Legal Question in Criminal Law in District of Columbia
Arrest warrant declined by prosecuting attorney
What does it mean when a prosecuting attorney declines an arrest warrant that has been issued by police and presented to them? Is this the end of the road?
Asked on 11/08/06, 9:06 am
1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson
Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson
Re: Arrest warrant declined by prosecuting attorney
It very likely means that the evidence presented against the accused is at least somewhat weak and not provable beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law. If more compelling evidence can be later presented by law enforcement officials, the prosecutor might well change his or her mind
and file a case unless the matter is time barred(subject to statute of limitations).
Answered on 11/08/06, 10:38 am