So I was cited with disorderly conduct (save the lectures please) and have to appear in court Thursday. I was hoping my fellow OC'ers may be able to provide me with some advice regarding what to say, how to handle the situation, and what a typical fine or sentence may be if charged. All I know is that it is a misdemeanor but am not familiar with situations like this. I do not consider myself this kinda person and shouldn't be in this situation (again, save the lectures please) but was hoping anyone might be able to provide some advice. Thanks.

No contest pay about 175 fine on the high end and be done with it.

Care to elaborate on the situation?

Also, I always suggest an attorney. Or at least a consult with one who deals with that particular type of charge/court/judge so that you can make an informed decision whether or not to retain an attorney based upon the likely outcome.

I can't imagine the fines being out of control, but I'm not a lawyer and have never been charged with a crime. If you spend money for a lawyer, you may be able to walk away with nothing but a story and a emptier pocket.

Depending on your career or future career it could be worth hiring a lawyer to see if he can get you a plea deal. It might cost more but he might be able to get you a charge that wont look as bad on your record

I was out at the bars Friday night and the manager of the bar thought I was responsible for something some other drunk dumb ass did. He physically pushed me out of the bar before I even had any idea what I had done and I was unhappy with it to say the least. I demanded an explanation and we got into a pretty heated verbal argument. I'm pretty sure he felt threatened and feared for his safety because he called the cops and they immediately cuffed me and threw me in the back of the cruiser.

Also, hiring an attorney isn't really an option for me at this point.

I just don't want it to affect my graduate teaching position that I start in the fall. The cop asked what I did and when I told him I'm going to be a graduate student he said "not anymore you aren't." I'm pretty sure he was just being a prick but it was still uncalled for and made me nervous for the time being.

He's definitely being a prick. You'll be fine.

Barry Badrinath;1222132 wrote:I was out at the bars Friday night and the manager of the bar thought I was responsible for something some other drunk dumb ass did. He physically pushed me out of the bar before I even had any idea what I had done and I was unhappy with it to say the least. I demanded an explanation and we got into a pretty heated verbal argument. I'm pretty sure he felt threatened and feared for his safety because he called the cops and they immediately cuffed me and threw me in the back of the cruiser.

Also, hiring an attorney isn't really an option for me at this point.

I just don't want it to affect my graduate teaching position that I start in the fall. The cop asked what I did and when I told him I'm going to be a graduate student he said "not anymore you aren't." I'm pretty sure he was just being a prick but it was still uncalled for and made me nervous for the time being.

Public defender is $25 I think. And the cop was being a prick.

Truly do appreciate the insight guys. Any advice on how to go about getting a public defender in Columbus? If they are only 25 dollars I would definitely like to look in to it if everyone thinks it will make a difference.

When you go to court they will ask you how you plead and if you would like a lawyer at which time you will tell them you need a court appointed attorney. Good luck man hope this all helps.

I would talk to your school and see what they say about the ticket and if it will be a problem in the future.

Barry Badrinath;1222132 wrote:I was out at the bars Friday night and the manager of the bar thought I was responsible for something some other drunk dumb ass did. He physically pushed me out of the bar before I even had any idea what I had done and I was unhappy with it to say the least. I demanded an explanation and we got into a pretty heated verbal argument. I'm pretty sure he felt threatened and feared for his safety because he called the cops and they immediately cuffed me and threw me in the back of the cruiser.

Also, hiring an attorney isn't really an option for me at this point.

I just don't want it to affect my graduate teaching position that I start in the fall. The cop asked what I did and when I told him I'm going to be a graduate student he said "not anymore you aren't." I'm pretty sure he was just being a prick but it was still uncalled for and made me nervous for the time being.

Do you have any proof it was someone else who did whatever it was? He shoved you and then you two got into a verbal argument with no other physical contact, I don't see anything that can really hold up. Unless there is more to the story or they have some type of proof you did something wrong.

