Legal Question in Criminal Law in Missouri

I have a friend who has been strugling with a drug addiction for many years. He has been clean for several months. Then just recently attempted to purchase some drugs and was busted by some undercover police. They stated they would let him go if he contacted the dealer again and attempted to purchase so more. After a couple attempts the dealer was not going for it. The police said he would have to come up with something in the next few weeks or he would be charged. Now since this person has not used in a very long time - he does not know anyone. My question is ( Since they did not arrest him, book or finger print him at the time of the offense. Can they come back weeks latter and charge you with the crime?

Asked on 9/17/09, 2:47 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Anthony Smith LawSmith

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Unfortunately, the prosecutor has many months in which to charge your friend. Since they seem to want to use him to get other folks, the police do not seem to view your friend as a big threat to teh public. Therefore, if your fiend is later arrested and charged, the prosecutor may be willing to work a deal. It may also be that the police will nto want to divulge an undercover officer's identity to testify at your fiend's trial, so the case may get dismissed.

Good luck

Answered on 9/17/09, 5:01 pm

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