i.e. Someone says you tried to run them off the road. Can you be charged with the crime on thier word alone?
2007-10-28 05:43:54 · 8 answers · asked by sherry f 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
You can, but it would be very rare that it would happen.
Say a group of your neighbors sees you driving at high speeds and doing donuts on your street. Fearing for the safety, they call the police. You are gone when the police arrive. They interview and get sworn statements from lets say two or more credible witnesses. They all know you, your car and where you live.
Taking all of this information, the police could give you a court date, not arrest you, for the misdemeanor.
The courts would send subpoenas to all witnesses listed in the report. They would come to court and identify you as the offender and give their testimony. It is then up to the judge who he believes.
But, NO..... someone calls in anonymously and reports your car or tag..... Or one person alone accuses you of it.... It ain't going to court.
Like all criminal offenses not witnessed by the police... A complete and comprehensive investigation to prove a suspect did something illegal must be done before charges are brought.
2007-10-28 06:00:10 · answer #1 · answered by Dog Lover 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1
2016-06-12 19:02:52 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You asked two separate questions. Yes, the police can charge you with reckless driving, if they do an investigation and determine you were reckless.
No, you cannot be charged with a crime solely on the say so of any witness.
2007-10-28 05:54:08 · answer #3 · answered by regerugged 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Captain & regerugged are partially correct. Without physical evidence, or an unbiased witness, the likely-hood of someone being charged based solely on the word of the victim is slim, but not impossible. For example, if the complaints are habitual for the area, or even the suspect, charges could be filed. Again, it's a slim chance to none, but possible.
2007-10-28 05:55:04 · answer #4 · answered by DocoMyster 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You can be Charged with all sorts of offenses but that does not equal a conviction. If all they have is the other persons statement, they will have to be in court to testify. Then it comes down to your word vs theirs.
2007-10-28 05:47:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I know they got a town sheriff driving with a DWI and civilan just videotape it.
2007-10-28 06:07:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can, if there are two or more 'reliable' witnesses who will testify against you..........
2007-11-01 02:47:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no
2007-10-28 05:56:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