Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

dreading the phone

This incident happened three months ago: In short, I was intoxicated and I insulted a female. She and her friend (both minors and total strangers to me) battered me. I tried to escape but couldn�t. I ended up on the ground, kicking one of them until they let up. I left the scene.

Recently I got a message on my phone from a detective wanting to hear my account of the incident .The detective did not mention any charges or allegations. But I�m pretty sure those two are claiming anything from attempted rape to battery. I don�t know how the police got my number. Or if they even know my last name. I returned the call a few days later and left a rather generic message. I have not heard back in about a week. I really would like to clear this mess up, but I don�t know if they really are interested in my story- after all virtually EVERY PERSON is going to deny any allegation. Or is the detective is just going to say for me to turn myself in? I�m just afraid that this thing could be spun against me somehow (turned into a drunk and disorderly on my part) and I�m going to have to spend time in jail and money just to tell it to a judge. If I could afford a lawyer now, I�d get one. Do I simply refuse to comment about anything EXCEPT what I�m


Asked on 1/09/07, 12:05 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Re: dreading the phone

You are correct in that you should not tell anything about what happened to the police. Ask for a lawyer and don't be deterred from getting one. Also, most people do tell the police what they did. The confession rate is over 90%. The police are very good at convincing people that they will go easy, or protect, or already know, etc. Usually not the case or they wouldn't be asking you. If you have further questions or comments contact me directly.

At your service,

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Answered on 1/09/07, 2:11 pm


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