Emisión y servicio de citaciones en casos de delitos menores en Virginia

Explicación Simple

Si alguien comete un delito menor, un oficial puede darle una citación en vez de arrestarlo. Esto significa que la persona promete regresar a la corte y no será llevada a la cárcel de inmediato.

Es como cuando un profesor te dice que puedes irte a casa si prometes entregar la tarea a tiempo, pero si no lo haces, tendrás que quedarte después de clase.

Ejemplo Práctico

Imagina que Juan es sorprendido conduciendo sin licencia. El oficial le da una citación y le dice que debe presentarse en la corte en una semana. Si Juan no va, podría enfrentarse a más problemas legales.

Penalidades

Si violas la promesa escrita de presentarte, podrías enfrentar consecuencias legales adicionales.

Texto Original del Estatuto (Inglés)

Upon the giving of such person of his written promise to appear at such time and place, the officer shall forthwith release him from custody. However, if any such person shall fail or refuse to discontinue the unlawful act, the officer may proceed according to the provisions of § 19.2-82 . 3. Unless otherwise authorized by law, any person so summoned shall not be held in custody after the issuance of such summons for the purpose of complying with the requirements of Chapter 23 (§ 19.2-387 et seq.). Reports to the Central Criminal Records Exchange concerning such persons shall be made pursuant to subdivision A 2 of § 19.2-390 and subsection C of § 19.2-390 . Any person refusing to give such written promise to appear under the provisions of this section shall be taken immediately by the arresting or other police officer before a magistrate or other issuing authority having jurisdiction, who shall proceed according to provisions of § 19.2-82 . Any person who willfully violates his written promise to appear, given in accordance with this section, shall be treated in accordance with the provisions of § 19.2-128 , regardless of the disposition of, and in addition to, the charge upon which he was originally arrested. Any person charged with committing any violation of § 18.2-407 may be arrested and immediately brought before a magistrate who shall proceed as provided in § 19.2-82 . B. Conservators of the peace appointed under Chapter 2 (§ 19.2-12 et seq.) may issue summonses pursuant to this section, if such officers are in uniform or displaying a badge of office. On application, the chief law-enforcement officer of the county or city shall supply each officer with a supply of summons forms, for which such officer shall account pursuant to regulation of such chief law-enforcem