Legal Question in Criminal Law in California
PC 597(b) LA DA ''Office Hearing''
My wife and I returned to our parked
car at a mall in LA to find 2 security
guards and an LA
sheriff deputy eyeing our dog
through a window. The officer said
that we were required to leave a
window open for humane
reasons, even though the car was in
the shade, and the dog was happy,
healthy, and not in the least bit
thirsty. Parking in a limited
time spot, we were gone for
15-20 minutes to buy some fast
food before driving 500 miles home.
The idea that we mistreated our pet
is absurd as our pets live rich and
happy lives. We complained
to the officer about theft danger for
an open car at the mall. The Officer
didn't issue any ticket, or write
down the animal license tag number,
so after an hour released us and our
dog to drive home. Then, I get a
surprise letter for an ''Office hearing''
to ''determine whether a criminal
complaint should be issued''. 500
miles from LA and this appointment
a burden itself, but then I'm
told that the meeting is better than
court. Then again, don't I
incriminate myself by answering DA
questions and providing ''any
document or witnesses'' to ''assist
this office''? What do I do to get out
of this LA mess?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: PC 597(b) LA DA ''Office Hearing''
You are correct that you should not answer any questions nor should you go to a so-called "office hearing." I want to apologize on behalf of the good citizens of LA for the insane busybodies that sometimes become public employees here. However, a potential criminal misdemeanor charge is a smoldering fire that needs to be put out. If I were you, and you are able to do so I would send an attorney to contact the DA on your behalf. If you like, I would be willing to do so at an extremely reasonable cost to you.
Re: PC 597(b) LA DA ''Office Hearing''
You don't 'get out of it' any differently than any other criminal charge - you defend against it. Hiring counsel is the normal and appropriate way of doing so. If you refuse to go to the meeting or send an attorney, you risk the DA filing criminal charges. If you do go, you risk having the DA 'dislike' you and your answers; there is no guaranteed safe exit here. Remember, this 'progressive' society punishes animal 'abuse' more severely than many serious crimes against people; puppy killers go to prison and murderers get probation. Feel free to contact me if you want to do this right with counsel.
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