Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

They are trying to haul me away over library book.
I had a stack of way overdue library books, the library called me, said ''return them by friday or we will get a warrent.'' I returned the books on the friday (put in drop box). The following week I received a summons for failure to return library books. My ignorance of the law led me to beleive that since the property was already returned that the matter was solved, and I did not go to court. A few days ago an officer came to arrest me, but because of my 4 small children he let me go and turn myself in on a 'failure to appear' charge. Now I have two charges, but I can prove that the books have been returned. I guess my question is- how hard do you think they will try to throw the book at me over this. I will plead guilty to the failure to appear, will they automatically make me pay court costs. I am a homemaker so in reality my husband would be paying them. Could they insist on community service, because I have 4 small children and very little family to watch them, or is it possible that they will give a little housewife, whose never been in trouble before, a break and dismiss it completely? Any advice?

Asked on 8/05/02, 4:17 pm

Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

0 users found helpful

0 attorneys agreed

Re: They are trying to haul me away over library book.

On your court date, bring proof,i.e., a statement from the library, that the books have been returned. That will take care of the first charge.

With respect to the FTA, explain to the court, as

you have done here, that it was your ignorance of the law and court procedures in general which

resulted in your failure to appear---and for which you offer the court your profuse apologies.

After that, you should be let off with no more than a small fine, and, perhaps, a warning

designed to resonate within your brain for a suitable period of time.

Answered on 8/05/02, 6:47 pm

Keywords

Match Any Match All

Country

State

Area of Law