Petty misdemeanor and the future or my career with a major/fractional
11-26-2007, 09:49 AM
#11
Administrator
Joined APC: May 2006
Position: C-172
Posts: 8,024
Not only should you get a good lawyer, get one who practices criminal law and who has handled similar cases as yours. Now is not the time to use that lawyer who helped you with the adoption or real estate transaction.
And remember to tell him everything. There may be things you don't think is important or relevant, but let him decide that. Also ask questions yourself.
Good luck. Let us know how it ended. You'll be fine; I've had people sit in my office with worse horror stories.
And remember to tell him everything. There may be things you don't think is important or relevant, but let him decide that. Also ask questions yourself.
Good luck. Let us know how it ended. You'll be fine; I've had people sit in my office with worse horror stories.
11-26-2007, 12:59 PM
#16
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 40,403
This is NOT a big deal, if it is as you say (ie no more to the story that you haven't mentioned). Remember, the "agency" only wants their money, not the hassle of other things. One thing that you didn't mention is the amount of the check. THAT is a factor as well.
Remember, you haven't been CHARGED with anything--- you can't be charged through the mail. There may be an arrest warrant out for you though... DO NOT contact the sheriff just to be safe. Contact a local attorney first.
Think "What would Bill Clinton do?"
DO -- Contact a local lawyer.
DO -- Keep SILENT (ie do not speak with anyone but said lawyer above) By talking to anyone else, you are only hurting your chances of getting this COMPLETELY erased.
DO NOT --- Contact the sheriff
DO NOT --- Contact the bank
DO NOT --- Offer ANY sort of apology etc.
DO -- CHANGE BANKS; Many banks offer programs to keep you from getting into this situation. Your current bank sucks if they don't offer overdraft protection.
This is not a big deal (I guess depending on your state -- California no big deal; Virginia or Texas, maybe a bigger deal) Remember they only want their money... an attorney can make deals for you (remember, get one locally).
This will go away. An unintentional mistake is NOT a crime.
Remember, you haven't been CHARGED with anything--- you can't be charged through the mail. There may be an arrest warrant out for you though... DO NOT contact the sheriff just to be safe. Contact a local attorney first.
Think "What would Bill Clinton do?"
DO -- Contact a local lawyer.
DO -- Keep SILENT (ie do not speak with anyone but said lawyer above) By talking to anyone else, you are only hurting your chances of getting this COMPLETELY erased.
DO NOT --- Contact the sheriff
DO NOT --- Contact the bank
DO NOT --- Offer ANY sort of apology etc.
DO -- CHANGE BANKS; Many banks offer programs to keep you from getting into this situation. Your current bank sucks if they don't offer overdraft protection.
This is not a big deal (I guess depending on your state -- California no big deal; Virginia or Texas, maybe a bigger deal) Remember they only want their money... an attorney can make deals for you (remember, get one locally).
This will go away. An unintentional mistake is NOT a crime.
What he said.
This is a crime if you intentionally issued a bad check with the intent of defruading someone. In your case it sounds like a math error exacerbated by the bank not being able to contact you via mail (did they try your phone or email?).
DEFINATELY hire a lawyer and attempt to make this go away. It would be worth a significant amount of money to beat this. If it goes to trial and you somehow lose, the chances of someone like you going to jail for this are zero (in 99% of the US).
If you do somehow end up with a conviction on your record, then you can own up, be apologetic, and take responsibility.
But ask the lawyer.
11-26-2007, 01:10 PM
#17
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2007
Position: B-7ER JFK
Posts: 931
. Don't sweat it too much, keep flying and keep on doing the right thing. It could even benefit you by making it a good story for the interview, IF and only IF, you do the right things from here on out.
11-26-2007, 01:21 PM
#18
Line Holder
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Aug 2007
Posts: 93
Hey guys, thanks for all the advice and support, it is much appreciated. I spoke with a lawyer first thing this morning and explained the entire story and the circumstances that go along with it....I am happy to announce that as of 3pm this afternoon he had already spoken with the ADA and had the charges dropped pending payment of the check, which I have already done...so the situation is over...like it never happened. What a relief. Thanks again everyone!
11-26-2007, 02:15 PM
#20
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2007
Position: 737 CA MIA
Posts: 1,042
