If you have been following my articles, you know by now that I write exclusively about articles concerning altercations with police officers, stops by the police, or anything concerning law enforcement. What I would like to speak about now are charges levied against you by a law enforcement officer.
First, keep in mind that an officers' charge against you is simple based on his perceptions of the events that has taken place. He based these facts on either what he has observed, or what he was told. His charge is NOT a fact. It's simply his or her perception of the events. So therefore, if you alleged that you are innocent, that could very well be true . But don't try to defend yourself at that time? That's a decision made by a judge at a later date, called your court date. Therefore, do not attempt to argue your case with the officer. You will lose. Wait for your court date.
Now, lets start with a summons. A summons is simply a document you sign promising to appear before a judge on a given date. Take my word, whatever you've done is not very serious. It's usually administered when it's involving domestic arguments, neighbors arguing, etc. Whatever the outcome in court, you have a 99.9% chance of going home that evening. Matter of fact, when I was a police officer, I cannot remember one time a defendant was placed in jail on a summons.
Now on a misdemeanor, you could be placed under arrest. It's a charge a little more serious than a summons, with possible jail time or community service for one year or less. In some cases, you will have been arrested, stayed in jail one to five days (depending on if you made bond ), appeared before a judge, and if found guilty, released on the time you've serve ( one to five days is common ). If found innocent, you will still go home, but you stilled lost a couple of days of your life. Maybe your accuser is placed in jail, or at the very least, they will be fined.
Now on felonies, that's a different ballgame. It's a crime that you could receive up to one year and one day or more. In other words, at least one day over a year. It's very serious. You could still be freed, but it depends on a number on things. It depends on your prior arrests, times between arrests, number of times arrested, the severity of the existing felony charge, and many other variables. You could still beat the charge, but most of these kind of charges requires an attorney. Don't ever decide to defend yourself on a felony charge. It's too complex, so don't gamble with your life.
Lastly I must say this, you could meet up with a rogue officer and be charged with something you didn't do. Read my book called COP OUT. It could help you! Drive safe, obey all laws, and arrive home to your family.
