What will happen if my neighbor threw dog poop on my van and I slapped him?
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What will happen if my neighbor threw dog poop on my van and I slapped him?
I went next door, asked him about it and he admitted to it. I told him he wasn’t to speak to me or my children again and he called me vile and obscene names, so I slapped him. He has now pressed thrid degree assault charges against me for it. What should I do?
Asked on September 9, 2013 under Criminal Law, Alabama
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
You should retain an attorney. While what you did is minor, and it's certainly possible that a prosecutor or judge will feel sympathy, the fact is, any unwanted physical contact, including a slap, is assault, and there is no exception for having been called "vile and obscene names"--it's still assault. So you want experienced local counsel to represent you, to maximize the chance of having the charges dropped or, at least, the punishment minimized (e.g. probation or a small fine). You may wish to also press charges against your neighbor, for harassment or criminal mischief, and an attorney can advise you as to that, too.
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