Speeding

What kind of charges can I expect in my case of arson?

I’ve been charged with the felony of 3rd degree arson by setting a tarffic cone on fire in the middle of an empty parking lot in Idaho. I’m not the only suspect, I was with two girls in which we all share equal blame except that I was the driver of our vehicle and I also excepted blame for the idea. I’m worried because jail time would ruin my second semester of college. I also do not have any prior record of trouble with the law, not even a speeding ticket. What can I suspect from my case?

Three pieces of advice:

1. Get a lawyer
2. Get a lawyer
3. Get a lawyer

Seriously, you have been charged with a felony. You may be able to handle misdemeanors on your own, but only complete idiots try to handle felonies.

The good news is that a lawyer shouldn’t charge you too much. You should be able to find somebody to handle it for around $400. For that amount, your lawyer will probably try to reach a plea agreement with the prosecutor. Based on your lack of a prior record and the circumstances surrounding the event, the lawyer MAY be able to get the felony dismissed in exchange for you pleading no contest to a misdemeanor. You would then probably have to pay a fine and/or have some probation time.

It is also important to remember that you don’t want to plead “guilty.” Always plead “no contest” if you can. This is complicated, but basically it helps cover you if you’re sued later on.

DON’T try to do this on your own because the prosecutor probably won’t even be willing to bargain with you. He will know that if you are representing yourself, he will be able to eat you alive, and it will result in a VERY easy conviction for him.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

False documents presented to court in speeding case