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Criminal Law/Prank Cell phone calls NC

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Expert: - 7/9/2008


Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I have made a few prank "hang up" phone calls to my former employer and two other employees from my cell phone.  Evidently they have found my cellular number on two of the three parties phone records that I have called and hung up on.

Do I need to retain an attorney?  So far it has only been detectives that have been trying to reach me.  There have been no threatening phone calls, just hanging up.

Please help, as I'm scared and do not know my rights as a US Citizen.

Thanks,

Steve

ANSWER: All I can tell you that if you believe that you are the target of a criminal investigation it is better to seek the advice of an attorney.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your quick reply, however I have only been asked general questions from a detective.  No charges have been filed or even spoke about.  Do you still recommend I retain an attorney to divert any further questions to him/her?

Thanks so much,

-Steve

Answer
Steve,

  I don't know what "general questions" that were asked but if a detective called you about this case then be assured that an investigation is underway.  It might be trivial or it might be serious.  I have no way of knowing except that I can surmise that the company called the police and the complaint is being investigated.

  If you don't choose to talk to an attorney yet then that is your call.  But I would be negligent if I didn't remind people to speak to an attorney anytime that there is a criminal investigation underway.

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. Only a judge could answer a question like that. I am also NOT a probation officer or parole officer so I cannot answer questions that relate to parole or probation. Also please keep in mind that every state has different laws. If you are planning to ask a question about a specific law or criminal charge that pertains to your state only it could be difficult to answer. I also cannot give you legal advice on what to do or what not to do in court. Retired police officer with 26 years experience. Worked in the patrol division as well as over 14 years in the detective bureau. Investigated a wide range of crime such as murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, missing persons, and other very sensitive crimes. I am available to answer your questions about criminal law and especially as it applies to police work. I taught at the police academy for several years and am especially knowledgeable about search and seizure. Any question about criminal law is welcome! Please don't ask me to do your homework or ask me questions that obviously come from your teachers or professors. I also do not do online interviews or surveys. Young people need to gain face to face interviewing skills. Local police officers usually are very agreeable to assist in these assignments.

Experience

I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience. I investigated almost every type of crime including murder, rape, theft, missing persons, fraud, and domestic abuse. I am very knowledgeable about search and seizure and taught at the police academy for several years on a variety of subjects. I can answer questions that a lot of attorneys cannot since they do not have "street experience".

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science degree in Criminolgy from the University of Maryland.

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