Chenango Forks, NY Criminal Defense Law Firms & Lawyers

1. Retain counsel to fight the ticket 2. You and your friend should make independent civilian complaints to the police department - be specific about the intersections of which you were pulled over, the searches, and include the results of your recent urine screening. 3. Find out when the town board meets in public session and take the microphone during the public comments and complain in the public town meeting about the way the police profiled and harassed you, and that you made a civilian complaint, and if whomever took your complaint whether was cooperative or not. Name the names of the cops that harassed you. Ask the mayor / town supervisor and town board if they will personally undertake to ensure the civilian complaint investigation goes smoothly. Remember, the mayor / town supervisor IS THE POLICE COMMISSIONER. That is the "top," even above the police chief. This is the political arm of the town, who does not need this negative publicity. These are the persons you need to advise and this is the way you need to do it.

As far as potential jail time, that will depend upon a number of different factors, including what you are actually charged with, what your criminal history is like, as well as any mitigating factors that your attorney might be able to present to the DA's office on your behalf. It's unclear how you stole the $200.00, so that will influence what you are actually charged with as well. For instance, if you simply stole $200.00 out of her desk when she wasn't looking, then you may find that you are charged with Petit Larceny, which is a misdemeanor crime and carries up to a year in jail or three years probation. Alternatively, if you forcibly stole the property from her you may find yourself charged with Robbery, which is a felony and potentially carries significantly more jail time than a misdemeanor - as far as how much jail time, that depends on specific Robbery charge that you are charged with, which will depend on the specific facts of your case (i.e. if you used a weapon in the commission of the crime, caused an injury, etc.)    With all that being said, as far as surrendering yourself to the police department, you should definitely retain an attorney to represent you during any interrogation procedure that may occur with the police, or at a bare minimum speak with an attorney before surrendering yourself so that you understand your rights when dealing with the police department (such as your right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions).    Additionally, as far as your case, your attorney should be able to negotiate with the District Attorney's Office and, again depending on the specific facts and circumstances of your case, may be able to negotiate you a plea agreement which involves no jail time. 

It's more than obvious that you should contact the local bar association and/or the State bar association to request assistance. Fee arbitration is one of their main functions.