Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Q about Community Service Alternatives

I was sentenced to 25 days of community service. I am a 26 yr-old female who plead guilty to a misd. count of domestic abuse reduced from a felony asault w/ a deadly weapon. (POKED him- honestly- no blood, not even a mark- on the arm with a travel-sized screwdriver as a warning.) It was unquestionably self-defense and I sustained the worse injury, but I was stupid and thought he'd protect me so I protected him and ended up in jail! The ''injury'' was so miniscule that I was released w/out paying my 50k bail and told I was not being charged. Days later a letter from city attorney says otherwise. Anyway, I got a fine and community service. I went 5 days and it was hell. FREEZING on the beach in the mornings, cleaning nasty public bathroom stalls with one tattered glove. I already had an extension -dnever went back to court. Each time I went, I was the only wh. female and I was verbally, sexually harrassed by both the other ''criminals'' and the beach/city workers. When at anger mang., I met several people (including those w/ violent crimes) who just did house arrest or opted to pay money instead of the service. Are there ANY other options? Will they take money instead of my time? What happens if I get pulled over?


Asked on 4/05/04, 11:22 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Q about Community Service Alternatives

Your question isn't clear about this, but it sounds like you have stopped doing the community service. Unless you still have time to do the remaining 20 days before your last extension runs out, you probably won't get much sympathy from the judge or the prosecutor -- both of whom would have to agree to let you select a different punishment.

I think you should just do the community service you have been assigned. Buy yourself a warm jacket and some better gloves if that will help.

Your complaint that it is unpleasant is misplaced; after all, you are being punished and punishment is *supposed* to be unpleasant.

From what you have told us it sounds like you really do belong in that anger management class. And if being the only white female in a courtroom bothers you, too bad. You probably bothered some of the other people, too. Besides, if you complete your community service and don't commit any more crimes, you may not have to deal with it again.

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Answered on 4/06/04, 12:03 am
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Q about Community Service Alternatives

If you mean that you didn't finish all the terms of your sentence, you will have an arrest warrant issued on your completion review date at court. If that has happened you will need an attorney to try to keep you out of jail on the full original sentence. If the completion date has not yet passed, have an attorney immediately ask the court for more time. Contact me if interested in getting counsel.

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Answered on 4/06/04, 3:13 pm


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