lawyer who commit crime in another state what happens

by Chaim McCullough 7 min read

Full Answer

What happens if you are charged with a crime in another state?

Being charged with a crime is always an unpleasant experience, but dealing with criminal charges in another state can be even more challenging. You may have to post bail, which can be expensive, and you may have to appear in court multiple times.

Can a person be prosecuted for the same crime in multiple states?

In usual situations, it is possible to prosecute a person for the same crime in multiple states because of separate sovereigns that exist in the different locations. When this occurs, the individual will need assistance with a lawyer that understands multiple jurisdictional matters and how to face more than one criminal case simultaneously.

Should I talk to a criminal defense attorney in another state?

You should always talk to a criminal defense attorney if you are charged with or being investigated for any crime, but if you are charged with a crime in another state it is imperative that you talk to an attorney who practices in that state.

Which states can prosecute a crime?

Usually, any state in which an essential part of a crime has been committed can prosecute the offender. That means that authorities in each affected state can prosecute a crime that stretches from one territory to another.

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What happens when a person commits a crime in one state and flees to another?

United States Constitution If somebody is charged with a crime in one state, then runs from the police to another state, the Governor of the state in which the crime was committed can demand the return of that person, and the other state must obey.

Can you be prosecuted in two states for the same crime?

The case went to the Supreme Court where it was ruled that under the dual sovereignty principle, two states can separately pursue charges against someone for the same crime without violating the Fifth Amendment.

Does double jeopardy apply across state lines?

The double jeopardy rule does not apply to these situations because of the different jurisdictions that act like separate sovereigns with the different state governments. It is even possible to face multiple state charges and federal charges depending on the actions of the perpetrator.

Can the states attorney drop charges?

While it might not hurt to let the prosecutor know how you feel, the prosecutor cannot dismiss the charges without additional justification. A prosecutor can only drop charges with the approval of the judge. The judge will require more than the victim's wishes to allow the prosecutor to dismiss criminal charges.

What is double jeopardy in law?

The Double Jeopardy Clause in the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution prohibits anyone from being prosecuted twice for substantially the same crime. The relevant part of the Fifth Amendment states, "No person shall . . . be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb . . . . "

What is the 5th amendment in simple terms?

The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees that an individual cannot be compelled by the government to provide incriminating information about herself – the so-called “right to remain silent.” When an individual “takes the Fifth,” she invokes that right and refuses to answer questions or provide ...

What are the exceptions to the double jeopardy rule?

In a 1969 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court held that double jeopardy applies to both state and federal prosecutions under the Fourteenth Amendment doctrine of incorporation of rights. The largest exception to the application of the double jeopardy rule is the concept of dual sovereignty.

Can you sue for double jeopardy?

The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides that no person shall "be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb." It's a relatively straightforward concept: The government can't prosecute someone more than once for the same crime.

What is the 5th Amendment double jeopardy?

The clause provides that no person can be convicted twice of the same offense. Its basic concept is found in English common law, although some scholars suggest that the idea has its origins in Roman law. The effectiveness of the clause depends on whether two separate offenses can be considered to be the same offense.

What happens if a case is dismissed?

A dismissed case means that a lawsuit is closed with no finding of guilt and no conviction for the defendant in a criminal case by a court of law. Even though the defendant was not convicted, a dismissed case does not prove that the defendant is factually innocent for the crime for which he or she was arrested.

Why do prosecutors sometimes choose not to prosecute criminal cases?

Prosecutors may decline to press charges because they think it unlikely that a conviction will result. No matter what the prosecutor's personal feelings about the case, the prosecutor needs legally admissible evidence sufficient to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Can a dismissed case be reopened?

Summary: The case can be revived after it has been dismissed, but the individual must convince the court that there is a justifiable explanation for their absence. The matter can be reopened under Order 9 Rule 9 of the Civil Procedure Code 1908, but the person must provide sufficient grounds to the court.

Automatic Felony Disbarment

Pursuant to Judiciary Law §90 (4) (a), an attorney convicted of a felony under New York law, or convicted of a crime in another jurisdiction that would constitute a felony in New York, is automatically disbarred.

A Range of Sanctions

Since the category of “serious crimes” encompasses a wide spectrum of offenses, ranging from federal felonies to lesser misdemeanors, conviction of a “serious crime” can result in a broad range of sanctions.

Other Crimes

Crimes not classified as either felonies or “serious crimes” may also result in the commencement of disciplinary proceedings, notwithstanding the absence of a statutory mandate. The rules in the First, Second, and Fourth Departments specifically provide for disciplinary action in such cases.

Conclusion

Unfortunately for our profession, examples abound of lawyers who engage in criminal conduct and are convicted of crimes that fall into one of the three above enumerated categories.

What to do if you are charged with a crime in another state?

