Asked 8/30/.2016 – Odessa, TX

I’m being accused of stealing some items and they have a few witnesses stating that they saw me. They have no footage or really any evidence that it was me. I am a felon and have had a class a misdemeanor for theft. Can they just arrest me right away because of the witnesses or do they investigate first? And is there any way to beat the charge

Answer

I understand your concern, but you really should talk with a local attorney to get a different perspective on your situation. From what you describe, you ARE subject to an arrest warrant; you state they (law enforcement?) have no evidence against you, but you also say several incriminating witness statements exist. That means there HAS been an investigation and there IS evidence against you. I understand in this day where everything is recorded, there is the thought that if no video exists, no evidence exists, but cases were being prosecuted for decades before video technology was developed. Criminal cases CAN be filed without a video recording of the event. You “beat” a case if you can prevent the State from proving the allegations against you beyond a reasonable doubt. You will have to retain a local attorney to see how that can be done.