Pitbullmama
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Michigan
A few months ago my husband was arrested due to a neighbor suspected that our dog killed their cat. This has actually happened to us twice and charges were dropped previously however, we are going to trial soon. Anyway, the majority of our neighbors dislike us because we own 3 pure bred American Pit Bull Terriers. I have a 6ft privacy fence enclosing my entire yard. The neighbor who is taking us to trial has stated in the police report that they saw a dog killing their cat(this is a lady who allows her 10 cats to roam the neighborhood freely). There are a good amount of loose dogs in our neighborhood regularly. I've also noticed this lady posting numerous FB messages stating that cats continue to die in the neighborhood so they are being killed by animals or she mentioned they are getting poisoned. My major concern is I'm wondering how we can be in this situation without any proof?? The bottom line is that there is no proof of anything. We are innocent. We were planning on taking this all the way through trial to prove a point so everyone would stop accusing our dogs just because they are pit bulls. I'm wondering if I should take this to trial??? I was told at the status conference that if we go to trial and lose then we would be responsible for all jury expenses as well as the neighbor could then take us to civil court...is this accurate? I was told if I pled guilty now there would be no fines, no jail time etc, but I would still be out the $400 in bail. I would like to see this through to the end but if the small chance occurs I am found guilty then I could be out thousandths not to mention all the hassle and time. Should I plead no contest and be done or take it to trial?
A few months ago my husband was arrested due to a neighbor suspected that our dog killed their cat. This has actually happened to us twice and charges were dropped previously however, we are going to trial soon. Anyway, the majority of our neighbors dislike us because we own 3 pure bred American Pit Bull Terriers. I have a 6ft privacy fence enclosing my entire yard. The neighbor who is taking us to trial has stated in the police report that they saw a dog killing their cat(this is a lady who allows her 10 cats to roam the neighborhood freely). There are a good amount of loose dogs in our neighborhood regularly. I've also noticed this lady posting numerous FB messages stating that cats continue to die in the neighborhood so they are being killed by animals or she mentioned they are getting poisoned. My major concern is I'm wondering how we can be in this situation without any proof?? The bottom line is that there is no proof of anything. We are innocent. We were planning on taking this all the way through trial to prove a point so everyone would stop accusing our dogs just because they are pit bulls. I'm wondering if I should take this to trial??? I was told at the status conference that if we go to trial and lose then we would be responsible for all jury expenses as well as the neighbor could then take us to civil court...is this accurate? I was told if I pled guilty now there would be no fines, no jail time etc, but I would still be out the $400 in bail. I would like to see this through to the end but if the small chance occurs I am found guilty then I could be out thousandths not to mention all the hassle and time. Should I plead no contest and be done or take it to trial?