You should always talk to a criminal defense attorney if you are charged with or being investigated for any crime, but if you are charged with a crime in another state it is imperative that you talk to an attorney who practices in that state. When you are facing out of state criminal charges, a local attorney is the one person who can help you resolve the matter. If you do not take care of the charges, a warrant could be issued for your arrest, resulting in greater legal trouble. Having a warrant out for your arrest can also make it difficult to obtain a job or pass a background check. A local attorney can explain the charges and tell you how your case is likely to fare in court, depending on the judge and prosecutor and how they are likely to treat an out-of-state defendant. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you protect your rights and make sure that the case is resolved in the best way possible.

What happens if you have an out of state arrest warrant?

When you are facing out of state criminal charges, a local attorney is the one person who can help you resolve the matter. If you do not take care of the charges, a warrant could be issued for your arrest, resulting in greater legal trouble. Having a warrant out for your arrest can also make it difficult to obtain a job or pass a background check. ...

What happens if you post bail and skip town?

As long as the defendant does so, the bail is refunded. But, if the defendant posts bail and skips town, then the court keeps the bail money and the judge can issue a bench warrant for the defendant's arrest. For example, suppose a woman is arrested in Oregon for drunk driving while visiting her brother. She posts bail and then flies home to Arizona without retaining a lawyer or doing anything else about the charges. When she fails to appear for her court date, she forfeits her bail money and the judge in Oregon can issue a bench warrant for her arrest.

What are some examples of jurisdiction?

States can also have jurisdiction over some crimes even if the defendant never actually sets foot in that state. For example, states have laws against child enticement (asking or encouraging a child to engage in sexual behavior). In some states, these laws apply to anyone who engages in that conduct with a child in that state, even if the conversation occurs online. So a man in any state who chats online with a child in, say, Tennessee and asks that child to meet him for sexual activity could be charged in Tennessee, even if the man never goes to Tennessee and never meets the child.

What happens if you get stopped in Arizona and a computer check reveals an Oregon warrant?

So, if a driver is stopped in Arizona and a computer check reveals an Oregon warrant in the person's name, the driver could be taken into custody, regardless of the basis for the stop. If the person is held in custody, Oregon might be more likely to request extradition.

Can a misdemeanor be a local attorney?

For misdemeanors (in most states, crimes punishable by up to one year in jail), most states will allow a local attorney hired by an out-of-state defendant to handle the case. Then, the defendant does not have to appear in court. The attorney stands in for the defendant at every step of the court proceedings, though the defendant will have to serve any sentence imposed. Local counsel can (and should) also be hired in felony cases, but the defendant may still have to appear in court or post bail.

Can bail be refunded?

As long as the defendant does so, the bail is refunded. But, if the defendant posts bail and skips town, then the court keeps the bail money and the judge can issue a bench warrant for the defendant's arrest. For example, suppose a woman is arrested in Oregon for drunk driving while visiting her brother.

Double Jeopardy

Double jeopardy only comes into play if a person is charged for the same crime twice in the same jurisdiction. That means if a crime is committed in one state, and then the crime continues into another state, each state (or jurisdiction) has the opportunity to prosecute an individual for the offense without it being a case of double jeopardy.

Multiple Charges in Different States

It can be difficult for prosecutors to pursue charges in both states as it can be a long process. Prosecutors in both states will have to remain abreast with the proceedings of each pending case to see if one state’s case will affect the other.

Conflicts with Sentencing

Sentencing conflicts could also arise if someone is facing similar charges in two states. In the Supreme Court case mentioned above, the defendant was later executed by the state of Alabama in 1992, although he first received a life sentence in Georgia.

When to Contact The Abt Law Firm, LLC

If you are facing charges in two different states, you need a defense attorney who not only knows the laws of multiple states but what rights are available to you. Don’t get stuck facing more serious charges because you don’t have the right person fighting for you — contact the team at The Abt Law Firm, LLC and get started with a free consultation.

Why is it possible to prosecute a person for the same crime in multiple states?

In usual situations, it is possible to prosecute a person for the same crime in multiple states because of separate sovereigns that exist in the different locations.

What happens if a tenant-landlord relationship is a crime?

If the crime involves tenant-landlord relations, it is crucial to understand which state protects and helps the tenant and which location favors the landlord. If working through two or more cases with opposing legal standpoints, the defense will change drastically and require a complete change based on these laws.

What happens when you cross a state line?

Often, the state line crossing happens through examples of robbery, abduction and internet crimes. Commerce or the crossing of state boundary lines will initiate multiple jurisdictional issues for one crime. It is the United States Supreme Court that holds it is possible to incur multiple cases in different states for the same crime.

What happens if a jury panel is used in a criminal case?

Additionally, if the case proceeds with a jury panel, the defendant may find success in one state and failure in another.

What are the concerns of the accused?

One primary concern of the accused is that of possible different cases in each state. One location may have evidence to support prosecution while the other state does not need as much evidence for the prosecution to proceed with the charges. Then, the defendant may need to prove completely different defensive strategies and arguments in the courtroom. Some judges will have different outlooks on the accused and may view the crimes more harshly than others. Additionally, if the case proceeds with a jury panel, the defendant may find success in one state and failure in another.

