[Jerseygirl]

a friend of mine was recently wrongfully accused, and arrested for aggravated assault(2counts), terroristic threat(2 counts), and possession of firearm. But, He has no way of proving his innocence. What should he do, and what are the possible consequences of these charges? What about if he pleads first offense? would the consequences be the same? How can he defend his self? How does "time-served" work?

[aaron]

He doens't have to prove his innocence - he is presumed innocent, and the prosecution has to prove his guilt.

If what you are saying is that the prosecution's case makes him look guilty, and he has no convincing response to their allegations and witnesses, it becomes all the more important that he consult a criminal defense lawyer in his state.

[Jerseygirl]

yeah, but, see, the thing is... he don't have the money for a lawyer. he was appointed a public offender, but he's not helping him. he hasn't even spoken to him yet, regardless of all the times that my friend has requested to speak to him - and it's been 3 months. he fired him, but they gave him the same one back!

[Mynd2Mind]

I believe, if you fire your appointed public defender, your going to have to afford your own attorney, or you're on your own. Your appointed attorney is to provide support, even if you decide to go pro se.