Q: How long do police have to issue a criminal summons? Why would they not arrest me if I admitted guilt?
I met police for a voluntary interview about a stolen iPhone &credit cards. I worked in Walgreens &found them in the bathroom& used the card&sold the phone. I was honest with them&they verified my story with corresponding evidence. I told them where I sold the phone& that I attempted to retrieve it the next day. They said they would get it& be in touch& they werent arresting me but they would issue a criminal summons, &if I didn't hear from them by Friday, have a good weekend. I was fired from my job, & they're supposed to pay the financial loss, apx$140. I asked if it could be settled out of court, since the victim said if she got her phone she would let it go. They said that was between the victim, DA&my attorney after I got one. Should I call the victim? I answered when she called the store to report the loss&leave contact info.i don't want my kids seeing me arrested & I'm the sole provider for my family & husband w/paranoid schizophrenia, filling for disability.
A:
There are a LOT of different reasons, at least in North Carolina. It might be as simple as the normal process of gathering information (and evidence) as part of a criminal investigation.
It also could be due to a procedural process mandated by the prosecutor's office and local protocols.
You may benefit from checking out this additional info:
https://www.carolinaattorneys.com/blog/how-important-is-good-legal-advice/
Either way:
1. Stop talking to police without a lawyer; and,
2. It's probably a better idea not post anything further online; and,
3. Retain LEGAL COUNSEL IMMEDIATELY
Best of luck to you!
Bill Powers
North Carolina Criminal Defense Lawyer
CarolinaAttorneys.com
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