Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

Dipped out on Restaurant Tab and was Holding

Hello,

A couple weeks ago a friend and I went out to a TGI Fridays in Fairfax, VA. However, we made the dumb mistake of attempting to skip out on the $125 bar tab. Anyway, Fairfax County pulled us over about 2 seconds after I pulled out of the parking lot. If this wasn't bad enough I happened to be holding 2 ounces of weed and $500 cash. And if this wasn't bad enough I'm already on probation for the same shit (possession of MJ)!

We both recieved a misdemenor charge of attempted fraud on a restaurant and I recieved a separate charge for felony distribution.

Anyway they threw us both in Fairfax County lock-up overnight, however, luckily, my quick thinking friend made up some bullshit story about how we were going to be deployed to Iraq in the coming weeks and we were let out on our on recognizance. Now, however, I have this December court date to worry about.

So my question is that even with a competent attorney approximately how much total jail time and/or fines am I facing? Is there anything I can do to further remedy the situation before court? Help!!! Drugs and Alcohol have ruined my life!!!


Asked on 9/06/05, 4:22 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Dipped out on Restaurant Tab and was Holding

Oh, please. Drugs and alcohol didn't mess up your life, you did. Those were just the tools you used. Lots of people manage to use alcohol, and marijuana for that matter, without defrauding innkeepers or lying to the police and courts. Maybe you would benefit from some jail time. Probably you will get some. (Virginia may be for lovers, but it's not the best place to be a stoner.) Probably also you will get a theft conviction, so you won't ever be able to get a job again. You will have plenty of time to talk about your situation in jail, and in the endless hours and weeks of the drug and alcohol programs you will have to do. Maybe some miracle worker of a lawyer will yet be able to perform magic in your case. You had better use the time and money you have to hire one.

P.S. You didn't also pick up a DUI? Were the county mounties also stoned?

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Answered on 9/07/05, 9:06 pm
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Dipped out on Restaurant Tab and was Holding

Better first get that competent criminal defense counsel either hired by you or appointed by the court.

Once this person has had an oppourtunity to review all of the relevant facts and background information, then she or he should be in a position to respond reliably to your questions.

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Answered on 9/06/05, 7:35 pm


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