I received a ticket to appear in court from a Mississippi state parks ranger for, assisting a person to flee from a atv no helpmit ticket. I dont even know this person, he was in a group of riders and a few received tickets for no helmets, I did not because I was on a ATV with seatbelts so there was no requirement for me to wear one but one kid took off and so I got the only thing he felt he could charge me with. What do I do? I am a college student and never even had a speeding ticket. I did not know him did not give him keys, did not move so he could drive away nothing. BUT I HAVE TO APPEAR IN COURT. THE OFFENSE CODE HE WROTE WAS 327.24 (B).
Optional Information: Country relating to Question: United StatesState (if USA): MississippiWhat have you tried so far?: NOTHNG, ITS ONLY BEEN A FEW DAYS AND I HAVE CALLED AND IT HAS NOT BEEN FILED YET. THE TICKET SAYS I WILL BE NOTIFIED WHEN TO APPEAR.
Welcome and thank you for your question!I am sorry to learn of your experience. Am I correct to assume that you are not guilty of the offense?
No I am not guilty. I was asked who the kid/20 something was and I responded I did not know his name. There were many riding at the state park and I did not know most of them personally. His atv was many feet away from where I was standing talking to the ranger. I feel he was upset because he could not ticket me for no helmet because I was on an ATV that had seat belts/CanAm. I am 22 never had any problems I am a full time student and I work 50 hours a week. I am not the troubled kid, just someone trying to enjoy a ride at the lake. I was not disrespectful, because I am also a kid of military parents that did not allow that. I am very upset that of all the kids that drink and do drugs and such, I am now considered a felon somehow.
Okay. Can you afford to hire an attorney to represent you in court?
NO, I CAN NOT AND DONT WANT MY PARENTS TO PAY EITHER. BUT MIGHT HAVE TO.
No problem. Simply go to court (dress neatly, be on time, and be polite to everyone), go in front of the judge and plead not guilty, ask for a jury trial, and ask for a court appointed attorney / public defender.Most likely, the judge will adjourn the case for a later date, you'll be assigned an attorney, and then you will meet with the attorney and prepare your case for trial. When the prosecutor cannot prove it's case, the jury will return a not guilty verdict and you will not have any record.It has been my pleasure to assist you today with your information needs. It is my goal that you are satisfied. No expert can promise you an answer that is favorable to your circumstances. But I will do my very best to explain the legal principles that are related to the facts you’ve described so that you can better understand the “why” of things. What are your options now?If you wish to continue this conversation, click on the Reply tab. If you are satisfied that I have answered your question, then please rate the answer with “excellent service” so that I receive credit for assisting you. Positive ratings are the only way I receive credit for assisting you today.IF you feel the need to click either "Helped a little" or "I expected more," then do not rate me (not yet, anyway!). Instead, reply to me using the REPLY tab. Specify what additional information you need and I will be happy to continue further and do everything I can to provide you with the service you seek. Thanks, ~~ J.B.
What would the charge/penalty be if by chance found guilty? I know I didnt do anything but I need to know this.
The written offense code that appears on your ticket does not refer to a specific state law. It may be an internal code. You can call the court and ask them what the comparable state law citation is and then you can look it up at: http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/mscode/Or, the judge will tell you the range of penalty at the arraignment.~~ J.B.
Experience: Handling criminal and probation matters for over 14 years.