what does it mean when the district attorney has a file on someone?

District attorneys have the power to choose which charges are filed against an individual accused of a crime. When the police arrest someone, the district attorney’s office has the power to prosecute those cases, divert the accused to a program or drug treatment, or dismiss the case altogether.

Full Answer

What happens when the district attorney decides to wait to file?

The district attorney decides to wait to file the charge. After thirty years, the last of the neighbors passes away and on the date of that neighbor’s death, the charge against the man is filed, even though no new investigation or evidence has been performed on the case.

What is the role of the district attorney?

The district attorney is the lawyer for the state that is solely responsible for bringing charges against a defendant using the process called prosecution. This begins the “lawsuit” portion of a criminal investigation, moving the matter largely to the courts rather than the police station.

What kind of cases are handled by the district attorney’s office?

Only criminal cases (felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile) are handled by the DA’s office. This means that the DA won’t handle legal matters such as child custody, divorce, or bankruptcy. The DA’s office only prosecutes violations of state laws, not federal crimes.

Why does the district attorney reject my case?

Why Does the District Attorney Reject Cases? Even if a person is arrested, he might not be charged with a crime. This is because each decision – the decision to arrest and the decision to file charges – is made by a different authority. Police arrest someone when they believe that he has committed a crime.

What does it mean when a prosecutor adds charges?

What does the DA think of additional charges?

What does preliminary hearing mean in a felony?

Can a prosecutor amend a charge?

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How long does the DA have to file charges in Louisiana?

How long does the District Attorney have to file charges if I am charged with a misdemeanor offense? If you are in jail, the District Attorney must file charges within 45 days of your arrest. If you have bonded from jail, the District Attorney must file charges within 90 days of your arrest.

How long does the DA have to file charges in Oklahoma?

How long does the District Attorney have to file felony charges? After you've been arrested for domestic abuse, the District Attorney has 60 days to file felony charges against you.

How long does the district attorney have to file charges in California?

In other words, based on this standard, the San Francisco DA"s Office must be convinced "beyond a reasonable doubt" within 48 hours of the suspect"s arrest (the time limit for filing formal charges against the suspect), that the suspect is guilty of the crime.

What is one reason prosecutors may decide to dismiss cases?

After charges are filed, prosecutors and sometimes courts may dismiss such charges for some of the same reasons that charges are dropped before being filed. Evidence may be poor, witnesses may be unavailable or illegal tactics may have been used to gather evidence or make arrests.

How long can you be held in jail without being charged in Oklahoma?

It all depends on how long you are in jail. If you do not bond out the jail has 24-48 hours to have you arraigned by a judge. However, if you are arrested and booked during a weekend or holiday, you may have to wait longer.

How long does a warrant stay active in Oklahoma?

No, arrest warrants generally do not expire. Once they have been issued, a law enforcement officer can execute them whenever he or she next encounters the subject of the warrant. This can happen right after the warrant is issued, or months or even years afterward.

How long before a crime Cannot be prosecuted?

The general rule for time limits on summary only offences is that prosecutions will be time barred if information is laid more than six months after the date of the offence.

Can you be under investigation without knowing?

How do I know if I'm under an investigation? You don't. Law enforcement has no obligation to inform you that there is a pending investigation and often people don't discover they were under investigation until after they've been arrested or indicted.

How long can a felony charge be pending in California?

three yearsUnder California Penal Code 801 PC, felonies (or offenses punishable by imprisonment) have a statute of limitations of three years. Less severe charges involving misdemeanors have an SOL of one year (in general).

How do you convince a prosecutor to drop charges?

There are multiple ways a defendant or their attorney can convince a prosecutor to drop criminal charges. Examples include lack of probable cause, presenting exculpatory evidence, showing police violated their rights, or partaking in a pretrial diversion program.

Can you be charged without evidence?

You cannot be arrested without evidence. In order to be arrested for a criminal offense a police officer must have probable cause. Probable cause is a legal standard less than reasonable doubt.

