Legal Question in Criminal Law in Arkansas

Counts in multiple states

My relative recently wrote bad checks in Arkansas, Louisiana,Oklahoma and Texas. He was picked up and is being held in Arkansas.Is there any way all these charges can be combined or will he go to court in each of the numerous counties where he wrote the checks? He has bipolar disorder without medication and this is not his first offense. He will be charged as a habitual offender. We cannot afford an attorney. Friends suggested to him it would be better for the charges to go to federal court, but I can't believe that to be true. Your opinion would be greatly appreciated.


Asked on 6/23/05, 3:42 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrew Casanave Andrew M. Casanave

Re: Counts in multiple states

A state trial court's jurisdiction is normally the territorial boundaries of that judicial district. This is often the county/parish where the court is located. Assume that every county where a check was written is a new case against him. It is difficult to get two jurisdictions in the same state to agree to work together on a plea. Multiple counties in four states would clearly be more difficult.

It may be worth hiring one experienced criminal lawyer, that practices in both state and federal courts, in the state with the largest amount of money involved, to try to package a deal either in state or federal courts. It would take more information than I have to decide the advantages or even the possibility of having the case handled in federal court. It will not be the defendant's decision but sometimes a friendly U.S. Attorney can be convinced.

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Answered on 6/24/05, 4:39 am


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