What to do if I have been given a misdemeanor ticket for my dog scratching someone on the sidewalk?
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What to do if I have been given a misdemeanor ticket for my dog scratching someone on the sidewalk?
An officer came over the other day to ask me if I owned a dog and if he had been outside in the front yard. I said yes he was tied up. His leash is long enough for him to get to the edge of the sidewalk. Today I had a misdemeanor ticket which shows a court date of the 11th of next month. It was reported as a dog bite but after the officer saw the scratches as well as animal controllsaw the picture of the scratches it was then determined a scratch. How do they know it was my dog? I still have no clue who filed this police report. It very well could have been soneone whose out to get me. Whomever this person is, they are at least several blocks away from my house.
Asked on March 27, 2013 under Personal Injury, Michigan
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Living several blocks away from your home does not make you innocent or guilty. However, you are correct. Unless this person had officer witnesses or something to show that it was your dog, then the burden will be on that individual and the prosecutor to prove this was your dog. Keep in mind, you may not have to prove or disprove anything but be prepared. Measure and video and take pictures to show where you tie the dog up and how long the leash is and so forth. Do not present this material until the person has described the incident (how far away or near to the fence and so forth). This information should be in the police report and medical report and you have a right to request those records to prepare your case.
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