Lawyers- help!!

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

A lot of good defense lawyers don't really want to know the whole story - they are experienced enough to know exactly what questions to ask to put together the least incriminating case possible. And we're talking ID Fraud here (misdemeanor in most states, probably punishable by $150 fine & MAYBE probation), not murder...but I would still recommend getting a lawyer.

If you're talking murder or the like, you are right that some defense lawyers don't want to to know the whole story.

But here, I think any lawyer wants the whole story straight, especially if there is any chance that the police have gotten variations on what happened. I would.

[Coramoor]

EDIT: I should have read the rest of the thread...looks like the cop got pissed off.


From someone who went to WVU...

The police here generally don't give a shit. Unless you managed to piss them off by lying or acting like an ass you'll get a fine and maybe some community service.

However, using a fake is a felony. So if they decide to stick you...well, there isn't much a lawyer or anyone else can do for you.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by Coramoor

However, using a fake is a felony.

I know this can vary from state to state, but I don't believe ID Fraud (especially with a State Issued document, like a driver's licence...now if it was a passport or other federal ID, that could be a totally different story...) is a felony anywhere.... I think you're looking at a misdemeanor, and not a serious one at that.

[madmax]

I say deny everything and report your credit card stolen.








ps. I am not a lawyer so you probably shouldn't listen to me.

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

A lot of good defense lawyers don't really want to know the whole story - they are experienced enough to know exactly what questions to ask to put together the least incriminating case possible. And we're talking ID Fraud here (misdemeanor in most states, probably punishable by $150 fine & MAYBE probation), not murder...but I would still recommend getting a lawyer.

Haha, this isn't Law and Order. Most defense lawyers will want the whole story, and those that don't will ask the questions they need to prepare themselves.

Talk to a lawyer (not some yahoo who advertises for personal injury on TV), and follow their advice.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by KSigkid

Most defense lawyers will want the whole story, and those that don't will ask the questions they need to prepare themselves.

This is what I was referring to...they know what questions the judge will ask, and get the answer to those and leave out the rest of the story. Although since she's already spilled the whole thing to the cop, I think he's going to need the whole story.

[kddani]

Originally Posted by KSigkid

Haha, this isn't Law and Order. Most defense lawyers will want the whole story, and those that don't will ask the questions they need to prepare themselves.

Talk to a lawyer (not some yahoo who advertises for personal injury on TV), and follow their advice.

Agreed. Something this simple, and where there was confusion and different things said, you need to be as clear as possible in what happened. Save the drama for TV. If you have a lawyer, they need to know everything they can to give you the best advice.

Clients shoot themselves in the foot all the time by not being entirely truthful with their attorneys or leaving out parts of stories that they were a) embarassed by or b) didn't think were important.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by kddani

If you have a lawyer, they need to know everything they can to give you the best advice.

Clients shoot themselves in the foot all the time by not being entirely truthful with their attorneys or leaving out parts of stories that they were a) embarassed by or b) didn't think were important.

Agreed. Exactly what I was getting at.

[WVU alpha phi]

Here's the update- I hope it's my final one!!

I went to the polce station today with my lawyer. Right away, I was nervous because the cop was like, "I told you you didn't need an attorney if you cooperated. If you aren't willing to cooperate, I'll just arrest you right now." and my lawyer said, "She's going to tell you the truth." I couldn't believe the cop jumped the gun like that!

Like story short, I came out with citations for a fake ID, underage, and open container. He dropped the felony charge of forgery and obstructing an officer (because Iwas deceptive, he said). I'm planning on paying the fines Monday, and they should be around $400 total, both my lawyer and the officer told me. Plus I get to tack on a nice $250 lawyer fee, that's his hourly rate, so I pretty much owe my parents $700.

I'm glad this is all behind me, and luckily, I turn 21 two weeks from today. The only problem is that the girl who gave me the ID, my sorority sister, will now be given a citation for giving her ID out. I'm thinking it will probably be around $150. I know she's going to be mad at me, I would too.. does anyone think I should pay her fine if she asks? My parents said no, she still broke the law by giving out her ID, and I shouldn't pay. Opinions? I know I need to apologize PROFUSELY to her, and the officer told me he wants the ID back by Monday so it's not "floating around the sorority house" as he put it.

Thanks everyone for all your advice! I'm glad I decided to get a lawyer and this all worked out for me. Expensive lesson to learn.

[tunatartare]

Personally, I would at least offer to pay her citation for her.

[33girl]

I would offer too. At least to go halfsies on it.

[_Opi_]

Originally Posted by WVU alpha phi

I'm glad this is all behind me, and luckily, I turn 21 two weeks from today. The only problem is that the girl who gave me the ID, my sorority sister, will now be given a citation for giving her ID out. I'm thinking it will probably be around $150. I know she's going to be mad at me, I would too.. does anyone think I should pay her fine if she asks? My parents said no, she still broke the law by giving out her ID, and I shouldn't pay. Opinions? I know I need to apologize PROFUSELY to her, and the officer told me he wants the ID back by Monday so it's not "floating around the sorority house" as he put it.

I'm glad it worked out!!

BTW, you should apologize but she really shouldnt get too pissed off because she willingly gave you her ID. She should've been aware of the risks she was taking to give you the ID in the first place. All that matters is the situation is finally contained and a citation is not the end of the world (it could've been worse).

[kddani]

Originally Posted by _Opi_

BTW, you should apologize but she really shouldnt get too pissed off because she willingly gave you her ID. She should've been aware of the risks she was taking to give you the ID in the first place. All that matters is the situation is finally contained and a citation is not the end of the world (it could've been worse).

I absolutely agree with this... if she wants to be stupid enough to lend out her ID to someone underage, she runs that risk and should have to live with the consequences.

[uksparkle]

I agree that it she should assume the risk for giving out her ID, but I think if you want to make sure there are no harsh feelings you should pay the citation for her.

[Coramoor]

Don't listen to the old people here.

I would pay the fine for your friend without even thinking about it. Sure, she gave you the ID, but you are the one that was drunk and showed it to the cop and involved her in this mess.

That's breaking rule 2 of morgantown. The first being if a doorman doesn't give an ID back...grab and run.

I don't know the other girl or what she is like, but I'd guess if you just tell her no you are not paying the fine it's going to create bad blood.