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Criminal Law/trespassing in ny
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Question
Hey, a week ago, me and 2 friends were trespassing in an apartment that our friend lived in that we thought moved. Turns out she was evicted and the cops showed up. We were told if the owner of the apartment pressed charges, 2 of us including me would go to family court, and the other 17 year old, jail. I was wondering, how long does the owner have to press charges? I am a minor if that matters at all and like I said, it is in New York. We didn't break in so it cannot be charged as breaking and entering because the front door was unlocked and that's how we got in. Any help is appreciated!
The laws in every state are different. That includes a legal term called "statute of limitations" which means the time from the crime to the time that someone obtains a warrant. As I said every state has different laws. In MY state the statute of limitations for misdemeanors is one year. I think that you could probably assume that it is the same in New York.
The legal term "breaking and entering" does include opening an unlocked door. Basically it means that the accused broke the space where an uninvited person is not allowed.
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Answers by Expert:
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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