What to do if I unknowingly brought my stungun and pocket knife into an airport and have been charged?
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What to do if I unknowingly brought my stungun and pocket knife into an airport and have been charged?
I have a court date in a month and I was wondering if you think I should hire an attorney or handle this on my own. I have no criminal background. This is a federal misdemeanor.
Asked on November 29, 2011 under Criminal Law, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
NEVER handle a criminal case on your own--always get a lawyer. A lawyer will maximize your change of 1) getting the case dismissed (e.g. if a search was illegal); 2) negotiating a plea to a lesser offense and/or lesser punishment; or 3) winning the case, if you go to trial and the evidence is weak. Since criminal convictions show up on your record (and in background checks), you want to avoid a conviction if possible, or if not, make sure it's to the lowest offense possible. It's well worth hiring an attorney to do this.
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