AboutJack 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.
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, mising 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.
Expert: Jack Toomey Date: 7/4/2008 Subject: time limits
Question is there a time period in which case must be heard or seen by the court for a criminal charge
Answer There is no "time period" but the Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy trial. That term is open for interpurtation and it could mean six months in an area where things are slow to over a year in a big city where the courts are jammed with cases.
I'm sure you remember your classes in government where they taught this. The framers put this into the Bill of Rights so states could not keep people in jail indefinitely on trumped up charges. They most likely had no idea that our courts would be come as jammed as they are now.
