Merchantville, NJ asked in Criminal Law and Libel & Slander for New Jersey

Q: Help! My first criminal charge 2C:17-3A(1) "Criminal Mischief"...neighbor tried to run me over w her car, I got out of

way, but the mirror hit my body SO HARD that it broke off, hanging by wires. When Police came she lied & said she never left parking spot & I "went Godzilla" on mirror. I showed police the tire marks in the sleet and they realized the lie. Police refused to talk to my witness, only talked to hers, who heard her lie to cops and just repeated it.

Police didn't ask me if I was injured, oddly didn’t arrest her. I got summons in mail and still haven't been arrested or Miranda righted. Day before car, she viciously attacked & beat me up while saying terroristic threats. Months before, terroristic threats, racial slurs, harassment, disorderly persons, disturbing the peace, etc....tried to get TRO, but was told NO by PD. Didn’t press charges or go to police bc she threatened my life. I'm scared, low income & can’t find a flexible attorney and don’t trust PD’s. Strange case and she terrifies me!! I've 1 disturbing the peace & good order charge from 9 yrs ago, paid a ticket. ADVICE???

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1 Lawyer Answer
H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • East Brunswick, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: The best advise anyone can give you is the same advise police use when confronted by citizens. Get yourself a body cam, it may seem crazy, but so are these incidents you describe and it is the best way to protect yourself from future incidents. As for not being able to afford a lawyer, not to worry if you are truly low income, the court will appoint a public defender for you, just insist on a trial if you think you can win as you know much more than we do about the facts of your case and prior history.

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