What should I do in regards to public urination?
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What should I do in regards to public urination?
I was given a summons to criminal court for public urination and I’m scared out of my mind on what to expect. Am I going to be charged for a misdemeanor, have jail time?
Asked on May 20, 2009 under Criminal Law, New York
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
Under New York Law, public urination is a misdemeanor because it is a violation of NY Health Code 153.09.
Fortunately, the first offense penalty is usually a fine of a couple of hundred dollars if you simply plead guilty. However, this will also result in a misdemeanor conviction that will remain on your record.
You should retain an attorney in New York to attempt to get the charge dismissed in exchange for a no contest plea and the payment of a fine. Find an attorney who is familiar with the court you will be appearing in (ie one that is local). He might well have some contacts there which will be of benefit to you. Do not wait.
B. B., Member, New Jersey Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
You should get an attorney to defend you on this charge, even if you are sure you'll be found guilty. One place to find the lawyer you need is our website, http://attorneypages.com
It's very hard to say just how much trouble you are in, here, without knowing the where-when-and-why of what happened, and how you ended up getting caught -- who saw you. A lawyer can help present your case in the best way, and sometimes just the fact that you hired a lawyer will send the message that you understand that you mand a serious mistake, which will help.
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