But people get fucked by this type of shit often enough.

Barry Badrinath;1222132 wrote:I was out at the bars Friday night and the manager of the bar thought I was responsible for something some other drunk dumb ass did. He physically pushed me out of the bar before I even had any idea what I had done and I was unhappy with it to say the least. I demanded an explanation and we got into a pretty heated verbal argument. I'm pretty sure he felt threatened and feared for his safety because he called the cops and they immediately cuffed me and threw me in the back of the cruiser.

Also, hiring an attorney isn't really an option for me at this point.

I just don't want it to affect my graduate teaching position that I start in the fall. The cop asked what I did and when I told him I'm going to be a graduate student he said "not anymore you aren't." I'm pretty sure he was just being a prick but it was still uncalled for and made me nervous for the time being.

If this is the truth, that cop and bar owner were both pricks and I'd press charges against both just to prove my point.

I'd also check to see if the bar has surveillance

The biggest problem with pressing charges against the owner and/or cop is Im guessing barry had been drinking. If that is the case he will be torn apart by the court. trying to go against two sober people is usually a rough thing.

mcburg93;1222144 wrote:The biggest problem with pressing charges against the owner and/or cop is Im guessing barry had been drinking. If that is the case he will be torn apart by the court. trying to go against two sober people is usually a rough thing.

Just because you're drinking doesn't mean you don't have rights.

hoops23;1222145 wrote:Just because you're drinking doesn't mean you don't have rights.

I completely agree trust me. Its just rough unless you have witnesses or video proof of what happened.

Its a minor misdemeanor, the same as a traffic ticket. pay the fine.

I would check to see if your county has a diversion program. You go see a counselor 3-4 times, they then take the incident off your record.

Fuck the lawyer idea ... only Liberals need lawyers. Truth will prevail something Liberal don’t understand.


Create a resume of your accomplishment and future plans in a nice short format (have it ready) .
You’re not a criminal just a person in the wrong place at a wrong time... and that is not a crime, that a misfortune.
Present the resume to the judge asking permission ... to do so Do not approach the bench without permission..

If ask to explain what happen&#8230;Explain the situation as it happen to the judge in a clam and collected manner. Make sure your fact are straight make it short and make it direct to the subject matter. Judges don&#8217;t have all day&#8230;</SPAN>
Don&#8217;t jump around when telling your side stay on track about what happen&#8230; practice doing this.. </SPAN>

Present yourself as an individual that is very sorry and that the situation escalated quickly by the over reaction of the bar tender (do not place blame on the bar keeper, let the Judge make that determination). Do not bring up the Police office comments or behavior remember the Judge and Cop are on the same side generally. Speak only when ask and speak directly to the question. </SPAN>

You have never been a situation like this and regret what happen. </SPAN>

Also ask that this situation does not present itself as a criminal record... </SPAN>

Call the Judge &#8230; Your honor </SPAN>

Plead no-contest. You can always file for expungement afterward.

Would it be possible to file a counter suit with a public defender? Imo- play hard ball and if this is the only time you've ever been arrested, being optimistic they may drop the charges.

hoops23;1222145 wrote:Just because you're drinking doesn't mean you don't have rights.

No, but by default, the words of a sober business owner and a law enforcement officer will have more credibility than that of a drunk.

queencitybuckeye;1222350 wrote:No, but by default, the words of a sober business owner and a law enforcement officer will have more credibility than that of a drunk.

true that mofo

queencitybuckeye;1222350 wrote:No, but by default, the words of a sober business owner and a law enforcement officer will have more credibility than that of a drunk.

Fuck the liberal business owner and police officer!

How'd that sound?

Just murder the bar owner and the cop. No more witnesses. Problem solved. Your word against a couple of dead guys.

How the hell is the business owner a liberal? He is trying to make a PROFIT and he EMPLOYS people. In America today THAT is NOT what a liberal does.

to the OP... listen to Belly.