If someone gets arrested and got a charge for misappropriate use of ID/obtain money, should't they have a hearning next day?: He's been in custody for a week and hasn't had a court hearnig for bond or the case.
Pablo's answer: No. The person must have a hearing, generally speaking, w/in 48 hours.
Being charged with substantial battery after punching man after being harassed and grabbed.: Hello, I reside in the state of Wisconsin and have been charged with substantial battery. Ill make the story short as I can; My girlfriend and I went to a bar where she wanted to sing a song and two guys were up there singing a dirty song which included alot of sexual references, one of the guys singing came up by our table and kept on looking at my girlfriend and making these sexual references, he also kept on coming up to me and putting the microfophone by my face telling me to "say something". I saw that he was trying to provoke me so I laughed it off and told him "no thank you" three separate times. After they finished the song, the guy that kept on coming up to our table came up to me and grabbed and tugged on the hat that I was wearing, so I instantly punched him in the mouth. The cops were called and he had to get 8 stitches and they are charging me with felony substantial battery. I have prior felony conviction almost 4 years ago and have kept out of trouble. I felt violated, threatened and disrespected by him when he grabbed my hat. I have thin hair and don't like to take my hat off unless I absolutely have to, and I felt a sudden rush of embarrassment when he grabbed and tugged on my hat . I don't know what to do or if I can escape this felony charge, the man clearly was looking for a problem with me and I didn't do anything until he grabbed my hat. Can you please give me any sort of advise as to how this looks legally?
Pablo's answer: Sounds like a stretch to argue self-defense, given that you say that "the guy that kept on coming up to our table came up to me and grabbed and tugged on the hat that I was wearing, so I INSTANTLY punched him in the mouth." (Emphasis added.) In Wisconsin, a person is privileged to intentionally use force against another for the purpose of preventing or terminating what he reasonably believes to be an unlawful interference with his person by another. The actor may intentionally use only such force as the actor reasonably believes is necessary to prevent or terminate the interference. In your particular case, based on how you've described it, is there any reason why you couldn't have gotten up and asked the bartender to have the guy kicked out? (Do NOT answer this question on this board/ public forum!!!! It's not confidential!) Your best option is to hire an attorney.
Do I need a lawyer?: I am a student, age 20, and was caught underage drinking and with a false identification card. The codes I violated are 17.09(1) - dangerous conduct, 17.09(6) - underage alcohol abuse, and 17.09(9) - forgery or falsification. My court date is coming up in two weeks, and I am hoping for some of the charges removed. I am unsure if a lawyer would be in my best interest or if there is nothing the lawyer can do to help my case. I cannot have a public defender because it is a non-criminal case. Please let me know what you think my best options are. All answers are appreciated!!!
Pablo's answer: If a friend of yours called you one morning and said "I woke up this morning w/pain in my stomach, should I go see a doctor?" What advice would you give your friend?