So easy to get in trouble

[Thegonagle]

Originally Posted by Camden Northsider

... America is unlike any other country in the world with its over-obcession with incarceration and criminal background checks - regarding criminal background, the collateral effects that are imposed on otherwise law-abiding persons that happen to have a criminal record from their past have had serious consequences for millions of individuals, the communities they live in, overall public safety and the high rate of recidivism that is seen in this country. People deserve a second chance to turn it around.

So, what he's saying here is that you currently have that second chance that everyone deserves, but if you don't take control right now and use that second chance to its utmost--if you throw it away at this point--you might sKrew yourself pretty daRn hard, especially in this punishment-obsessed society of ours. You're on the edge of a trap that can be next to impossible to extricate yourself from.

But you're also smart. You know to do. So do it, and do it right from here on out.

Much love--Take care.

[northsider14]

thanks for all the advice... are there any programs that have good free lawyers?

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by northsider14

thanks for all the advice... are there any programs that have good free lawyers?

Check with Hennepin county. If you can't afford a lawyer the courts will appoint a public defender at no cost to you.

[moving123456]

Originally Posted by golfgal

Check with Hennepin county. If you can't afford a lawyer the courts will appoint a public defender at no cost to you.

Avoid them if you possibly can. They are terrible and not really on your side in my opinion and experience.

[Camden Northsider]

Originally Posted by northsider14

thanks for all the advice... are there any programs that have good free lawyers?

Try Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis, although I'm not sure that they provide help for criminal cases:
Intake Number for New Clients: 612-334-5970
Phone: 612-332-1441
TDD: 612-332-4668
Fax: 612-334-5755
Southside Office
2929 4th Avenue South, Suite 201
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Ask about their:
Yo u t h L a w P r o j e c t
Devoted to working with at-risk youth in Hennepin County, the YLP provides advice, referrals and representation to children between the ages of 12 and 18. The YLP is based in the Southside office in order to reach out to especially vulnerable communities of color.

Other resources (both taken from same website: lawhelpmn.org):

LawHelp Legal Help Near You search results for Youth Rights > Juvenile Delinquency

Walk-in legal clinics for MN Youth calendar: LawHelp HTML Document

[Guero]

Many employers and employment agencies are now asking for info about misdemeanors on your record too. In fact, I just got hired through Midwest Staffing last week, and a guy that was also interviewing there stormed out the door cussing about it.

I got a misdemeanor DWI almost 13 years ago, and it came up when the office manager punched my name into the system. Luckily, I didn't hide it and had written it down on the form where they asked me for consent to check my record. Also luckily, and because I had been honest about it, I wasn't disqualified and ended up getting a good job (trial for hire).

He was able to pull up my record as I did some math tests. I think that colleges and other organizations will be asking about misdemeanors too soon, if they aren't already. I really don't agree with that, but that's where it seems to be going. They also had me sign a consent form to check my credit rating, though I don't think they did.

Regardless, I wish you luck Northsider, we all make mistakes, and I would not use a public defender, if you can help it. They don't really lawyer for you - they generally act as a liaison between you and the prosecutor, and not much more, at all.

From the little info you've supplied, it sounds to me like you lost your temper, so if you are able to retain an attorney, perhaps he or she could work that angle - "The heat of the moment." - and possibly get the charge reduced or dropped.

[Katiana]

I was thinking, too, are you being tried as an adult? Of course, if you are 18+, you have to be tried as an adult. I agree, if so, do everything you can to get the charges reduced. My DD knows someone who was arrested for public intoxication, paid the fine instead of pursuing pre-trial diversion, and is now having a hard time even getting clinical assignments as a physical therapy student.

[JenLee]

northsider14, here is a kid who is overcoming his environment by staying focused on his goals: Shady Salamon leaves Cretin-Derham Hall universally admired for all he has overcome - TwinCities.com

You can do this too. You still have fighting listed as one of your interests in your profile here; straighten up and get that out of there and put it out of your life. It may seem exciting; but it's dangerous and all it will do is get you in trouble (and maybe shorten your life too). Control those impulses, focus on what you want in your life and study hard and stay in school.