What makes a criminal case weak?

The prosecution has gathered weak or no witnesses. The evidence is inadmissible. Incorrect charges were filed, or. The arrest was improper or even illegal.

How long do police have to file drug charges in Oklahoma?

three yearsWhether the drug charge is a misdemeanor possession or felony possession, the state has three years to press charges. However, this three year statute of limitations period is not effective when the person is not a resident of Oklahoma or is outside the state of Oklahoma.

How long do the police have to charge you?

For summary only offences, which are heard in the Magistrates' Court, the case must be heard within twelve months of the crime. For example, in a case of common assault, if it took place on 1 December, the trial must take place before 1 June. However, for indictable offences, there is no such time limit.

How long can debt collectors try to collect in Oklahoma?

five yearsIn Oklahoma, for most debts, a creditor is afforded five years to take legal action on a debt. After the statute of limitations has expired, a creditor or debt collector can no longer sue you for the debt.

Can you be charged with a crime without knowing?

Can you be charged with a crime without knowing? If you're charged with a crime, you'll know about it, sooner or later. Mistakes do happen, and mistakes can happen, but it is rare to nonexistent for a person to be charged with a crime and not know it.

What does it mean when a prosecutor adds charges?

It means he is adding additional criminal charges , and requesting a Preliminary Hearing on them. Not unusual. If you don't know how to represent yourself effectively against an experienced prosecutor intending to convict, then hire an attorney who does, who will try to get a dismissal, charge reduction, diversion, program, or other decent outcome through motions, plea bargain, or take it to trial if appropriate.

What does the DA think of additional charges?

Sometimes the DA thinks that with further investigation additional charges will show up. In a case like the one you asked about the DA is giving notice to the court and the defendant that additional charges or counts will be filed against the defendant. When a person is arrested for a crime he has a number of days before his preliminary hearing has to be held. To make this go past that time the defendant has to make a time waver. It seems from the facts given that the DA will not have all the charges ready by the time of the prelim.

What does preliminary hearing mean in a felony?

It means they've found new things they want to charge you with. On all felonies there is a preliminary hearing unless the DA goes to the Grand Jury for an indictment.

Can a prosecutor amend a charge?

Prosecutors sometimes get new information and will rethink their charging decisions. An amended complaint will change the charge in some way, but they must have the court's permission. Setting the case for a preliminary (probable cause) hearing is normal whether or not the charges are amended. It is often unwise to oppose an amended complaint because if the court does not allow it, the prosecutor will just dismiss the charge and refile the new one *without the court's permission*. That may cause a new warrant to be issued and the defendant to have to post a new bond.

What does a district attorney do?

A district attorney leads a team of assistant district attorneys (ADAs), investigators and administrative support staff as they collectively seek to prosecute criminals, prevent crimes, and support/give a voice to the victims of crime. In fact, one could say that a district attorney controls the majority of decisions within our criminal justice system. For instance, the DA’s office works closely with law enforcement agencies and to piece together all of the evidence for a given case. The district attorney’s office also decides who to charge, what crime (s) to charge them with, whether to offer a plea deal or take a case to trial. District attorneys even provide recommendations to the court for sentencing.

What is the role of the DA in a criminal case?

After law enforcement makes an arrest, the DA’s office works alongside law enforcement to carefully review all the facts and evidence about a given case. While an arrest only requires law enforcement officers to have probable cause, a criminal trial requires prosecutors to have enough evidence to establish that each and every element of a crime can be proven beyond and to the exclusion of any reasonable doubt. Prosecuting violent and dangerous crimes is a priority for DA offices, as they seek to maintain public safety.

How to review probable cause affidavit?

Review the police report and probable cause affidavit Review all evidence that has been collected thus far. Investigate further and gather additional evidence, if needed. Take witness depositions. Determine whether there is enough evidence to support a conviction, thereby protecting the rights of the innocent.

What are proactive measures taken by the DA?

