this way and no jail time. Lots of luck!
2007-08-07 09:28:18 · answer #5 · answered by zipper 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
zipper is right. the judge will look favorably on you if of your own volition you tried to make amends with the injured party i.e. apologize to the casino.
2007-08-07 10:23:52 · answer #6 · answered by jsyco1558 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