Ventura, CA asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for California

Q: Can a police officer put a warrant out for my arrest if I was never booked on any charges, but failed to comply with

their wishes. I was almost arrested a few months ago (possession of controlled substance, schedule I), but the arresting officer approached me after being detained & as if I'd be willing to do a controlled buy. I agreed & then met w/ the narcotics officer (he wasf in plain clothes), upon meeting the officers hugged & the narcotics officer asked the arresting officer if their body cam was on & it was not, which is what initially piqued my concern. Narcotics officer gave me his name and told me that all I'd have to do is meet him at a later date, he would give me cash to buy drugs and I would be compensated as well. He said I'd be let go from there, I was not brought down to the station or jail or booked in any way, but they had taken the drugs & paraphernalia I had in my possession & had my personal information. He said if I didnt comply & meet with him at a later date that I'd have an arrest warrant. Can they do this even though I was never booked or signed anything or met the DA?

1 Lawyer Answer
David Michael Lehr
David Michael Lehr
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Ventura, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Yes. This is the standard way that these things work. If you do your part, the case never sees the inside of a courthouse. If not, they can get a warrant for your arrest.

P.S. In the future, don't post information like this on a public forum!

Good luck!

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