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Question
My friends were pulled over for setting off what is called a "works bomb" in a home depot parking lot at 2am. This is not so much of a bomb, as it is pressure building up inside of a pop bottle and the cap popping off. No one gets hurt, and there is very little to clean up. The cop told them that a "blotter" or a complaint was going to be put into the system, and the next day they were going to speak with Home Depot about whether or not they wanted to press charges. The cops never called, so no charges were pressed, but they were wondering if the initial complaint will show up on their record?
It is ironic that you should be asking about these kinds of bombs. Five teenagers from my area were arrested this week and charged with various crimes for setting off similar bombs. You have asked about your "friends". Now how would I know if this is going to show up on their records? I don't know the procedures in your town, don't know how the police operate, how criminal records are kept, etc. Every single county in the country has a different way of handling things. I would suggest that "your friends' call the officer and ask him what is going on.
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Answers by Expert:
Jack Toomey
Expertise
Please do NOT ask questions about potential jail sentences that you or your friends may receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer or a parole officer so questions about those subjects will be rejected. I am a police officer with 26 years experience. Can answer questions about crime, police procedure, investigations, criminal law, search and seizure, traffic offenses. Prefer not to answer questions on the death penalty. Please do not ask homework questions. Remember this. The law in every state is different so questions about laws that are specific to your state could be difficult to answer. I also cannot give you legal advice on what to do or not to do in court. I have worked with authors in the past and will be happy to review scenarios or plots with authors to check for believability or accuracy.
Experience
Police officer with 26 years experience. Ten years in patrol and sixteen years in the detective bureau investigating every type of crime including murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, missing persons, etc, etc. Also taught at the police academy in areas such as constitutional law, search and seizure, and lineups.
Education/Credentials
B.S. in Criminology from the University of Maryland.
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