Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York
Unlawfully dealing with a child in the 1st, alcohol
Three days ago I was arrested and charged with unlawfully dealing with a minor in the 1st. The police let me go that night after questioning me at the station. They gave me an appearance ticket. That is for next week. The night of the party I was staying at a relative on my way to NYC for duty with the Army. My buddy in the army called me up and invited me to his place for a party. I went. After getting there his mother asked me to pick up a keg for her. I did. The whole time I believed the party would be legal. Later that night when everyone started showing up, I realized they were all minors. A little confused I start to question his mother. Thats when the cops show up and I ended up getting arrested. She ran into the woods. The cops did catch her and arrested her also. This is my first time in trouble. I'm currently in school for criminal law and I'm an MP in the U.S Army. will any of this help me? Should I get a public defendant? What should I do? What punishment by the Law could I be sentenced to? Thank you. Your help and advice is very much appreciated.
5 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Unlawfully dealing with a child in the 1st, alcohol
I agree with what Mr. Kats said, except the real punishment if you are convicted of a crime is that you can kiss away your law career and your MP status in the armed services.
Get the best lawyer you can afford. Now is not the itme to be frugle about it. There is just too much at stake.
If you would like to discuss this matter further, please feel free to contact me.
Re: Unlawfully dealing with a child in the 1st, alcohol
You are in a lot of trouble. You are charged with a misdemeanor and you could face jail or probation. Either will ruin your army career. You are also not guilty despite the arrest. You need a lawyer and if you can't afford one you should get a public defender or legal aid lawyer.
If you have the money a GOOD private lawyer is the best way to go, if only because your case will get more attention. Be sure the Private lawyer is really good (I find Former public defenders or legal aids are the best) because assigned counsel (PD or LAS) are usually the best but the most over worked in the court house. Hence if your lawyer is paid but not good or hard working you'd be better off with a Public Defender or Legal Aid Society lawyer.
Good luck
Re: Unlawfully dealing with a child in the 1st, alcohol
A conviction may affect your millitary status, and especially your status as an MP. I would NOT go with a public defender... this is potentially your livelihood that you are dealing with here,
I would suggest you seek a privately retained attorney that can ensure youcome out of this with no criminal record.
Further, please listen to our free podcast... you can do so by copying and pasting the link below
cgonzalezlawfirm.podbean.com
you may also reach us directly at 212.709.8303
Re: Unlawfully dealing with a child in the 1st, alcohol
Yes, you should get a Legal Aid lawyer to represent you. Once you appear in court next week you'll know exactly what charges you're facing. Based on what you state in your email, it appears you're charged with a misdemeanor and would be facing a maximum of one year in jail.
James Kats
www.lawjsk.com
Re: Unlawfully dealing with a child in the 1st, alcohol
Yes, you should get a Legal Aid lawyer to represent you. Once you appear in court next week you'll know exactly what charges you're facing. Based on what you state in your email, it appears you're charged with a misdemeanor and would be facing a maximum of one year in jail.
James Kats
www.lawjsk.com
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