Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

warrants is FL

friend of mine received a postcard stating that he had awarrant out for his arrest for possession of cocaine. The PC was forwarded to his new address out of state. He had to call to get the details, he called the warrantdivision as there was no contact info on the post card. He does not want to turn himself in and wants to know how long this warrant and charge is good for. Is there a statute of limitations on this type stuff, or because the charges have been filed is he screwed. What if he changes his name? He has already obtained a drivers liscense in the new state with no hassle. will he be a ''fugitive for the rest of his life?


Asked on 6/30/07, 6:48 am

3 Answers from Attorneys
Scott R. Jay Law Offices of Scott R. Jay

Re: warrants is FL

NOTE: This communication is not intended as and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Rather, it is intended solely as a general discussion of legal principles. You should not rely on or take action based on this communication without first presenting ALL relevant details to a competent attorney in your jurisdiction and then receiving the attorney's individualized advice for you. By reading the "Response" to your question or comment, you agree that the opinion expressed is not intended to, nor does it, create any attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. If you do not agree, then stop right here, and do not read any further.

A warrant does not expire. If your friend fled the jurisdiction, it is very possible that the statute of limitations was tolled, thus it is still a pending case. If your friend does not want to deal with this directly himself, he will need to hire counsel to represent him to try and work out some sort of deal or plea.

Scott R. Jay, Esq.

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Answered on 7/19/07, 11:57 pm
Scott Cupp Law Office of Scott H. Cupp, LLC

Re: warrants is FL

What county? Your best bet is to retain a lawyer to check into it for him. That way he has no exposure. If it is valid the lawyer may even be able to work out the case before he turns himself in.

Scott H. Cupp

Law Office of Scott H. Cupp, LLC

400 Executive Center Drive, Suite 201

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

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Answered on 6/30/07, 8:34 am
Valerie Masters Valerie Masters, P.A.

Re: warrants is FL

Warrants never expire. The case has a statute of limitations but it can be tolled(clock stoppped) for a variety of reasons including leaving the state and changing your name to avoid arrest. I would hire a lawyer to check it out first.

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Answered on 6/30/07, 4:05 pm


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