Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

Plea guilty or be my own lawyer at the Preliminary hearing

Hi,

2 vice officers issued a traffic stop a 1/2 mile from where they say they witnessed me receiving a sex act in a parked car as they drove by. They also said that I was pulling up my pants when they made the stop ( I was actually putting on my seat belt).

I got arrested for patronizing a prostitute. Police lied and said that I was mirandized and stated I paid for a prostitute in the police report.

I never said anything and I was never Mirandized.

At the preliminary hearing I was represented by a public defender, and i was offered a plea to a summary offense. However I got a continuance on the preliminary hearing cause I told the judge that I wanted to hire a lawyer.

I can't afford a lawyer. But I know the cops lied and don't want to pay for a fine if I'm innocent.

I have never been in trouble before.

Can I say at the preliminary that the cops lied or will the judge side with them?

What do you suggest?


Asked on 1/23/08, 8:12 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Gibson John W. Gibson, Esquire

Re: Plea guilty or be my own lawyer at the Preliminary hearing

Miranda rights mean a lot less than most people think. It just means that they can't use statements you make after your arrested until they read you your rights.

My suggestion is to plead to the summary if the cops will still let you do it. How well do you know the hooker? How well do you think the cops know the hooker?

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Answered on 1/24/08, 10:48 am


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