More info...I got into a bar fight and left before the cops came.....?

Question

The police got my number but do not know my new address...they called and want to hear my side of the story...I did get into a fight but the other guy turned it violent my throwing a punch. My question is...if they come over and they think my side the the story is not sufficent...is he going to take me to jail? Would it be best to call an attorny prior to talking to the cops? Its Saturday night and if they put me in jail I will have to sit till Monday morning as well..... any advice????

If the other guy was hurt it was just bumps and bruises...I have some as well. The only witness to this was his girlfriend and she will say anything to keep her bfriend out of jail. I know this guy and have had verbal confrontation with him...he knows my ex-wife's Bfriend and the arguments always occur about him smoking pot in the house where my kids live...... Should I then wait till Monday and talk to an attorney? This appears to be the answer everyone else has given me..... The event occured outside, in front of the bar when I was out having a smoke.

Answer 1

Again it depends..if this was just a minor "fight", ie rising to the level of disorderly conduct or perhaps muni assault then there is no reason in the world to pay an attorney $2k plus for him to do basically nothing (In my city the fine for these charges is less than $300) . 99% of the things I hear an attorney advise his client (while I'm interviewing him) my 5 year niece could figure out. This isn't crime of the century. If you go in by yourself, and don't like the way things are going, ask if you are free to leave. If you are, you leave. If you aren't free to leave, then you shut up and invoke your right to silence...ain't rocket science.

If you have an awful criminal history, put the guy in hospital or any other way that you could be facing a felony, then an attorney is appropriate.

The main issue I see, is if I'm the cop calling you and you refuse to talk with me/answer your phone, that means I have one side of the story. And as this isn't crime of the century, I'm not going to be spending much time on it...warrant will be written, long before Monday morning.

Unfortunately there are many attorney's out there, who like nothing more to turn a BS disorderly conduct (like this incident) into crime of the century (in your mind) and turn it into a pay day...

That said if you do decide to wait until Monday for an attorney-call the cop, explain that you have retained an attorney and the attorney will accompany you to the PD at whatever time on Monday is convienent etc

Answer 2

I would not talk to the police without a lawyer. The only reason they want to talk to you is they do not have enough to simply colloar you. You will talk to them, and in trying to "explain" what happened, you will implicate yourself in a crime. Happens all the time.

Call a lawyer ASAP. They will contact the police, let them know you are represented by counsel and at that point, they can not talk to you. If the cops have no hard evidence, that may vey well end it.

If they do, they may still arrest you, but can not question you. Your lawyer can even arrange a time to turn yourslef in as well.

Either way, shut your mouth. There is nothing positive you can say or do. Simply admiting you where there is enough to charge you. Let them prove you where even there.

Make no statement whatsoever, unless a lawyer tells you otherwise, which they would never do.

When they call, refer them to your lawyer. Call legal aid if need be, but tell them NOTHING except your name.

Answer 3

You need an attorney BEFORE you make any statement to the cops AND the attorney should counsel you before you answer every question.  The cops are NOT your friends in this case.

Answer 4

Don't speak to the Police or give your side of the story without an attorney present.

As much as you want to defend yourself, giving a statement without an attorney present is the worst thing you could do.

Answer 5

if they know  you they will come after you.