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A summons is an alternative to an arrest but is still legally binding. If a police officer does not want to make an arrest for a misdemeanor offense, such as a speeding violation, a summons can be issued based on guidelines and policies of the department, the state, and the opinion of the officer.

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9y ago
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14y ago

This could happen in a circumstance where arresting someone is not practical and the charge or risk of flight of the offender is not an issue. Some circumstances may include someone who is hospitalized or a person who is in the middle of caring for a child and the charge is of a misdemeanor or violation level and is minor in nature, such as disorderly conduct. The flip side is that for someone you may only give a summons to, you may end up arresting...i.e. flight risk or someone who has not showed up for previous summonses.

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Q: Why would a police officer issue a summons instead of arresting someone?
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Do police have to issue summons?

In some situations, police officers have the discretion to issue a summons or a ticket instead of making an arrest. However, they must follow procedures and guidelines set by the law and their department. Whether a summons is issued depends on the circumstances of the case.


Can you refuse to accept a summons for someone else?

No, you cannot refuse to accept a summons on behalf of someone else. The summons must be delivered to the intended recipient, and refusal to accept it does not invalidate its legal effect. If you are served with a summons meant for another person, you should inform the court or the issuing party immediately.


What is the officer that calls people to trial?

The officer that summons people to a trial/court case is called a Warrant Officer.


Can you file a civil suit against a police officer if you were given a summons by him?

No. Serving a summons is not in and of itself an infraction of your rights.No. Serving a summons is not in and of itself an infraction of your rights.No. Serving a summons is not in and of itself an infraction of your rights.No. Serving a summons is not in and of itself an infraction of your rights.


Is a police officer allowed to give someone a summons if they are in the auxiliary program?

Usually, yes. The specific answer will depend on state law and department policy, but auxiliary generally do have police powers.


Who is responsible for delivering a summons?

This is usually the responsibility of the plaintiff, or in some cases an officer of the court may do it.


Can a Fourteen year old be served a summons?

In most states a 14 year old can be served a summons for someone else.


What doese summons mean?

The word Summons means to be called for by someone like your mother, friends, a queen , king, teacher,ect


What is the document summons needed for?

The documents of summons is needed when someone needs to attend a court hearing for being sued, or being summoned as a juror, or a defendant of a crime.


Can a summons be served over the phone?

Like most legal questions this may vary from state to state and maybe depends on the type of summons you receive. In general you must receive a summons personally or by certified or registered mail for it to be valid in court. For example, if you get a traffic or parking ticket, the officer physically hands it to you on that there is an appearance date. You can receive a summons to appear from a duly sworn officer of a court, a process server or even from a regular person. What happens is on the date of the summons if you do not appear the judge will ask the "complaintant" or "complaining witness" if there is "Proof of Service". The return receipt of certified mail, signiture of the person receiving the summons or again the person who served the summons swearing that the summons was served. In absence of that proof a judge cannot order a bench warrant for contempt or failing to appear and in civil matters he cannot enter a judgment in your absence because you were not duly served and given opportunity to appear. A telephone call or even a faxed or emailed summons will not cover the burden of "proof of service" and if someone does it this way and then swears proof of service and either a judgment is entered or a warrant issued you can request to have it set aside because you were never served. This happened to me once when I was representing myself in family court to request an emergency custody hearing for Christmas visitation and I had the summons which I created as well as the proof of service document for the court and I handed her the summons in the waiting area of the courthouse. She claimed that it was an illegal service and asked a sheriffs officer if I could subpeona her like that and he said of course. I filled out the proof of service and had the officer witness it. It was an unnecesary step but when she didnt show for the hearing it served as proof and she ended up losing by default. Anyway, I would check in your state and see what the law is and as technology improves who knows, one day your computer might suddenly have a message saying "You have been served".


How can you find out if the debt collector agency is suing you?

The indebted party will receive a civil summons from the court that has jurisdiction in the area where they reside. A civil summons is not always presented by a process server or officer of the court. It can be delivered by private courier or U.S. Postal service.


What golden keys does Lucy have in Fairytail?

As of start of the Edoras arc Lucy has the following golden keys:Aquarius: Summons the Water Bearer, Aquarius.Taurus: Summons the Bull, Taurus.Cancer: Summons the Crab, Cancer.Virgo: Summons the Maiden, Virgo.Sagittarius: Summons the Centaur, Sagittarius.Leo: Summons the Lion, Loke.Gemini: Summons the Twins, Gemini.Aries: Summons the Ram, Aries.Scorpio: Summons the Scorpion, Scorpio.