assualt in the 4th degree

[evola]

i have been charged in Oregon with assault in the 4th degree. I have retained a lawyer and am confident in his ability. i would like to know other opinions. this is a chare from jan of 07 and i had no idea i was even in trouble. i had a libation in another town and county and don't know this women who is accusing me of assault. i have never been in a fight and was never contacted by police. 3 weeks ago my local police station recieved a fax of a warrant that was issued in may of 07 stating that the district attorney was charging me with assualt in the 4th degree. i immediately turn ed myself in with the bail money and was released 5 hours later on my own recognance. my arraignment was last thursday and i was given a pre-trial date and i am scared of what is to come. how do the judges determine what a sentence would be. i have never been convicted of anything but would it be rocking the boat if would continue this to go to trial. i am very active in my community and my life is very different now. SOBER and wonderful! it is very scary dealing with this so long after this supposed incident. i also have character witnesses on my behalf. How would this help me. i am also a transplant partner for a very dear friend and can't imagine being incarcerated for something that just didn't happen. i am also worried about small town politics. on the affidavit the police officer that made the statement for the DA is a brother in law for someone that i had been aquainted with and we parted on bad terms. any feedback would be helpful. the one good thing i have is the lawyer that i have retained. he only deals with criminal law. what a blessing to be able to do that!