What exactly is a “summons in lieu of arrest”?
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What exactly is a “summons in lieu of arrest”?
I received a summons via certified mail for secret indictment on 2 counts of knowingly selling or offering to sell a controlled substance to a witness. They charged me with trafficking in drugs which are felony 5’s. if I sold a controlled substance (Xanax) it would say trafficking in a controlled substance which is a Felony 3. I don’t understand this.
Asked on January 10, 2012 under Criminal Law, Ohio
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
A "summons in lieu of arrest" is a notice sent to the person accused of a crime who has a criminal lawsuit filed against him or her advising of the need to show up on a specific date, time, and location to answer to the criminal charge or charges. Rather than being arrested for a criminal charge, you are being summoned to court to answer a criminal complaint.
Given the fact that a criminal matter has been filed against you, I recommend that you consult with a criminal defense attorney to represent you in the matter that you are writing about.
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