Proactive measures taken by the DA’s office include things like: Going through special court systems to avoid jail time with the goal of breaking the criminal cycle. In these types of cases, offenders may be required to receive mental health treatment, provided housing solutions, or enter rehabilitation programs.

What does the DA do?

Yes, that’s a major part of the job, but the DA’s office also has other responsibilities, such as working to prevent crime and protecting and supporting crime victims.

Do prosecutor jobs get easier?

Prosecutors are notoriously swamped with cases, cases, and more cases. And prosecuting these cases requires skill, practice and time. While the job itself may never get any easier, we do live during a time when technology is available to alleviate some of the manual workload.

Does a district attorney have a term limit?

However, the position of district attorney has no term limits, so some district attorneys remain in their roles for decades. How does the district attorney’s office work proactively in the community? Many people think of the DA’s office as a place where lawyers work to prosecute and convict criminals.

Riccardo Lorenzo Ippolito

This is a perfect illustration of what a huge number of potential jurors think, too, that is: "Well, if he weren't guilty the DA wouldn't prosecute him!" or "If he's not guilty, why would the police arrest him in the first place?" The high-minded American principle of innocence until proven guilty is not the sentiment of most people in this country, I am sad (and jaded) to say..

Gayle Anne-Marie Gutekunst

No it doesn't have to be a strong case. The evidence just has to be sufficient to support a criminal charge. This may turn out to be wrong later and the case could be dropped or dismissed

Majid Seyfi

In theory, the DA must have probable cause to prosecute you with the crime. That being said, in many cases, they do not have probable cause. Probable cause is often determined by the Court. Plenty of cases are dismissed on the DA's motion or at Preliminary Hearing (if a felony). Seth Weinstein, Esq...

Joseph Salvatore Farina

Technically the DA can file a case even with weak evidence. It's important to keep in mind that even seemingly strong cases can have weaknesses.

What happens if a prosecutor refuses to file charges?

If prosecutors decline to file charges within the 48-hour time frame, then the person will be released from jail. Given their ethical duty and this small window of time, prosecutors sometimes reject cases, asking police to conduct further investigation before they agree to formally file charges.

When do prosecutors have to decide if a person is in jail?

And when a person is arrested and taken to jail, prosecutors must decide whether charges are warranted within 48 hours of the arrest, excluding weekends and holidays. [i] This means that if a person is arrested and taken into custody on Monday, prosecutors must file charges against him by Wednesday.

Why is pre-filing not a crime?

This is because each decision – the decision to arrest and the decision to file charges – is made by a different authority. Police arrest someone when they believe that he has committed a crime.

When do police arrest people?

Police arrest someone when they believe that he has committed a crime. But only the District Attorney’s Office can file charges against someone. Prosecutors have a duty to only file charges when they believe that the evidence is strong enough to secure a unanimous guilty verdict from a jury (that is, 12 random people from the community).

Is a case closed if it is rejected?

But having your case rejected and being released from jail doesn’t mean that your case is closed. This is because, depending on the crime, prosecutors may have one or several years to ultimately decide whether to file charges. This extended time frame is known as the statute of limitations, and it varies from crime to crime. [ii] So, even if a person is released after he is arrested, his case is never truly closed until the statute of limitations on his alleged crime expires.

Where do district attorneys work?

While much of a district attorney's job can take place in a legal office, they can also work in other locations like libraries and courtrooms. Because district attorneys typically work for counties and state governments, they often collaborate with other professionals, like specialists and paralegals, to gather evidence to use in criminal prosecutions. While district attorneys usually have full-time work hours, most also spend time working overtime and on the weekends, especially while working on complex cases.

What can a district attorney learn from technology?

This can include learning communication technologies, video conferencing, voice messaging systems and email. It might also be necessary to learn how to use document management software, computerized litigation support and electronic discovery.

What is the process of prosecuting a crime?

