Q: This is from the state of WA. I am currently under investigation for criminal burglary after looting in the riots-
This is from the state of WA.
I am currently under investigation for criminal burglary after looting in the riots from the protests. I was arrested in one store with nothing stolen on my person and was released on PR. My 72 hour period has surpassed and i have not been charged yet.
About how long should i anticipate before being charged?
And how likely is it that security camera footage of me in other stores is found and also charged against me?
Also i have 0 priors, never even been pulled over or arrested before, so what is a realistic thing to expect from all of this?
A:
If you were in the store, do not talk to anyone about this other than a specific attorney and get an experienced criminal defense attorney hired and ready to go because i am sure IF they can charge you they will.
These are very serious allegations and you need to get out in front of this NOW.
A:
Given the public health emergency and the current situation with mass protests, both the police department and prosecuting attorney's office are behind on reviewing cases and making charging decisions. It could take anywhere from a week to a year before you would receive a notice of court date in the mail.
You do have the option to have an attorney represent you in this pre-charge period. An experienced attorney will find out if a police report was generated, find out what charges are being referred to the prosecutor and reach out to the charging prosecutor in an attempt to keep charges from being filed or to mitigate the charges down to a lesser offense. You can reach out to our office today for a free consultation.
Nadine Bertman agrees with this answer
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
