Should I get an attorney if I am facing criminal charges?
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Should I get an attorney if I am facing criminal charges?
I am 17 and have court twice within a week of each other. The first for totaling my car and the second for vehicular theft, as well as an accident in the vehicle. The owners of the stolen vehicle do not wish to press charges and I have already paid all damages to the vehicle. Will I most likely still be charged, and as an adult or juvenile? Should I get a lawyer?
Asked on October 7, 2012 under Criminal Law, Colorado
Answers:
Anthony Van Johnson / VANJOHNSON LAW FIRM, L.L.C.
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You should absolutely hire an attorney without delay. You are facing a felony charge that you wreck your future. The arrest is already on your record. And theft related charges will make it very difficult for you to find employment or even be accepted to many schools. And it does not matter whether or not the victim(s) want the case prosecuted. The victims are only witnesses for the State. Finally, at age 17, you will be prosecuted as an adult. For certain violent felonies, Defenedants can be charged as an adult at age 13, FYI.
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