Richmond, TX asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Civil Rights for Texas

Q: Do I need a lawyer to represent what I want in this case as the "victim"?

When I was 15 years old, I had runaway with my boyfriend of the age 19. We did this because my mom was abusive emotionally and had threatened to never let me see him again and lock him up forever for he took my virginity after months of dating. I regret our decision now looking back as an adult of 18 year old, but we were kids and made a mistake. Anyways, we continued our relationship through this time of 2 years and love each other unconditionally. He is my bestfriend and I know I am his as well. The case is being handled by the state of Texas however, for when we had runaway we crossed state lines into Tennessee. So the DA has come up with many Plea Bargains, saying that he can not have contact with me for 10 years until he has completed his probation, along with many other things like community service, jail time and so forth. I simply do not understand how the DA can say that two legal adults are not allowed to speak to one another, now he is in jail for breaking his bond.

1 Lawyer Answer
Kiele Linroth Pace
Kiele Linroth Pace
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Austin, TX
  • Licensed in Texas

A: The DA can't MAKE him do anything. The DA is just making an offer. If he doesn't like the terms but wants to negotiate then he can make a counter offer. If he doesn't want to negotiate then he simply reject the DA's offer and puts it in a status where either the DA gives up or takes it to a jury trial.

Having your own attorney may make it easier for you with regard to the DA but potentially harder with regard to the defendant's attorney... so you want to make sure your attorney can work with the defendant's attorney.

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