Legal Question in Criminal Law in California
I had a officer come to my house and inform me about a warrent for my arrest on a contempt of court on something from August of 2003. He said he was suppose to take me but he didn't and said to just take care of it . why would they wait six years to let me know?
4 Answers from Attorneys
I don't know, but it sounds like a case of excessive manpower if they have people to assign to that. However, don't let it slide. They will arrest you next time and it will cost you bail money. It's time to bite the bullet and get a lawyer.
Sometimes law enforcement agencies just let old warrants for non violent offenses pile up due to more oressing matters. Every few years they have a push to clear the backlog.
As Mr. Dinday points out, you might be headed to jail next time, so take care of it before they come for you again.
I would just add that an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to use the delay to get the matter dismissed on due process or speedy trial grounds. The police can't just sit on a warrant for years without making an effort to serve it.
Why is irrelevant. The officer cut you a break and didn't take you away in cuffs. Go to court asap and deal with the charges or they'll come back with cuffs, now that they know where you are. If you're serious about getting legal counsel in this, feel free to contact me.
Who knows but you have to take care of it anyway as you are at risk of being arrested at any time. I would call a few attorneys in your area to see what they can do to help you in this situation.
Jacek W. Lentz, Esq. 213.250.9200 www.lentzlawfirm.com
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