My question involves criminal law for the state of: Louisiana.
I was recently in New Orleans with my girlfriend. She became quite intoxicated, to the point where she was being belligerent (with me alone) and I, seeing that she was too fargone to be responsible for herself, was attempting to escort her, on foot, to our hotel room. She collapsed on the sidewalk, and myself and another gentleman who took pity were attempting to help her up (I should add that she was verbally and physically resisting me) when two police officers stopped in a cruiser, handcuffed us and issued us citations that turned out to be court summons for later this month. I could not read the statute, and when I asked the officer what the charge was, he said, and I quote "Fighting."
I do not know what a 'fighting' charge actually will mean in court (assault? public disorder?) but I do know that the officers could not possibly believe that I was fighting. If this is a violent charge, I am a victim, not a perpetrator, and the officers on the scene even remarked that my girlfriend was the problem, I was not. Still, I recieved a citation along with her.
I have made repeated attempts by phone to find out what my charge is, but have been told that the information is not yet on record with the courthouse, nor can I find out from the precinct, and worse, that the information may not be posted until AFTER the date I am to appear in court. So, I may not find out what I am being charged with until I am standing before the judge.
I would gladly plead no contest to a public disturbance or related charge, after all, I do assume guilt in as much as I proved unable to stop my girlfriend from going too far, of which I am deeply ashamed. However, I do not wish to plead no contest, which I assume to be as good as pleading guilty, to a charge that I did not committ, especially a violent one.
I am also, to make matters even worse, currently interviewing for a good job, which I have basically been offered, pending a background check. Before this, my record would appear completely clean save for a few minor traffic offenses. Now, I am terrified to have this show up, and while I would like to tell my potential employers what is going on up front, I can't even tell them what I am being charged with! I am also afraid that if I enter a plea of not guilty, I will have to return to New Orleans again, and face an actual trial. I cannot afford an attorney, and I would be ashamed beyond measure to involve any friends and/or family in this matter.
I realize this is an unclear situation, but I have explained it as well as I know too, and I appreciate any and all advice you can give me. Thank you.