Criminal Law/unlawful people

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Expert: - 2/1/2007


Question
hello, i have a question about people who do not pay rent, utilities, and other bills for several months, and still are able to live in the house until several months later, 6 months or so, also, is it possible for a good Samaritan such as my self to find info on people like them if i know basic info without paying for a subscription to a people-search or gov-records search agent? if there is i would really like to know since i really think this couple is running from something or a bunch of things from lots of places, please help me if you can, these people are my neighbors and i have 3 children.....
very concerned and frustrated,
Amy

Answer
  My state has a site where all criminal court cases going back at least twenty years are listed.  These are matters of public record and if you know someones name you can easily access their criminal and civil cases.  Does your state have this kind of thing?  It wouldn't be very difficult to find if you know how to do a little research and have time to spend on the computer.  I would start with your state government web site and then work backwards.

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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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