My 18 year old son and 3 other friends broke 4 windshields in October. He has just been charged with MDOP from 1000 to 20000 dollars. He has...

Question

My 18 year old son and 3 other friends broke 4 windshields in October. He has just been charged with MDOP from 1000 to 20000 dollars. He has no prior criminal history and he was 17 when he committed the crime. How do I get him a court appointed attorney and what could his possible punishment be? Thank you

Answer

At his first court hearing (the arraignment), he can ask the district court judge or magistrate for a court-appointed attorney. He'll be asked questions to see if he fits the court's qualifications for 'indigent' status. His current charge is a felony, but there are several outcome options, including reducing the charge to a misdemeanor (especially if he pays restitution up-front); petitioning for HYTA probation; etc. HYTA is a special youthful offender probation where the court can dismiss the charges if he successfully completes probation. He would be put on probation with the usual terms, and can be ordered to serve some jail time, do community service, etc. But he would have control over whether his case is dismissed by complying with all terms. The prosecutor and judge may be more impressed and willing to be lenient if he takes care of the victim's restitution immediately.

Answer

I'm sorry to hear that you'd consider letting your son settle for a court appointed attorney. Consider hiring an attorney to represent him.

There are many possibilities for outcomes in his case. The best outcome is to have the case dismissed or be found not guilty. We always work toward that goal.

Read more at: www.AggressiveCriminalDefense.com