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Criminal Law/old bench warrant

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Expert: - 7/14/2009


Question
I was arested in brigintine NJ in april of 2000 for weed and brass knuckles and a very small amount of coke Im trying to clear this up but have no idea who to call   i live in NC and have not been in any trouble since but i want to get this cleared up

Answer
Richard,

I think what you are trying to tell me is that you were arrested in New Jersey and failed to show up for your trial.  That would mean that you are a fugitive.  Not being in trouble since 2000 has nothing to do with it.

The easiest way to determine if you are wanted and if there is a warrant is to simply call the police in the city where you were arrested.  However I would advise you to talk to an attorney before you do anything because you could find yourself in jail in NC for quite awhile before you are extradited to NJ.


I am not sure what went into your thinking when you gave me a rating.  You told me that you never showed up for trial.  I told you that you were a fugitive.  You asked me who to call.  The police are the only agency who can verify if there is still an active warrant.  I also told you to call an attorney.  If you didn't want to hear the truth then you probably should not have asked the question.

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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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