If they find any prints on a gun that is brought into police can they charge u for possession of that gun?: My friend had someone turn a gun into police not realizing tee people that have touched it could be potentially charged for possession of the firearm . Can police use this as evidence to charge someone with possession of a firearm?
Kris’s answer: Of course the most common way to prove possession of a gun is when the police saw the person possessing the gun. The existence of prints on the gun is also pretty good evidence, but that alone might be a thin case. Think about what other evidence police may have, like statements that they saw the person with the gun, or video of that person possessing a very similar looking gun. All cases are full of lots of little evidence that matters.
If arrested, but no charge is filed, will it be shown in rap sheet? The WSP Watch shows NO Record:
I was arrested at 2018, but no charge is filed and I am released. The case is closed later.
I am wondering will this incident affect my record? Especially the rap sheet or identity history summary.
I checked the WSP Watch but there is no record at all.
Thanks
Kris’s answer:
Police have access to all kinds of information that is not available to the public, so they should be able to find your 2018 arrest, if they look.
The WSP Watch database gets it's information from the courts. Usually only conviction data from the courts. In your case, no court was involved because no charges were filed so there will be no Watch record of your incident.
Some private database records companies have access to a very deep dive of information. This is not a RAP sheet or a Watch report. Your arrest event could be held by a private company, but it still is just an arrest (probable cause) and not a conviction against you (beyond a reasonable doubt).
You can request that the arresting police expunge certain types of event history like an arrest. There is a waiting period and other requirements.
Don't forget, you are presumed innocent.
When will I receive a citation in the mail?: I got pulled over for reckless driving in Renton, WA and the officer said he was going to arrest me. But then he suddenly told me he had an urgent call to attend to and so he took pictures of myself, my drivers license, and my license plate and let me go. It's been almost a month now and I haven't received anything in the mail as of yet and I've also called the municipal court once a week and I am not in the system yet either. I'm not sure if the process just takes this long. I also remember seeing a navy blue police SUV but as I remember correctly, only Seattle officers have navy blue cars and Renton officers have black and white. If this is the case, is there a chance the cop let me go because it is outside of their jurisdiction area?
Kris’s answer: You are doing the right thing. They have two years from the date of the offense to begin a criminal case against you, but it's rare they take more than 6 months for reckless driving. Except for covid unpredictability. You can also hire a criminal defense lawyer to assist you in watching the court filings in all courts. Lastly, make sure the address on your license or with DOL is your good mailing address. They will mail a summons to you if they file a case.