Q: Can I be arrested and charged with a crime without being present or aware of the crime

I was pulled over for speeding and the officer was asking me about my recent arrest and I was unaware of this arrest. He informed me I had been arrested a week prior and charged with fraudulent schemes and taking identity of another. I was not present for this arrest and had no knowledge of this charge until then now I have a warrant for a missed court date that I didn't even know I had. Can they arrest and charge someone without them present or aware of the crime.

1 Lawyer Answer
Matthew Maerowitz
PREMIUM
Matthew Maerowitz
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Licensed in Arizona

A: One possibility is that the Court may have issued a summons and after you failed to appear at your court date, an arrest warrant issued. It could be that you never were aware of the summons and it was sent to a bad address. You should consult a criminal defense lawyer to go in greater detail and help figure out what is going on and advise of next steps.

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