Expert: Robin Sexton - 9/5/2009

Question
I was recently given a ticket for possesion of stolen property. 496(a). However the arresting officer was not an officer of the city I was in, nor was he accompanied by one. In addition he did not mark whether or not the violation was a misdemeanor, infraction or felony. I was wondering if this is a valid ticket or not. Thank you for your time.
      Trevor

Answer
Trevor,

Probably,  The charge possession of stolen property could either be a misdemeanor or felony.  Usually based on value of the item(s).  The officer actually did you a courtesy of giving you an appearance notice or ticket.  His other alternative would be to seek a warrant and have you arrested and jailed.  If you don't show on the ticket that would be the next step.  The ticket basically is just telling you to show up in court at a specific time and the type of charge.  It is not a real court document.  He could have done the same by calling you on the phone.

Hope this helps

robin