Los Angeles County California
Like so many others here. I too find myself in trouble with the law.
However I do wish to face my troubles and hope I can start a normal life.
Situation: I load a friend my video camcorder who then used it for immoral purposes. Used to secretly video tape his g/f who was under 18 at the time. Naturally she found out and was furious and called a lawyer. She filed for criminal charges against him and civil charges too. Naturally what are friends for he got me involved into his b.s.
Data: For possession of the camcorder which contained these images.
I am being charged with 4 counts 311.11a, 311.1a, 311.2a, 311.3a
I was arressted but released on my own reconessaince and given a ticket
which had a court date. In other words I did not have to make bail.
I consulted many lawyers and they all agree they are all misdameanors.
I guess this is a good thing (I hope). I showed up for my court date and
found out that nobody was there, no judge, no nothing that it was
re-scheduled for another date. Nice enough for them letting me know. No mail no phone call. My address been the same for 5 years. Anyhow I decided to hire a affordable lawyer to represent me at the next hearing. He went without me and contacted me. He told me the judge wanted me in prison and some reporter showed up and he demanded 70,000 dollars up front as retainer so he can help me. Of course double that if it went to trial. Needless to say I felt like this lawyer was one telling me the truth or lying to me to swindle me out of more money. I did what most would do and I ran. I did this because at the time my biological father was dying of liver cancer and my mother was diagnosed with terminal diabetes. He died a month later and she had all her toes amputated. I am their only son and I wanted to be around for them. FIVE years and 1 month later my mother has stabilized. I now want to want to confront this issue. I am sure a warrant was issued for me.
This is a first offense for me.
I have been completely clean for the last 5 years.
I do have proof of my parents death and illness.
I will be walking into my nearest police station to face the music in a week.
I decided to go with a public defender when I get arraigned.
I also decided to plea no contest.
My questions are the following:
since this is my first offense what kind of punishment am I looking at? (realistically)
a friend informed me that 3 misdemeanors can be turned into 1 felony! true or false?
is it unadvisable to go with a public defender?
any advise anyone can provide is helpful
Like so many others here. I too find myself in trouble with the law.
However I do wish to face my troubles and hope I can start a normal life.
Situation: I load a friend my video camcorder who then used it for immoral purposes. Used to secretly video tape his g/f who was under 18 at the time. Naturally she found out and was furious and called a lawyer. She filed for criminal charges against him and civil charges too. Naturally what are friends for he got me involved into his b.s.
Data: For possession of the camcorder which contained these images.
I am being charged with 4 counts 311.11a, 311.1a, 311.2a, 311.3a
I was arressted but released on my own reconessaince and given a ticket
which had a court date. In other words I did not have to make bail.
I consulted many lawyers and they all agree they are all misdameanors.
I guess this is a good thing (I hope). I showed up for my court date and
found out that nobody was there, no judge, no nothing that it was
re-scheduled for another date. Nice enough for them letting me know. No mail no phone call. My address been the same for 5 years. Anyhow I decided to hire a affordable lawyer to represent me at the next hearing. He went without me and contacted me. He told me the judge wanted me in prison and some reporter showed up and he demanded 70,000 dollars up front as retainer so he can help me. Of course double that if it went to trial. Needless to say I felt like this lawyer was one telling me the truth or lying to me to swindle me out of more money. I did what most would do and I ran. I did this because at the time my biological father was dying of liver cancer and my mother was diagnosed with terminal diabetes. He died a month later and she had all her toes amputated. I am their only son and I wanted to be around for them. FIVE years and 1 month later my mother has stabilized. I now want to want to confront this issue. I am sure a warrant was issued for me.
This is a first offense for me.
I have been completely clean for the last 5 years.
I do have proof of my parents death and illness.
I will be walking into my nearest police station to face the music in a week.
I decided to go with a public defender when I get arraigned.
I also decided to plea no contest.
My questions are the following:
since this is my first offense what kind of punishment am I looking at? (realistically)
a friend informed me that 3 misdemeanors can be turned into 1 felony! true or false?
is it unadvisable to go with a public defender?
any advise anyone can provide is helpful