Posted: Nov 21, 2003 7:53 pm
Hey Clint, make sure that you have representation. The fine etc, is not the important part, the important part is to not be convicted b/c a conviction on this could provide the groundwork for a civil wrongful death suit. It is unlikely any of the residents would be actually named as suit is only prudent where there is money to be gained and it will probably be against the owner if there is one, but you need to be real careful to not take this lightly as a death is very serious in the obvious ways, but it is very serious in a monetary sense as well. Just being named a party to a wrongful death and having to get representation could be very financially burdensome. I would make sure your ass is covered the very best it can be on the criminal part of this. This could be about passing the buck. If the town of Blacksburg knew about shows going on there they may be liable, if the owner knew he may be liable, but nobody is going to hold their hand up and say I'm liable, so a criminal conviction for operating a dance hall points the finger in the direction of the residents and you don't want that.
