Charged with Animal Cruelty for Leaving My Dog in My Car
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Pennsylvania
Last night I ran into a bar with a few friends, we were there for about an hour and a half. A thunderstorm had rolled through and dropped the temps to about 73*F so instead of running home and dropping off my dog we left her in the car with the windows rolled down slightly. Keep in mind it was late in the evening, around 7:30 and it was cloudy. According to weather records it was approx. 73*.
Apparently someone called the police and they came and I am being charged with Animal Cruelty (keep in mind my dog was completely fine and is sitting next to me as we speak) the cop said it was hot in the car (I have witnesses that say it was fine) and I'm not sure how to handle this situation.
I've never been in any trouble except for speeding tickets. What do the laws in PA allow for? From what I understand I can Plead Guilty (which I simply will not do) and take the fine and possible imprisonment. Or I can plead not guilty and take it to trial. Is there an option for deferment so I don't even have to deal with it?
Re: Charged with Animal Cruelty for Leaving My Dog in My Car
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smh0101
What do the laws in PA allow for?
The laws in PA allow for a lot of things.
They allow you to be prosecuted, fined, and possibly imprisoned.
They allow you to plead not guilty and raise a defense.
The thing is, there's no way of anybody commenting on anything without knowing which specific statute number you are being charged with (there are many animal cruelty statutes in PA).
So give us the number and you might get some helpful comments.
Re: Charged with Animal Cruelty for Leaving My Dog in My Car