Expert: Charles W. Field - 1/5/2005

Question
My son is 23 lives at home and is unemployed. He's a diabetic and is on depression medicine. 2 weeks ago him and his buddy about the same age shot a slingshot from our house at the neighbors house damaging the siding and breaking a window. The town cop read them their rights. Any advice as to what he should do when he sees the District justice? Could he plead guilty and offer to pay half of the restitutions? Thanx for your time and have a nice day!

Answer
I would strongly advise that you at least consult with a local attorney. It may be possible, depending on the law of your state, to get him "first offender status" (that's what it is called in GA). Under our law, if he serves his probation, the charge is wiped off his record as far as future employers are concerned.