Can you be charged with a crime without knowing?
Asked by: Ms. Delilah McClure | Last update: June 22, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (51 votes)
Unfortunately, in most cases, ignorance of the law does not let you off the hook if you have committed a crime. You can still be charged for doing something illegal even if you did not know that it was illegal. If you have been charged with a crime, do not delay.
Can you get charged for a crime you didn't know was a crime?
Generally, claiming you didn't know an act was illegal isn't a defense to criminal charges. For most state and federal crimes, prosecutors don't need to prove the defendant knew their actions were unlawful.
Can someone accuse you of a crime without evidence?
“Can someone accuse you of a crime without evidence?” Seemingly, someone can bring criminal charges without evidence; however, prosecutors and police officers rarely bring charges without believing there is some evidence of the defendant's guilt.
Can you be a criminal and not know it?
Yes, it is indeed possible to have a criminal record without knowing it. There are several scenarios where this could happen: Mistaken Identity: Sometimes, individuals may be wrongfully accused of a crime due to mistaken identity.
Can you have a felony without knowing?
However, there are circumstances in which you may have a felony on your record and not know it. For example, you may have thought your record was expunged – only to find out it wasn't when a potential employer gets the results of a criminal background check. There also could be an error on your record.
Can You Be Charged with a Crime if You Know About a Crime and Don't Say Anything?
Can you be charged with a crime without being notified?
Yes, you can be charged without notice. Once you were charged, the statute of limitations stopped running, so that's not going to save you. The arrest warrant was issued after an indictment was made.
Can you be charged for a crime you don't remember?
In the criminal context, amnesia may be relevant to an offender's mental state when committing a crime (criminal responsibility), standing trial (competency), or determining the penalty (mitigating factor). But courts do not recognize amnesia as its own defense.
How do I know if I'm charged with a crime?
Call Local Police
You can also call the local police department and ask them to do a warrant check. Again, it may help to let the police know why you're checking as that influences the advice they may give you next.
Can you have charges against you and not know?
It is possible for you to be charged with a crime without knowing about it. While there are many situations where you could be arrested on the spot for allegedly committing a crime, there are other times where the police investigate crimes after the fact.
Do people commit crimes without knowing?
Although many people think they've never committed a crime, the reality is that some are easy to commit given the chance. Did you know that there is a possibility that you've committed a felony without even knowing it? It's true. Even some seemingly ordinary activities could result in felony charges.
Can charges be filed without evidence?
If you were charged with a drug crime, it is important to understand that different types of evidence may play a role in the charges against you. In general, you cannot be charged without evidence, but many people take this to mean physical evidence.
Can I press charges on someone for falsely accusing me?
Yes. In California, making false accusations is a crime and can lead to serious legal consequences. Under Penal Code Section 148.5 , it is a misdemeanor to falsely report a crime to law enforcement.
Can you convict without proof?
Yes—actually, most criminal convictions are based solely on circumstantial evidence. Further, California criminal law allows the prosecution to convict a defendant on circumstantial evidence alone.
What happens if you know about a crime but don't report it?
In California, as a general rule, you will face no legal repercussions for not reporting a crime that you witness or otherwise have knowledge of.
Can police accuse you without evidence?
You cannot be arrested without evidence. In order to be arrested for a criminal offense a police officer must have probable cause. Probable cause is a legal standard less than reasonable doubt.
Can police charge you and not tell you?
Generally speaking, indictments are sealed until the person is arrested or arranges a surrender. If the DA doesn't know how to contact the person, there could be a warrant out for their arrest without them knowing they were indicted.
When you file a police report, does the person know?
People aren't automatically notified. If the police decide to investigate the report, then them investigating will often include them contacting the person to ask them questions.
Can you press charges anonymously?
How to file a police report or report crime anonymously. To file a police report, search online for the local law enforcement agency's contact information where the crime occurred. Most local law enforcement agencies accept anonymous tips or crime reports online or by phone.
How do you know if you are convicted?
However, under the Data Protection Act, you're able to ask the police for a copy of your criminal record. This is known as a 'subject access request' (SAR). The SAR is free, and the police have up to one calendar month to supply it. For more details on how to apply, see our information on police records.
How do you know if something is charged?
To determine the charge on an object, determine the number of excess protons or excess electrons. Multiply the excess by the charge of an electron or the charge of a proton - 1.6 x 10-19 C. Finally, adjust the sign of the object to + or -.
How long does it take for charges to be filed?
Depending on the nature of the offense, the timeline for charging can vary significantly. For misdemeanors, the process might take up to a year. During this period, the police investigation unfolds, and upon its completion, the case is handed over to the district attorney's office for a charging decision.
Would I know if I was charged with a crime?
The simplest and most direct way to find out you are being charged with a crime is if a police officer or detective places you under arrest. Most of the time, the police are required by law to present an arrest warrant in order to detain you.
Can you have charges against you without knowing?
There are exceptions, but the overwhelming majority of crimes don't require that the defendant know that their conduct is illegal.
Can you be charged with a crime without going to jail?
Essentially, a criminal charge can occur without an arrest because charging someone and arresting them are separate parts of the legal process. Law enforcement or prosecutors can file charges against an individual based on evidence and witness statements without needing to physically detain them.