Say I stole a car. Police find out it was me. Are they CHARGING me for the felony? If yes, have I been arrested or not? What do they mean by being CHARGED?
2007-12-03 11:16:06 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Being charged means that formal charges have been filed by the prosecutor. The prosecutor believes that they have enough evidence to continue with a trial. Chances are that you have already been arrested for the crime, but that isnt always the case. If you have not been arrested then a warrant will be issued, at some point you will be arrested and formerly booked. At that point you can either be let out on bail or held until trial.
2007-12-03 11:29:08 · answer #1 · answered by Test 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An arrest usually comes before a charge. Police will arrest a person who they suspect of a crime... again you are never guilty until proven so, so when a person is arrested they are simply being detained. Most charges of the more serious crimes (such as car theft) are brought by the District Attorney (DA) in your area. What usually happens is the police submit their report and whatever evidence they have of your guilt to the DA, who then decides whether or not there is enough evidence to charge you (basically whether or not it looks like you do it). After which you will go to your arrainment where a judge decides if the DA does in fact have enough evidence to take you to trail (most cases plead out by this point).
Now, if you committed a crime and the police discover it was you, you will not be charged before you are arrested (I believe). What would happen is (if you were not in custody) they would issue an arrest warrent... which states that you are suspicious of a crime and are to be brought in to custody if any law enforcement comes across you. On the more serious crimes, the police may actively search for you at your known wear-a-bouts. Basically, you should turn yourself in at this point if you know a warrant exists for you... but I definately suggest talking to a lawyer before hand.
2007-12-03 19:29:23 · answer #2 · answered by Wildernessguy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Charged simply means that you have either been Indicted or a Criminal complaint was filed against you for the act, and you most likely have been booked, fingerprinted, and had to post bail and may be awaiting an arraignment to tender a plea of Guilty or not guilty or Nolo contendre. If you need any further info let me know.
2007-12-03 19:24:30 · answer #3 · answered by Paul K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are charged when the district attorney's office files a complaint against you. Getting arrested is not being charged. Have someone make complaint against you is not a charge. Only the prosecutor's office file charges. Once they have, you get to be arraigned.
2007-12-03 19:31:40 · answer #4 · answered by Songbyrd JPA ✡ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes if you get charged they will find you because they will issue a warrent then off to the county till your trial unless you get the$ to bond out
2007-12-03 19:57:38 · answer #5 · answered by consultant? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