ok, they arrested my father after my 911 call on sept 22nd . Today it's october 10th .
[ what happened ? My father came after me with a knife , tried to threaten me like the way he has been since my memory serves . I didn't go along with his abusive , violent nature . So now i am isolated from the family ]
My father and mother went to see a lawyer already . I am worried if i am late to call up a lawyer and do the "legal stuff " so called ?
I was laid back for a week . I am starting my new job tomorrow . What should i do ? By the way are lawyers free .who I can call ? Will the police department have information on lawyers and stuff ?
2007-10-10 11:42:12 · 2 answers · asked by sum142121 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
You may want to consult a lawyer, but more to learn about other options than calling the police. A criminal complaint is a very blunt instrument to use in family abuse cases. The state, in the person of an assistant district attorney, pursues the perpetrator, and you are a "complaining witness." You are about to find out that you have no say in what happens in the criminal case until the "victim impact statement" time arrives, just before sentencing. And by then the judge has usually decided on the disposition (sentence).
Lawyers are not free, unless you are in juvenile court. Since you don't state your age, you may not be legally able to hire your own lawyer even if you had the money. Try to find out who the prosecuting attorney is and talk to him or her.
2007-10-10 11:58:17 · answer #1 · answered by thylawyer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your father likely has a defense attorney. Depending on your state, if you are a minor, you should have an advocate provided by the court. Lawyers are not free, but you shouldn't need one if your father is charged with a crime. Check with the d.a. to see what is happening. They are prosecuting and will need you as a witness.
2007-10-10 11:47:26 · answer #2 · answered by Flatpaw 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