I was involved in a traffic altercation that turned violent.
After the incident I was contacted by a detective. I spoke with an attorney who advised me not to speak with the police. I paid him several hundred dollars to make some phone calls to a detective. The lawyer was very forthcoming with his fees and expenses. Because the altercation was two sided I assumed the charges had been dropped. However I have recently reveived a summons to appear at a midemeanor arraingment court. I am being charged with:
Battery
Assault with a deadly weapon 2 counts
Vandalism Less than 400
The Lawyer told me that I would need to produce a substantial retainer if charged. I am on disability and cannot afford these services. As the attorney told me these fees were standard I beleive continuing representation is not an option for me.
I feel I should get my side of the story on paper before the court date (less than two weeks away), but I am still hesitant. There were three antagonists on thier side and I believe they have a witness from an uninvolved vehicle. Unfortunately I was alone. I belive that they have committed multiple offenses against me including assault, battery and vehicular assault. The attorney told me it was possible the police officer had already formed a determination of guilt against me and an attempt to air my side of the story could easily backfire. He was very adamant on this point, and extrememely disdainful of the police even insinuating that they wouldn't be honest in court. Any advice will be welcome.
After the incident I was contacted by a detective. I spoke with an attorney who advised me not to speak with the police. I paid him several hundred dollars to make some phone calls to a detective. The lawyer was very forthcoming with his fees and expenses. Because the altercation was two sided I assumed the charges had been dropped. However I have recently reveived a summons to appear at a midemeanor arraingment court. I am being charged with:
Battery
Assault with a deadly weapon 2 counts
Vandalism Less than 400
The Lawyer told me that I would need to produce a substantial retainer if charged. I am on disability and cannot afford these services. As the attorney told me these fees were standard I beleive continuing representation is not an option for me.
I feel I should get my side of the story on paper before the court date (less than two weeks away), but I am still hesitant. There were three antagonists on thier side and I believe they have a witness from an uninvolved vehicle. Unfortunately I was alone. I belive that they have committed multiple offenses against me including assault, battery and vehicular assault. The attorney told me it was possible the police officer had already formed a determination of guilt against me and an attempt to air my side of the story could easily backfire. He was very adamant on this point, and extrememely disdainful of the police even insinuating that they wouldn't be honest in court. Any advice will be welcome.