DU lawyers HELP!

[Joanne98]

My son. Is facing 20 plus years for a drug charge. I just got a phone call. I'm in shock. Can anybody help me.

[Sydnie]

1. Not a lawyer, but I will kick this in hope that someone can help you

:kick:

[Joanne98]

2. Thankyou. I'm freaking out.

[Whoa_Nelly]

11. Sorry you're in shock

Now, for your son, go get an attorney that is specific to this. And, if you're not in TX, go there and get an attorney in the place of venue. And get him bailed out ASAP if he's in jail.

Meanwhile, your son needs you to respond with action, not asking for advice here.

Good luck :hug:

[Joanne98]

13. There's no bail.

[Whoa_Nelly]

18. He's already had his arraignment?

Sent you a PM :hug:

[FloridaPat]

3. Where are you and he located? Where was he arrested?

[Joanne98]

5. It's a long story. It's in Texas.

It's only possesion of a small amount of drugs. But the court is famous for being the hardest.

[elehhhhna]

8. Get a decent lawyer NOW.

[Joanne98]

12. His business partner hired a lawyer but it doesn't sound good.

[Sanity Claws]

4. where is he?

Laws and procedures vary so let us know the county and state involved.

[Joanne98]

6. Texas.

I'm scared to even talk on the board. They're all Republicans.

[Olney Blue]

7. Kick for more exposure on DU.

Joanne, I'm so sorry. I'm not a lawyer, but my sister was in legal trouble because of her
alcoholism. It's terrible for the family. I hope you find some good legal advice tonight.

[rubberducky]

9. Can`t help legally, but please know we`re here for you!!

K&R Please keep us informed!! Went through some problems with my son when he was a teen. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Wish I could do more.

[Joanne98]

10. My son..

Owns half of a company. His business partner has been handling it. It told me everything was looking up but the lawyer called me tonight and said he's in real trouble. I don't know who to believe. this is a very notorious courthouse. I don't feel safe talking about this on the board.We've already paid 5 thousand dollars. Now the lawyer wants 3500 to pay for shrink tests. I can give somebody I trust their names. Need opposition research. His next court date is in late Sept.

[Sanity Claws]

14. What do you mean by "opposition research?"

I am an attorney and can tell you that $3500 is not out of line for doctor tests or lining up a doctor as a expert witness. My guess is that the amount is for the tests only and you will pay more for additional work by the shrink.
I'm going off the board now but will check in tomorrow around 12 noon PDT.

[spindrifter]

23. The people who are advising you

to get a good attorney are right. But what you really need is someone who practices in the jurisdiction where your son was charged AND someone who has plenty of experience with drug cases. I am very skeptical about the idea of paying $3500 for a psych. eval., if that is what the attorney the business partner hired really means. You can p.m. me if you have any other questions you don't want on the board. I am not licensed to practice in Texas. By the way, was your son charged in state or federal ct.?

[pinto]

15. From GD: There may be more response in the Lounge for this poster.

Hence the move.

[Joanne98]

17. Sorry

[Haole Girl]

26. kick

:kick:

[Haole Girl]

16. I don't have any solid advice

but, man...I'm so sorry...and I will pray for you and your family.

Maybe..get the best lawyer money can buy and get your son to rehab ASAP...document that he is trying to become clean, and quickly!
:hug:

[mongo]

19. I'm so sorry

Wish I could help. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

[Joanne98]

20. Mongo. Did I tell you about this before. It's been going on for six years.

[Joanne98]

21. I have to got to bed. I'll post again tommorrow.

Thanks to everyone.

[no_hypocrisy]

22. TELL YOUR SON NOT TO TALK TO ANYBODY BUT HIS LAWYER!!

No matter what. Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. He doesn't have to answer or have a "friendly" conversation with the detaining officers. And get a lawyer ASAP. Once with experience in criminal law, esp. possession of contraband.

[Joanne98]

24. We have a criminal lawyer. An ex-prosecutor.

The problem is the county. They're all card carrying members of the christian coliation. They give everyone the max

[no_hypocrisy]

25. I know what you mean. My friend's brother got 10 years for statutory rape

for dating a 15-year old. Ten years?!! I'm surprised Texas didn't recommend execution.

However, you did the best you could, especially with the ex-prosecutor who knows the TEXAS system of justice (which is an oxymoron IMHO). Remember, all the defense attorney needs is for one juror to have ONE (even a little) REASONABLE DOUBT about the process by which your son was arrested (probable cause, chain of custody of evidence, improper search, etc.) The Constitution may be moribund, but it isn't dead (yet).

I wish you both a favorable outcome.