I would recommend retaining an attorney for this matter. This response does not contain specific legal advice. If you need specific legal advice, you should consult with an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court may appoint you one at the public's expense. You are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Only if a person is ultimately convicted or if they plead guilty will they be sentenced. In some instances, people negotiate some type of plea deal where, in exchange for admitting guilt, the parties agree to a sentencing recommendation of no additional jail time. If a judge wished to sentence a person to jail in that scenario, the defendant would have a right to withdraw their plea. Further, some judges will not sentence offenders to jail for more minor misdemeanor charges, depending on the circumstances. Some people have their charges dismissed or go to trial and are acquitted.
Answered on Oct 05th, 2011 at 1:20 PM