Legal Question in Criminal Law in California
Is it possible to ''beat'' a misdemeanor warrant in Los Angeles?
I attempted to drive away from an unjustified parking ticket (I was already in the car, and the engine was running when they tried to give me the ticket), but the ticket guy and his partner claimed that my attempt to drive around them was an ''assault''.
I was later charged with 2 counts of misdemeanor ''assault with a deadly weapon'' (completely ridiculous in my opinion.)
I've got an attorney, and am trying to get everything straightened out, but if any significant jailtime is on the horizon, I'll lose my job and my house (even for a misdemeanor).
For me- that's just not an option.
If it came to that- assuming I don't show up in court and it goes to a warrant- is it possible to ''beat'' the warrant by moving to another state/county or by letting enough time go by (and staying out of trouble) that the warrant would expire?
Could I leave the country and still get back in?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Is it possible to ''beat'' a misdemeanor warrant in Los Angeles?
Follow your attorney's advice.
Re: Is it possible to ''beat'' a misdemeanor warrant in Los Angeles?
No. Warrants are forever. They don't expire.
If you try to re-enter the country with an outstanding warrant, you would likely be apprehended. The authorities might not bother extraditing you if this happens in a distant location, but I wouldn't count on that. Prosecutors take assaulting an officer seriously, even in misdemeanor cases.
Re: Is it possible to ''beat'' a misdemeanor warrant in Los Angeles?
There is no such thing as "beating" a warrant. Warrants never expire. They catch up with you sooner or later. Not a wise option.
You should do everything possible to beat the charges because from you are describing they appear to be ridiculous. Jail time should not be your sole consideration. You do not want an assault on your record. You can always call different lawyers for independent re-evaluation of your case.
Jacek W. Lentz, Esq.
310.273.1361
www.lentzlawfirm.com