Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

community service

If was never read my rights or ''booked'', is community service a possible

outcome of my trial? I was handcuffed and taken to the station for urinating

in public and the officer (on the scene) said I could face a steep fine and

community service. Is that true since I was never really arrested? Should I

plead not-guity because the officer never read me my rights?


Asked on 9/26/04, 10:00 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles A. Pascal, Jr. Law Office of Charles A. Pascal, Jr.

Re: community service

It is a misconception that you have to be read your rights every time you are arrested. You have to be read your rights for crimes that can result in jail time, and before they ask you any questions. If you were arrested for urinating in public, there is no question they would need to ask you to determine if you were doing so.

If you were handcuffed and taken to the station then you were, indeed, arrested. Certain charges allow them to send you the charges in the mail, which is no doubt what they will do in this case.

You should see what you're charged with first. You should get an attorney to make sure that you will be offered a deal to do community service or pay a lower fine in exchange for pleading guilty...if, in fact, you are guilty.

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Answered on 9/26/04, 10:24 am


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