Affording an Attorney
Donation protected
As some of you already know, there's been an ongoing issue between myself and Austell Gas. Party or parties unknown cut a padlock on my gas meter and changed the setting without my knowledge or consent.
A couple months later, I received a notice that I was being charged with Theft of Services - a Misdemeanor, given the dollar amount listed as stolen.
I freaked out. My amazing partner went to the gas company, paid everything we had outstanding, and put a substantial deposit down for a new account. We thought everything was settled.
A couple months after that, I received a letter in mail with a hearing date. I was still being charged for Theft of Services.
At the hearing on 22 Jan 2018, the judge stated that Theft of Services in relation to gas companies bills are not about the amount stolen - hence why paying literally everything the gas company asked for didn't affect the charge. Charges are levied as an object lesson for messing with gas meters. The evidence presented by the gas company was circumstantial, but the judge found it damning enough to issue a warrant. I spent 6 hours that night in jail.
I spoke with an attorney on 03 Feb 2018. He suspects he can get the charges dropped and the record of my arrest expunged, but the cost to do so will be $4,000.00.
I don't have $4,000.00. Even the payment plan offered - spreading the cost out over 4 months - isn't realistic for my current situation. I need help and, at this point, I'm not sure how else to get it. Having an ethics-related arrest on my record could potentially cost me my job.
If you can help, please help. Either by donating for by sharing this campaign. Every little bit helps, and every little bit is appreciated .
A couple months later, I received a notice that I was being charged with Theft of Services - a Misdemeanor, given the dollar amount listed as stolen.
I freaked out. My amazing partner went to the gas company, paid everything we had outstanding, and put a substantial deposit down for a new account. We thought everything was settled.
A couple months after that, I received a letter in mail with a hearing date. I was still being charged for Theft of Services.
At the hearing on 22 Jan 2018, the judge stated that Theft of Services in relation to gas companies bills are not about the amount stolen - hence why paying literally everything the gas company asked for didn't affect the charge. Charges are levied as an object lesson for messing with gas meters. The evidence presented by the gas company was circumstantial, but the judge found it damning enough to issue a warrant. I spent 6 hours that night in jail.
I spoke with an attorney on 03 Feb 2018. He suspects he can get the charges dropped and the record of my arrest expunged, but the cost to do so will be $4,000.00.
I don't have $4,000.00. Even the payment plan offered - spreading the cost out over 4 months - isn't realistic for my current situation. I need help and, at this point, I'm not sure how else to get it. Having an ethics-related arrest on my record could potentially cost me my job.
If you can help, please help. Either by donating for by sharing this campaign. Every little bit helps, and every little bit is appreciated .
Organizer
Rowan Keele-Hokanson
Organizer
Austell, GA
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