Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

I have a relative being charged with a pc 422 (a) and pc 417 (a) (2). He will see the judge for the first time in a day or so. He also has severe medical issues and felt threatened by the individual they are charging him with these crimes against. I'm wondering what position that puts him in now? Does he face a long road of court time and jail time? I realize there are several factors such as attorney, his defense, plea and so on but with his medical condition I wondered if maybe he may get a lighter sentence if any or possibly O.R. untill the next court appearance? Any info would be helpful. Thank you.


Asked on 12/06/10, 1:41 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

When arrested and charged with a crime, the proper questions are, can you be convicted, and what can you do? Defend the charges. Go to court, enter a not guilty plea, arrange bail reduction or OR, set up and attend the court hearing[s] and trial date[s]. File evidence suppression or other motions as applicable. Raise all the available defenses with whatever admissible and credible witnesses, evidence and facts are available for legal arguments for motions, plea bargaining, or at trial. Go to trial if it can't be resolved with motions or a plea bargain. There is no magic wand to wave and make it all disappear. If you don't know how to do these things, then hire an attorney that does, who will try to get a dismissal, diversion or decent outcome through plea bargain for you, or take it to trial. If serious about doing so, feel free to contact me. I�ll be happy to help you use whatever defenses you may have. If you can't afford private counsel, apply for the Public Defender.

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Answered on 12/13/10, 3:30 pm


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