Hello again.
If you have been following my articles, you already know that I write exclusively about articles related to altercations with police officers, police arrests or anything related to law enforcement. What I would like to talk about now are the charges against you by a law enforcement officer. First, keep in mind that an officer’s accusation against you is simple and based on your perceptions of the events that have taken place. He based these facts on what he had observed or what he was told. Your accusation is NOT fact. It is simply your perception of events. So, if you claim to be innocent, it could very well be true. But don’t try to defend yourself right then? That is a decision made by a judge at a later date, called your hearing date. Therefore, do not try to discuss your case with the officer. You will lose. Wait for your short appointment.
Now, let’s start with a subpoena. A subpoena is simply a document that you sign promising to appear before a judge on a certain date. Take my word for it, whatever you’ve done is not very serious. It is usually administered when it comes to domestic arguments, neighbor arguments, etc. Whatever the outcome in court, you have a 99.9% chance of going home that night. In fact, when I was a cop, I don’t remember a time a defendant was jailed on a subpoena.
Now, for a misdemeanor, you could be arrested. It’s a slightly more serious charge than a citation, with possible jail time or community service of a year or less. In some cases, you will have been arrested, held in jail for one to five days (depending on whether you posted a bond), appeared before a judge, and if found guilty, you will be released within the time you served (one to five days is common). If he is found innocent, he will still go home, but he still lost a couple of days of his life. Perhaps your accuser will be jailed or at least fined.
Now on felonies, that’s a different ball game. It is a crime that could receive up to a year and a day or more. In other words, at least one day for a year. It is very serious. It could still be released, but it depends on several things. It depends on your previous arrests, the times between arrests, the number of arrests, the severity of the existing felony charge, and many other variables. The charge may still expire, but most of these types of charges require an attorney. Never decide to defend yourself against a felony charge. It’s too complex, so don’t play with your life.
Lastly, I must say this, you could meet a rogue officer and be charged with something you didn’t do. Read my book called COP OUT. I could help you! Drive safely, obey all laws, and get home to your family.
