How do I follow-up regarding a criminal complaint that was filed against me?
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How do I follow-up regarding a criminal complaint that was filed against me?
My ex GF accused me of damaging her tires. The police came to my house at 11 pm or so that night and were trying to scare me saying that I was on tape and they had a witness and all this stuff. I did not confess to anything. They had me sign a form, I think a restraining order or something (dumb of me but I was almost in bed). It’s been almost a week and I have heard nothing. I’ve checked city and district court clerks for arrest warrants today and nothing there either. Also, I got a voice mail 2 days later from a detective saying to call him. I tried and he never returned my call. What does this all mean? Will I be kept informed?
Asked on October 7, 2011 under Criminal Law, Texas
Answers:
B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
The detective is not required to keep you updated on the status of the case. However, it is in your best interest to keep up with the case for several reasons by calling the detective. First, you want to show that you are up front and you are not the one trying to dodge. Second, if a warrant is coming for your arrest, it would be helpful to be able to plan for it. Detectives are more likely to give you a heads up if they think you’ve been cooperative and are not likely to run. If they do decide to charge you with an offense, most likely the only next formal notice you will receive of these charges is via an arrest warrant or a copy of an indictment or complaint/information, depending on the level of offense they charge you with. Neither law enforcement nor the prosecutor is required to give you much more notice than that. If you do decide to keep in touch with the detective (so that you will know what is happening next), you should understand that detectives are only required to give you Miranda Warnings while you are in custody and, most likely, every conversation you have is being recorded. If you are concerned that your words will be twisted against you, ask a criminal defense attorney to be present with you while you are talking to the detective.
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