So, I got a P.I. walking home from the International Festival on Saturday. Does anyone have any advice on getting a lawyer to have the charge wiped off my record? It's my first arrest, and I was totally compliant with the officer. What will that cost me aside from the fine ($265)? Can anyone recommend a lawyer local to the Lubbock court? Any other advice (other than take a cab or don't drink outside my house) will be greatly appreciated. Very uncool story, bro.
Are you serious?! Walking?! Did you forget to use your arms to signal lane changes to fellow pedestrians on the sidewalk? What kind of dick cop would issue a PI for walking home?!
It happens all the time. I think the phrase "public intoxication" itself is used in a loose way. I don't understand what some cops want people to do... Instead of driving home, some people walk instead, yet they receive a fine.
I was walking the way I always walk home from work, which goes under the Memorial bridge where all the cops park across from the station and courts. I guess that's why I was targeted. I wasn't making a scene--I was walking alone.
Wow, that's pretty sad than. What did he expect you to do? At least you were not driving. That cop must have been an ass!
No advice, but you have my heartfelt sympathy. This is easily one of the lamest thing I've ever heard of.
I wouldnt think it would be worth it to get a lawyer, its not that big of a ticket. I got one when i was 18 and it was off my record after I went to court and did some community service and paid a fine. I am not saying don't get a lawyer, but I really just dont see the point. I would probably just ask the judge when you go to court about what you can do to get it off your record and explain that you were just walking home minding your own business, not drinking and driving, and this is what you got for taking the safe way home. If you cant get it off your record that way, then im sure you could get a lawyer to take care of it for you even after talking to a judge as long as you dont plead guilty or anything to the ticket. However, im not a lawyer, im just someone else that got a PI years ago.
Hmm. I think I'll at least talk to one. So, what did you plead? No contest, or just ask for deferred adjudication?
lol did you really have to add 'isdrunk' to your name... i mean everyone knows McNulty is ALWAYS drunk.
I cant remember exactly but you can ask which one is the best for you to get it off your record. Im pretty sure deferred adjudication is the one you would want but I think no contest would get you the same thing. Lots of judges I have dealt with are willing to help you if you have no history of the same problems. If this is your first time with a ticket of this type then to me it seems like you should have no problem getting it off your record if you explain the situation like you explained here. If the judge isnt willing to help you and you really want it off your record since it sounds like you did get screwed and you think its worth getting a lawyer, I am sure you can ask what you need to do to get a lawyer involved before pleading anything. I am sure you wont need to do that though. Good luck and I hope it works out for you cause sounds like you had some bud luck with the cop involved and you definitely shouldnt have got a ticket.
Most lawyers charge $300+ PER HOUR. It can be a little smaller depending upon how new/small they are and it can go way up depending on the longevity of lawyer/how large the firm is. As far as the PI goes here's some stuff. http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Basics-of-Public-Intoxication&id=1338683
PI is a very arbitrary ticket. Go to court, select trial by jury, and be prepared to wait it out. If it goes to trial say you want it reset and get a lawyer. If it goes onto your record have it expunged when you turn 21. Should be easy to get dismissed IMO.
Honestly what were you doing? Cops don't give out PI's unless you were fighting, urinating in public, or black. It's kind of like not having a recent insurance card when you're pulled over for speeding, just and add-on.
If you were just walking by yourself, that is absurd. Every weekend I see drunk college who can barely walk stumble around town and I rarely see one get a PI, that blows
Yep, just walking...through a police parking lot. I think I'll just talk to the judge and go from there.
