Should I plead guilty or fight a misdemeanor charge and how will my record be affected?
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Should I plead guilty or fight a misdemeanor charge and how will my record be affected?
I was issued a ticket in AZ for shooting my bow and arrow from the edge of a forest service road. It is a ARS 17-301B violation. I was told it has a fine of $250 and is a class 3 misdemeanor. My question is should I plead guilty or not guilty? I feel I was standing on the edge off the roadway when I took the shot, I am willing to pay the fine but do not want the misdemeanor on my record. Should I speak with a criminal law attorney? In Maricopa County, AZ.
Asked on August 31, 2011 Arizona
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If you have been charged with a criminal misdemeanor, there is the chance that if you are convicted, you could be heavily fined, be subject to jail, have to attend classes, and end up with a criminal record for life.
Given the seriousness of the charge against you, it would be best that if you retained a criminal defense attorney to represent you. Possibly you could be sentenced to court probation and if you satisfy the terms of the court probation, the charge could then be dismissed with nothing to show on your record.
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