What is the difficulty of having multiple charges?

One difficulty that accused individuals face when there are multiple charges from different states is the need to remain present for each trial. Traveling and staying in the other state is part of the process and can seriously cause problems financially. Another issue is needing a lawyer that understands the state laws of each charge.

Can you have multiple cases in different states?

It is the United States Supreme Court that holds it is possible to incur multiple cases in different states for the same crime. Another example that could cause these cases is through internet fraud in one state by using the personal details of the victim in another state.

What amendment requires the accused to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation?

However, the U.S. Constitution ( Sixth Amendment) requires the accused "be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation.". This means that states will inform the fugitive of:

What is the law that governs extradition?

Within the United States, federal law governs extradition from one state to another. The Extradition Clause of the U.S. Constitution ( Article IV Section 2) requires that: A person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on Demand of the executive Authority ...

What are the defenses to extradition?

There aren't many defenses to extradition. As long as the process and procedure found in the U.S. Constitution and federal law have been followed, the fugitive must be surrendered to the demanding state. However, there are a few defenses that have been identified by the Supreme Court, such as: 1 whether the extradition request documents are in order; 2 whether the person has been charged with a crime in the demanding state; 3 whether the person named in the extradition request is the person charged with the crime; and 4 whether the petitioner is, in fact, a fugitive from the requesting state.

How long does a fugitive have to be held for habeas corpus?

The demanding state then has 30 days to retrieve the fugitive. If they don't, the arresting state may release them.

What happens if a fugitive refuses to be extradited?

If the fugitive refuses to waive extradition , the original state prepares a request to have the fugitive returned. Extradition requests are made from the office of one state's governor to the other. If the request is approved by both governors, an extradition hearing will be held and a court in the state with the fugitive will make a decision ...

What is the name of the database that law enforcement uses to access warrant information in other states?

When the out of state warrant is issued, the information is entered into the National Crime Information Center ( NCIC), a nationwide database that law enforcement uses to access warrant information in other states. If the person sought is arrested in the new state, the arresting authorities will notify the first state that issued the warrant.

Is extradition mandatory in all states?

In addition to the Constitution, federal law ( 18 U.S.C § 3182) provides requirements for extradition. Requirements and guidelines can also be found in the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act (UCEA). The UCEA is not mandatory and not all states have adopted it. States that haven't adopted the UCEA have their own extradition laws ...

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Automatic Felony Disbarment

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Pursuant to Judiciary Law §90(4)(a), an attorney convicted of a felony under New York law, or convicted of a crime in another jurisdiction that would constitute a felony in New York, is automatically disbarred. Following conviction of a felony in any state, district, or territory of the United States, the convicted attorney must fil…
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‘Serious Crime’ Proceedings

  • “Serious crimes” include felonies that lack felony analogs in New York, as well as misdemeanors with one or more of the elements listed in Judiciary Law §90(4)(d). More specifically, Judiciary Law §90(4)(d) defines a “serious crime” as any criminal offense designated a felony in any other state, district, or territory but not in New York, and any other crime, a necessary element of whic…
See more on nylegalethics.attorney

A Range of Sanctions

  • Since the category of “serious crimes” encompasses a wide spectrum of offenses, ranging from federal felonies to lesser misdemeanors, conviction of a “serious crime” can result in a broad range of sanctions. Unlike New York state felonies or foreign felonies with New York analogs which result in automatic disbarment, federal felonies without New York analogs also give rise t…
See more on nylegalethics.attorney

Other Crimes

  • Crimes not classified as either felonies or “serious crimes” may also result in the commencement of disciplinary proceedings, notwithstanding the absence of a statutory mandate. The rules in the First, Second, and Fourth Departments specifically provide for disciplinary action in such cases. In the First Department, if the Departmental Disciplinary Committee determines that an attorney ha…
See more on nylegalethics.attorney

Conclusion

  • Unfortunately for our profession, examples abound of lawyers who engage in criminal conduct and are convicted of crimes that fall into one of the three above enumerated categories. What these lawyers may not realize is that a criminal conviction can sometimes result in even more devastation to their careers and livelihoods as a result of the subsequent disciplinary consequen…
See more on nylegalethics.attorney

Jurisdiction

Local Counsel and Court Appearances

Posting Bail

Warrants and Extradition

Obtaining Legal Assistance

  • You should always talk to a criminal defense attorney if you are charged with or being investigated for any crime, but if you are charged with a crime in another state it is imperative that you talk to an attorney who practices in that state. When you are facing out of state criminal charges, a local attorney is the one person who can help you reso...
See more on criminaldefenselawyer.com

Double Jeopardy

  • Double jeopardy only comes into play if a person is charged for the same crime twice in the same jurisdiction. That means if a crime is committed in one state, and then the crime continues into another state, each state (or jurisdiction) has the opportunity to prosecute an individual for the offense without it being a case of double jeopardy. Doubl...
See more on abtlaw.com

Multiple Charges in Different States

Conflicts with Sentencing

When to Contact The Abt Law Firm, LLC