I would like to thank in advance to those whom are taking time off their busy day to offer any advice that may help me make the next best move during these times of immense stress for my family and I - God bless.

I am a 21 year old student residing in California with no prior convinctions and no felonies on my record.

My parents have recently divorced and I decided to live with my father whose health is rapidly deteriorating to the point where he sometimes is unable to move from the tremendous amount of pain - forcing me to quit school and take a full time job in order to pay for the medical bills and rent.

On May 3rd around the evening, I drove my father back to our previous residence to collect things he needed after I let my mother know that we would be visiting. After a few minutes inside, I heard my parents arguing so I went to see what was happening only to realize that my mom had jumped onto my dad's back and was attacking him viciously. Initially I tried pulling my mom off but she would not let go so I used my arm to choke her with the least amount of force possible so she wouldn't harm my dad any further. I rushed my father into the vehicle and went back to his place.

My younger brother who did not witness the fight, notified me today that my mom had called police that night and now had a warrant out for my arrest but was unclear of the charges she was pressing besides obviously assault for choking her.

I know I have to and will turn myself in to face this warrant, but without money for a lawyer - I am worried that I will be unable to properly defend myself against the law and would like to know what kind of trouble/time i'd be facing & also how I should go about presenting my side of the story?

Thanks once again..