Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

Prosecutor Filing

A few weeks ago my girlfriend and I were looking out the window of our apartment during the evening and saw several police officers around her car. We were afraid and did not go out to ask the cops what was happening. The following day my girlfriend found out through her father who lives in another city that he had reposted her as missing because he had not heard from her in a while. Her father told her to contact the police in person and show her ID. My girlfriend went to a police station to do that and was asked if she had been beaten or held against her will. She was asked to undress and pictures were taken of her (there were some bruises)she informed the police that I had not abused her but the case was assigned to an officer for investigation. I spoke by phone with the officer and she informed me that the case and her report would go to a prosecutor and that it would be up to the prosecutor if formal charges would be filed against me. I have heard nothing since then. How long does the prosecuto have to file charges against me? What should I do? Would it be helpful for me to contact the prosecutor about this? Thanks

Darren


Asked on 1/22/06, 6:08 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Re: Prosecutor Filing

Dear Darren,

Thanks for the clear explanation of what happened. To answer your questions, it depends on the crime they are thinking of charging. Most misdemeanors have a statute of limitations of 3 years. I would absolutely not talk to the prosecutor, or anyone else, about this case. I would advise your girlfriend the same. That is, don't even talk to close family members, anyone, about it. Even if there are pictures of bruises, someone would need to explain how those bruises got there. So, if no one talks there can't be any trouble. If an officer tries to talk to you, inform the officer that you want a lawyer present.

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Answered on 1/23/06, 7:43 pm


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