Legal Question in Criminal Law in Arizona

I was arrested eight months ago for possession of marijuana but was released and not taken in to the station. The officers told me to expect to hear about a court date in 2 to 3 months but I have heard nothing. I have read in Arizona they can wait 7 years before charging you, and I am worrying constantly about the charges. Is there anything I can do to understand the state of my case? I can't afford a lawyer. How will I be contacted when a decision is made? Additionally, I am graduating soon and was planning to move out of state, would it cause any problems if I did this before being charged?


Asked on 3/19/13, 11:53 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jen Lockerby Lockerby Law Firm, PLLC

While it is true that the State has 7 years under the Statute of Limitations, if the State waits very long before charging you they might run into a pre-indictment delay issue. Two or three months is not a very long time, relatively speaking. You should check the public access page of the Arizona Supreme Court website (link below) regularly to see when/if you get charged. Typically, a summons would be sent to your last known address advising you of an impending court date. If you move, the summons will likely be returned and a warrant could issue for your arrest. It might be wise to hire an attorney now on a pre-indictment basis. That attorney could contact the State and let them know that they will accept service on your behalf, should you be charged, and then a warrant should not issue. Feel free to call my office for a free consultation if you would like to discuss further.

http://apps.supremecourt.az.gov/publicaccess/

Good Luck!

Jen Lockerby

Lockerby Law Firm, PLLC

4234 N. Winfield Scott Plaza

Suite 101

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

480-284-5174

www.lockerbylawfirm.com

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Answered on 5/23/13, 7:54 pm


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