Can you be charged with something without knowing?

Can you be charged with something without knowing?

It is possible for you to be charged with a crime without knowing about it. A prosecutor may authorize criminal charges, and a warrant for your arrest could then be issued by a court.

How long does the police department have to file charges?

If the suspect is in custody (jail), prosecutors generally must file charges within 48 to 72 hours of the arrest. In other cases (when the suspect isn’t in custody), it could take days, weeks, or months to file charges.

How do you know if you have charges pending?

You can call the court or go online to the local sheriff’s website, they usually have a warrant check you can run your name and see if you’re wanted in court. You can also contact the arresting agency or the agency that cited you and ask for a copy of the ticket, police report, and court dates.

What if you didn’t know it was a crime?

Can I Be Convicted of a Crime if I Didn’t Know What I Did Was Illegal? As judges like to say, ignorance of the law is no defense to criminal charges. There are exceptions, but the overwhelming majority of crimes don’t require that the defendant know that his or her conduct is illegal.

How do I know if a case has been filed against me?

Advocate Vikas Surve Simplest way to do is approach the police station and ask them the details. If they are not giving you any details then you can ask by filing a RTI.

How long can I be under investigation?

To make matters worse, the investigation process has no maximum time limit, meaning you could be kept waiting for weeks, months or years before you discover the outcome. Having the threat of prosecution hanging over your head can be very unnerving, and may even damage your ability to earn an income.

Can you be guilty if you didn’t know?

As judges like to say, ignorance of the law is no defense to criminal charges. There are exceptions, but the overwhelming majority of crimes don’t require that the defendant know that his or her conduct is illegal.

Can you accidentally commit a crime?

In fact, it’s possible to go to jail for such a crime. Strict Liability Laws state that even if you commit the crime by accident, you can still be accused of the crime. In the other case, as long as there is evidence that there was no intent to commit a crime, you cannot be proven guilty in a court of law.

What does it mean when someone files a complaint against you?

A complaint is the first document filed in court to initiate a lawsuit. It is a formal legal document which typically lists the plaintiff’s view of the facts and the legal reasons why the plaintiff believes they have been harmed by the defendant.

Can you be convicted on hearsay?

If all the evidence against you is hearsay, it is all inadmissible. Therefore, no evidence would be admitted. You can’t be convicted if the prosecution submits no evidence of your guilt. Circumstantial evidence is admissible.

When do you need to talk to a lawyer?

The old adage is that the best time to talk to a lawyer is when you don’t actually need one. Some of the reasons why you may want to speak to a lawyer include: 1. You Want to Get the Facts. A licensed lawyer that practices in the area of law in which you have questions can tell you about the applicable laws that apply to your case.

Why do I need to see a lawyer?

Some of the reasons why you may want to speak to a lawyer include: A licensed lawyer that practices in the area of law in which you have questions can tell you about the applicable laws that apply to your case. Looking for information online may yield inaccurate or outdated information.

What happens if you don’t pay your lawyer?

If you don’t pay your lawyer on the day of trial, or however you have agreed to, then while he or she may be obligated by other ethical duties to do his/her best, they won’t be motivated by sympathy for you, and it will show in court.

Do you think a lawyer is like a dentist?

It may sound strange but lawyers are like dentists. Or, in fact, like any professionals who try to help you help yourself. They can only do so much without your guidance. It takes teamwork.