So, there is was minding my own business and trying to survive on some BLM land in the desert, when some turd decided to threaten me, insult me, and while I was away from my camp momentarily decided to steal from me and vandalize what he didn't take.
I found him, confronted him, and it obviously went sideways.
I was ticketed, the police were very sympathetic to my cause because the guy was a known POS. But, I was given a court date, and instructed that the only function of a not guilty plea was for a plea bargain, when I wasn't guilty of anything but defending myself and my property. And, while serious enough to be forced to appear in court, was not serious enough to qualify for a public defender to represent me.
How is this not unconstitutional? They are basically saying they WILL find me guilty of something no matter what, and that i can't have an attorney to help me prove my innocence.
I think you want r/legaladvice down the hall.
This sub is to "laugh at" SovCits.
I also laugh at sovcits. Thank you, though.
If you are not subject to jail you do not get a public defender.
If you do not show up, you can be charged with contempt which does have jail time.
Oh, interesting! The jail part is key.
Sounds like in this scenario, OP needs to hire his own attorney or go it alone and yes, it’s perfectly legal.
That's wild. But thanks, i have a appearance Christmas eve. Teleconference.
Best of luck. I would at least try to consult with an attorney even if you can’t retain one fully. I’ve gotten lawyers for traffic citations so that they could plead me down and attend court in my absence, but that’s generally a couple hundred up front. No clue what your exact charges are, but if your freedom is on the line I HIGHLY encourage speaking with an attorney
They asked for $4500, that was at the lowest referral from legal aid i have recieved so far. The highest was $7,500. Right before Christmas. Yeah.
Ouch. An expensive lesson (hopefully) learned.
Wow. What a backhanded way to be polite. Thank you, and Merry Christmas.
I mean, you can’t go back in time 🤷🏽♀️ Best press forward and try to make better decisions next time. I’m certainly not perfect, so I apologize if this comes off as condescending because I’m being sincere.
Thanks for your comment. If i didn't think I was innocent I wouldn't be upset. It would be a lesson learned. But no, this dude harassed me when I had nowhere else to go. He stole from me and vandalized my stuff. He gets his ass beat and then files a police report??? I haven't seen my wife and son for three years. Guess what Christmas looks like this year? Not great when a thief steals from you, and then you have to pay an attorney to prove to a court that he deserved it. Diddy is going to be out in like 5-10 more minutes. The epstein files aren't being released. But, I posted on reddit, so im definitely guilty and have a ton to learn.
Well. Legally, it sounds like you’re admitting to whatever you were charged with so you should probably stop explaining the situation online to strangers. The issue is that a lot of the time, what feels right morally doesn’t mean it is right legally. Honestly I think the guy had it coming to him and it was a punk move to file a police report. But there’s very few scenarios where you can beat up on someone and the law is on your side. Just something to think about. Get the lawyer.
Or he could abscond, get arrested, and become eligible for a PD
Hey, there’s an idea! 💡
Bad idea since he could end up in jail or prison if convicted!
I’m being facetious, he should absolutely not do that 😂
"I found him, confronted him, and obviously it went sideways."
Well, there goes any self defense or defense of property. You hunted someone down and created the confrontation. Vigilantism usually goes sideways like this. Once you located who took your stuff, you should have dialed 911. Sounds like the sheriff is well aware of the POS.
Take the advice to visit r/legaladvice , list the offense on the citation.
To start off He is on land management land, so he is squatting Then there are multiple factors that support public defender Severity of crime, ability to pay, availability for starters You commuted a crime, that doesn’t automatically give u a PD
Being charged with a crime doesn't mean im guilty. But, they, like you are saying is that I did. Open and shut, no attorney, no due process, no nothing.
Being charged with a crime doesn’t mean u are automatically entitled to legal aid We have very limited funds which is why there are multiple factors to calculate for aid
Being charged doesn't mean you are guilty. But you've pretty much admitted your guilt here.
Quoting another post :
So he was a jerk, then committed crimes against you. Then you hunted him down and beat his ass.
But hunting him down and beating his ass isn't legal. That's what got you arrested.
And you are getting due process. Your case is going to court, and you will be able to explain your side there. That's how due process works.
This is nonsensical. Who told you this? Are you sure they didn’t mean “no contest?”
You plead “not guilty,” they set a trial date, and then you explain to the judge how your were “just defending yourself.” That’s how it works.
Talk to a real lawyer.