Do I need a lawyer if I have been charged with a misdemeanor?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Do I need a lawyer if I have been charged with a misdemeanor?
I received a summons for “abusive language to another”, a Class 3 misdemeanor, after an incident with a neighbor. She came to my home and threatened me several times. I called the police and filed a report, to be sure it was on record in case something else happened. Now I must appear in court because as she was threatening me I cursed at her. I have 6 witnesses to the incident. I am the mother of 3 and my husband in currently deployed with the military, I can’t risk going to jail over this. Should I speak with a criminal law attorney? I’m in Virginia Beach, VA.
Asked on November 2, 2011 under Criminal Law, Virginia
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
My suggestion to all that have been charged with a criminal offense is that he or she should consult with a criminal defense attorney about the charges. A criminal defense attorney has the experience and training to deal with a given situation where the lay person typically does not.
In your situation, one possible defense to the abusive language charge is your Constitutional Right of Freedom of Speech. Given the charge against you is a misdemeanor, you should speak with a criminal defense attorney about the upcoming court hearing.
Good luck.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.