What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Texas
In January, my 15-yr old son intervened in a dispute between a girl (we later found out it was supposed to be his girlfriend) and a boy in which the boy was attempting to hit the girl. My son held the boy against a wall telling him "he is not supposed to hit a girl". The boy swung at my son and my son began fighting him. This occurred during class time and my son was given a ticket by the school district's police department for disorderly conduct - affraying. My son was suspended for 3 days. We thought this was fair as we believed that our son created a disturbance in the classroom. We thought this was over until we later received a letter in the mail stating that he is to appear in Harris County court in February to declare his innocence or guilt. It was suggested by school authorities that he should declare not guilty so he would not have a record, which is what we did. He now has a trial date for May 12th for a hearing by a judge. We did not think it would be a big deal since we were told the worst we be that our son would be given probation. Against my better judgment, we have not retained a lawyer. We (my husband and I) just received a subpoenas by the Asst District Attorney as a witness against our son. Can we deny to speak against our son? Should we get an attorney as this may be more serious than anticipated? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
In January, my 15-yr old son intervened in a dispute between a girl (we later found out it was supposed to be his girlfriend) and a boy in which the boy was attempting to hit the girl. My son held the boy against a wall telling him "he is not supposed to hit a girl". The boy swung at my son and my son began fighting him. This occurred during class time and my son was given a ticket by the school district's police department for disorderly conduct - affraying. My son was suspended for 3 days. We thought this was fair as we believed that our son created a disturbance in the classroom. We thought this was over until we later received a letter in the mail stating that he is to appear in Harris County court in February to declare his innocence or guilt. It was suggested by school authorities that he should declare not guilty so he would not have a record, which is what we did. He now has a trial date for May 12th for a hearing by a judge. We did not think it would be a big deal since we were told the worst we be that our son would be given probation. Against my better judgment, we have not retained a lawyer. We (my husband and I) just received a subpoenas by the Asst District Attorney as a witness against our son. Can we deny to speak against our son? Should we get an attorney as this may be more serious than anticipated? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
