Busting Big Criminal Defense Myths
This month, we’ve got two myths that you’ll probably hear if you end up in a hairy situation with the criminal justice system. The first myth is, “Oh, you don’t need a lawyer because the State might not even file charges.” The scary thing is that the State sometimes doesn’t file charges, reinforcing the myth. But what happens if they do? Are you going to convince them the evidence is weak, or that the evidence supports a misdemeanor charge instead of the second-degree felony they want to slap you with? Will you thoroughly review the evidence available or conduct your own investigation to figure out what you should plea at the arraignment? Can you even secure a plea deal? Of course not — you aren’t an attorney, and you don’t have to be one. But you do have to secure one as soon as possible. Ever hear the expression, “Up the
creek without a paddle?”When the State files charges, your attorney is your paddle. The second oft-repeated myth always goes something like, “The State will just give you a plea deal and close your case out at the arraignment.” Again, it’s true — the State probably will try something like this, especially in misdemeanor cases where you aren’t guaranteed a public defender. But they’re not giving you that plea deal because it’s in your best interests, and they won’t tell you how it’s going to affect your life. We see defendant after defendant show up in court and plead guilty to DUI, marijuana possession, petty theft, disorderly conduct, and other “small potatoes” crimes that will affect them for the rest of their lives. If you don’t know how your plea will affect you becoming a citizen, getting a professional license, or securing a job in the future, then you don’t know what you’re doing to yourself, and you need an attorney.
Laugh Out Loud
Summertime Frozen Yogurt Pie Looking for a summer dessert you don’t have to feel guilty about indulging in? Try this easy, low-fat frozen treat!
Ingredients
•
1 premade graham cracker pie crust
• 1 cup frozen or fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries) 3 (6-ounce) containers regular yogurt (berry flavors work best) 3. Cover pie with foil or plastic lid. 4. Store in freezer for at least 3 hours, or until frozen through. 5. Serve frozen or slightly thawed. •
•
1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip
Instructions
1. Combine Cool Whip, mixed
berries, and yogurt in a bowl. Mix with a spatula until well-blended. 2. Pour yogurt mixture into pie crust.
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