Crime prosecution typically begins before charging a perpetrator. In most states, district attorneys first convene a grand jury before issuing a formal criminal charge or indictment. The prosecutor gathers witness testimonies and presents them before the grand jury, where members analyze the facts to determine whether to prosecute or not. Prosecutors are allowed to introduce testimonies and hearsay evidence that is inadmissible in a trial, to the grand jury.

Why do district attorneys need time management?

Time management skills can help a district attorney organize competing priorities and develop a strong work ethic. Time and calendar management skills can also help a prosecutor meet deadlines.

What skills do district attorneys need to be successful?

District attorneys should also possess problem-solving skills to evaluate and structure arguments and court proceedings.

How much do district attorneys make?

The national average salary for attorneys in the United States, including district attorneys, is currently $94,578 per year, which is a very competitive salary. However, the compensation that a district attorney receives can vary depending on their education level, experience and skills obtained throughout their career. Attorneys also typically receive employment benefits in addition to their salaries, like health insurance and professional development assistance.

What is a Juris Doctor?

A Juris Doctor program covers subjects like best practices during criminal justice and prosecution, criminal procedure and trial experience. This degree can equip a law student with the skills and knowledge needed to prosecute criminals, run court proceedings and gather and analyze evidence.

What does the district attorney do?

The county handles the prosecution of all state offenses; that is, violations of a state law. The police investigate both state offenses and municipal infractions, or violations of city ordinances. However, the district attorney will only handle state felony or misdemeanor charges (a city prosecutor will handle ordinances violations for each city). The charges generally must be brought in the county where the crime is alleged to have taken place. The district attorney will go through the investigation file to determine if there is sufficient probable cause to file a complaint. This complaint is the legal pleading that lays out which crime (s) the suspect is alleged to have committed.

What happens if a district attorney waits to file charges in Kansas?

The longer a district attorney waits to file charges, the more “stale” a case becomes. Witnesses disperse around the country. Some may even pass away or suffer from failing memories. This process can hurt both the prosecution and defendant. Recognizing this, Kansas has adopted a statute of limitations for nearly all crimes. These serve as time limits upon when a district attorney may file a complaint for committing a crime. After the set number of years passes, the suspect will not be subject to prosecution.

How does a district attorney get an arrest warrant?

The district attorney will likely simultaneously file paperwork requesting that a judge issues an arrest warrant for the suspect. An arrest warrant is similar to a search warrant, but instead sets out a person that is to be brought into custody. A district attorney does not have the power to issue an arrest warrant by herself. Rather, only a judge can sign a warrant to make it effective. The judge will ensure that probable cause exists to suspect the individual has committed a crime. To show such probable cause, the district attorney will generally draft a written statement that outlines the evidence obtained by police during their investigation. Again, the threshold the district attorney must reach here is very low: probable cause only requires a “reasonable ground for belief of guilt,” as the Supreme Court noted in Maryland v. Pringle. With this standard in mind, most district attorneys will have little trouble establishing probable cause and succeeding in having an arrest warrant issued

What is probable cause in a criminal case?

The judge will ensure that probable cause exists to suspect the individual has committed a crime. To show such probable cause, the district attorney will generally draft a written statement that outlines the evidence obtained by police during their investigation.

What happens when a charge is filed?

Once a charge is filed, the options of eliminating the case are very few. Unlike investigations, which may ultimately never produce any real traction for the state, a filed complaint is quite different. First, the complaint creates a criminal case that is largely a matter of public record. This means any number of people, including potential employers, friends, or family members, can easily find records of the accused and what charges were filed. Second, once a case has been filed it can only be ended in in four ways: by the state, by the court, by a plea deal, or by trial. Notice that the accused has no option of bringing a quick end to filed charges without winning a legal fight for dismissal.

How can a case be ended?

Second, once a case has been filed it can only be ended in in four ways: by the state, by the court, by a plea deal, or by trial. Notice that the accused has no option of bringing a quick end to filed charges without winning a legal fight for dismissal.

Can a grand jury file a complaint in Kansas?

