Sometimes, all it takes for an individual’s life to change is the mere accusation of a crime. Especially for anyone unfamiliar with the legal system, being charged with a felony and arrested can be an unsettling and frightening experience. It may be even more upsetting if the situation is one in which it’s one person’s word against another, with little other apparent evidence.
A recent case in Iowa involves a man who was apparently arrested on the word of two people. Witnesses claim they saw a man riding away from a residence on a motorcycle. The Harley, valued at $11,000, was supposedly stolen when someone broke into a garage using a crowbar on a padlock.
No mention was made in the news article regarding whether the motorcycle was found in the accused’s possession or whether any other proof exists. Regardless, the individual, a 48-year-old Mason City man, was served a warrant on Friday, June 16. He is being held in jail on cash-only bond of $15,000.
There is no way to know how the man will respond to the charges of first-degree theft and third-degree burglary he is currently facing. If he wisely chooses to retain the services of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney, his counsel will work hard to ensure his legal rights are protected while making sure he understands the charges against him and any possible outcomes. While anyone similarly accused of a felony in Iowa would, of course, have the option to discuss a negotiated plea agreement with his or her lawyer, defendants also may choose to contest the charges against them in a court of law. In any event, the skilled counsel of an experienced defense attorney typically proves the key to the best possible outcome.
Source: globegazette.com, “Mason city man charged with stealing motorcycle“, Mary Pieper, June 19, 2017
