You are here:

Criminal Law/can my son be legally held

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/30/2005


Question
My sons fingerprint was found in a store that was burgalarized some months ago and he was arrested while out on bail from accusation of similiar charge there are no witness or video just a partial print he has no criminal record before this. Is the print found in a public place really enough to hold him also the bond is 30000 but the charge is a 5000.00 bond.
Thanks

Answer
    Well it seems that someone in law enforcement had enough probable cause to arrest your son so yes.....he can be held.  You might not be familiar with the legal process involved but the investigator, whoever that might be, presented his probable cause to a magistrate, commisioner, judge, or whoever issues warrants in your juristiction and that person agreed that there was probable cause to belive that your son committed the crime.  I would suggest that you get him an attorney asap.

   By the way.......if your son had no prior record how did they have his fingerprints on file to use to compare?

Criminal Law

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.