Accused of criminal damage in France - Issued Court summons

[Theodecorum]

Hello.

Going to have to make this short as I'm in work. Basically, whilst in France last year, I was arrested. I had been accused of criminal damage to a persons car which I did not cause. As I had been drinking, I was put in a cell, presumably to sober up, then, 18 odd hours later, I was interviewed. After the interview I was then issued with a Court summons and sent on my way.

So, I'm just after some advice on what to expect - i.e Having to attend in person or possibility of being represented by a laywer? Possible outcomes? etc.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks for your time.

[Busi]

Request full disclosure of evidence from the prosecution, look through it, oh demand it is translated as well. Challenge it and perhaps make a civil offer to the person whose property you damaged. If you can agree with them then you have no need to go to court at all. Make it difficult for them basically. They may just go away. If you did not do it then they will have no evidence that will stand up in the full disclosure.

At the end of the day,worst comes to worst. You are outside their jurisdiction and even if they convict you in your absence they cannot possibly enforce it. Short of getting an extradition warrant for the most minor of offences which will cost them a fortune they can only arrest you when you are in France so sod them... Lol
But see what they have got on you and possibly prepare an affadavit and get statements from people who may help exhonorate you, I think they just want to scare you into giving them money to be honest.