Intellectual Property Law

I just received a notice to appeer in Court for "Misdemeanor: Accepting Stolen Property"?

I have no knowledge of accepting any stolen property but I do remember an incident not so long ago when my "friend" stole a cell phone from a kid and ran away. I was the driver and didnt know how to react and just drove away. I've never done anything bad in my entire life to deserve this. That day he was caught and I was as well, but I since It really wasnt my decision they only held me downtown and took away my car. I felt like the world was falling on me when that happened. As a result of that I never hung out with that friend again. What should I do? What should I expect as punishment? I don't think jail, but they may put it on my record. I really don't want anything like that on my record that will affect my chances at a job. Should I just tell the Judge what happened? I honestly didnt feel right away leaving from the scene but I felt as If I had no choice. I can't afford an Attorney. If I could just buy the kid a new phone I would. What should I do?

Public Comments

1. If your a juvenile don't sweat it, they are going to let you go anyway. Kids always get let go.
2. Sorry But Stolen Is Stolen If Your Friend Robbed A Bank Or Store Would You Just Drive Away If So... You Are An Accesory To Stolen Property. Sometimes We Only Get Seconds To Make A Decision & That Decision Could Change Your Life. Also Theres No Difference If He Stold It From Another Kid Or A Store Same Offense. But Since Youve Never Been In Trouble With The Law. They'll Propably Fine You For The Phone, Or Let You Go With A Warning.
3. Regardless of anything, do not ignore a notice to appear in court. Failure to appear is very serious (I have first hand knowledge), trust me! DO NOT FAIL TO APPEAR!!!!!
4. When you are with somebody that has commited a crime you are as guilty as they are. The best thing is to be honest with the judge. Never Never drive off like that cause you can get nailed big time. You can call the court house and ask for legal assistance since you do not have the money and get some advice from them. I do not consider "your friend" as a friend. You are up a creek without a paddle on this depending on the judge. Call legal asst. asap for help. I do not know how old you are, but please make some new friends who do not steal and commit crimes. If you are a juvenile, you could possibly be looking a detention facility for juveniles. I will pray for you.
5. i don't think you have much to worry about, the most they will do is fine you, and if this is your first time, they may even dismiss it... if they do that it's not going to show up on your record, an Attorney would be a wast of money...
6. Never plead guilty. A guilty plea is an admission of guilt and can be used against you in court, if they plan to sue. I am going to assume you were arrested, booked and charged; hopefully you didn't admit to doing anything wrong (my guess is you admitted to it or something, otherwise they wouldn't be going this far with something this hard to prove) If you get a lawyer you will probably get off of it. If you try it yourself you may actually loose. FYI: records do not disappear when you turn 18. If you are not going to get a lawyer see if they have a stet docket or consider pleading no contest (nolo contendere). Personally, I think this is one of those times it may pay to get a lawyer because it may actually sway the balance as to whether you get off of the charges.