Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Hi, my husband and i had a fight and he accused me of stabbing him. he filed a report and had me arrested. i can't afford a lawyer so judge gave me a public defender. they told me i could go to prison or be deported. is there anything i can do to clear my name?

Long story - my husband and i had an argument and he threatened to come home and "beat me" via text message. he came home and pushed me and slapped me. he was about to punch me in the face when i pushed him and ran for the kitchen. i grabbed a knife to protect myself but he grabbed the knife and i pulled the knife back which cut his hand. he ran off to his parents and the neighbors heard us arguing and called the police. he came back and told the cops that i tried to kill him. my mistake was i didn't tell the cops that he beat me because i didn't want him to get in trouble. Now my public defender has told me i could go to prison or be deported. What do i do now?


Asked on 10/30/12, 2:35 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Zadik Shapiro Law Offices of C. Zadik Shapiro

First, if you have not already, you must tell the public defender everything. You may have a valid claim of self defense.

Second the question to the public defender is not what can happen, but what is likely to happen.

Third, if you are not a citizen (and please don't discuss it on-line) you need to see an immigration attorney immediately, There may not be a free immigration attorney but even if you have to use your last penny it is vital that you see an immigration attorney. This must be done as soon as possible--before you enter a guilty plea or decide to go to trial.

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Answered on 10/30/12, 6:07 pm


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