Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

Assault charges

My boyfriend is 17 years old, and he was charged with Assault after defending himself at school and punching the young man who hit him first. However, the boy who hit him first was 14 years old. He was released from jail on bond before his next day court session and only suspended from school. My boyfriend was not released because his parents did not pay bond, and so he had to attend his pre-trial, I think it's called, and now he has court on April 3rd. The people brought up a drug charge from two years ago when he was a minor, that was supposed to be dropped when he turns 18. However, now he is begin charged with that, and now alcohol classes, plus jail if he does not have $500-$1000 dollars on his court date. Plus, he will be on probation, and attending community service for 8 hours a day for $35 dollars a day. Is this fair? Also, is it fair that in self defense at a zero tolerance policy school, he be charged with assault? Is there anything he can do about his sentence and whether or not he will go to jail if he cannot afford a lawyer? I would appreciate a response. Thankyou.


Asked on 3/29/07, 7:17 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
William Morrison Action Defense Center

Re: Assault charges

This may seem a little harsh, but girlfriend postings of boyfriend crimes contain few useful facts. Most of the content is based upon what the boyfriend says, which usually is only what he wants her to hear. Then the girlfriend embellishes the story to make her man look even better and the system worse.

If your boyfriend is still in jail awaiting sentencing, then he admitted his guilt at his pretrial. The bond on misdemeanor assault is usually low.

Is there a reason his parents (or you) didn't bail him out?

The "he hit me first" defense is not self defense. He could have just walked away.

The Redford court will usually not put him in jail because he can't pay on his sentencing date. He can work off his fines and costs, but I've never heard of a court scheduling a set number of hours per day. The credit for community service also seems to be too low.

Your post indicates he hasn't had a lawyer during this ordeal. This is a mistake. At least he should ask for a court appointed attorney.

William Morrison

Read more
Answered on 3/30/07, 1:05 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Michigan