Q: Should my kids father plead guilty or take it to trial. He wad charged with 2nd degree child abuse.
My son stole my credit card and bought a gun online and failing class and getting suspended. His father disciplined him and left some marks. Cps was called and he was arrested. Hes never had trouble with the law before and no record. What should he do. Plead guilty or go to trial. If he pleads not guilty will he be able to bond out? What kind of time will he get?
A:
Child abuse in the second degree is a serious felony charge that carries up to 10 years in prison.
He should plead not guilty at his first court hearing, which will be an arraignment. At that time, the judge will also set the bond amount. It is in his best interest to retain a criminal defense attorney sooner than later. The attorney will be able to argue for a low bond or even a personal bond where no money is required. Furthermore, the attorney will be able to review the police reports and additional evidence and come up with a plan to get the charge dismissed or reduced.
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