Recognizing this, Section 22-2301 (2) grants the power to judges to order district attorneys to institute criminal proceedings in “extreme cases.” Kansas law also allows for a grand jury to file a complaint on its own behalf and force the district attorney to go forward with the charges. These exceptions are virtually unheard of, however. Instead, it is much more common place for district attorneys to freely choose to prosecutor nearly all alleged crimes put before them. Thus, even though in theory the state could choose to forego a prosecution, that is unlikely unless the case is extremely weak and that fact is obvious even from the investigation stage.

What does it mean when a D.A. declines to file a criminal case?

When the D.A. declines to file it means you were not charged with a crime, and of course not convicted. However the arrest still is there. It may be possible for you to have the arrest removed by asking the police agency that made the arrest to make a finding of innocence. If that fails you are allowed to ask a judge to do it. It is a good idea to have a lawyer at that stage

What does it mean if the DA is not filing charges?

If the DA is not filing charges on your DUI it means that your record does not shod a conviction for the DUI. The DA may be waiting for the lab results or for some other evidence that is being processed. They have a year in which to file. If you contact me we can discuss the facts surrounding this incident and I can give you a more complete answer.

How to file a finding of factual innocence?

If you were arrested, but no charges were filed then you need to file a petition for finding of factual innocence. First, when no charges have been filed you file the Petition with the police agency that arrested you and if (When) the police refuse to grant it, then you file it with the superior court in the county where you were arrested. You need to wait until the statute of limitations has run. In this case 1 year. You also need to protect yourself from the DMV if they have suspended your license as a result of DUI. If you had a DMV hearing and lost, then you need to obtain a DS 702 from the prosecuting agency showing that they dismissed/did not file so that you can obtain a second DMV hearing to clear your DMV record. Call me, this is something I can help you with. You may also want to file a civil rights complaint against the police for discrimination and false arrest. To protect your rights, you have to file a government tort claims act demand within 180 days of the incident. You will then have 180 days from the denial of your claim to file a lawsuit against the police department and officers.

Why did the DA write a letter?

The DA wrote that letter because after a review they did not feel they had sufficient evident to convict you of a dui. You will have no record of a conviction however you will have a record of an arrest.

How long does it take to get a misdemeanor charge?

They have up to a year to charge a misdemeanor but most likely they didn't find enough evidence to charge you.

Can you file charges if you have no criminal record?

Yes, not filing charges means, you have no criminal record. Nothing will show up in a records check by employers, who are only entitled to conviction records (not arrest records).

What does it mean when a prosecutor adds charges?

It means he is adding additional criminal charges , and requesting a Preliminary Hearing on them. Not unusual. If you don't know how to represent yourself effectively against an experienced prosecutor intending to convict, then hire an attorney who does, who will try to get a dismissal, charge reduction, diversion, program, or other decent outcome through motions, plea bargain, or take it to trial if appropriate.

What does the DA think of additional charges?

Sometimes the DA thinks that with further investigation additional charges will show up. In a case like the one you asked about the DA is giving notice to the court and the defendant that additional charges or counts will be filed against the defendant. When a person is arrested for a crime he has a number of days before his preliminary hearing has to be held. To make this go past that time the defendant has to make a time waver. It seems from the facts given that the DA will not have all the charges ready by the time of the prelim.

What does preliminary hearing mean in a felony?

It means they've found new things they want to charge you with. On all felonies there is a preliminary hearing unless the DA goes to the Grand Jury for an indictment.

Can a prosecutor amend a charge?

Prosecutors sometimes get new information and will rethink their charging decisions. An amended complaint will change the charge in some way, but they must have the court's permission. Setting the case for a preliminary (probable cause) hearing is normal whether or not the charges are amended. It is often unwise to oppose an amended complaint because if the court does not allow it, the prosecutor will just dismiss the charge and refile the new one *without the court's permission*. That may cause a new warrant to be issued and the defendant to have to post a new bond.