What to do if I rented out my trailer to a guy who illegally used it to dump somewhere?
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What to do if I rented out my trailer to a guy who illegally used it to dump somewhere?
The cops contacted me and i told them on the day it happened i rented it out and it wasn’t in my possesion. They have pictures of the dumpsite with the guy that I rented it to showing him there with my trailer. I couldn’t fully tell by the pictures if it were him but then they had a mugshot photo of him that I could identify him. Can I be liable or charged with anything? Should I seek counsel? I didn’t have any record of me renting the trailer to him that day, however I have my ad on craigslist dated 2 weeks before the incident occured showing my intent to rent it out.
Asked on December 15, 2012 under Criminal Law, Missouri
Answers:
David West / West & Corvelli
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
You should definitely seek the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer like myself to try and keep you from getting arrested. This situation is very dangerous as it appears that you may have paid this person to dump you stuff - at least that is what the police are going to think. And if the person stopped and arrested has cut a deal with the police to admit you were involved in exchange for their leniency against him then you are in much greater danger.
The ad does help somewhat but police and prosecutors will likely argue that it doesn't prove anything except your intent to pay someone else to do your dirty work so you couldn't get caught doing it yourself. Even though this may not be true, that is what they will probably think. This is why you need someone on your side - to try and prevent your arrest or, if that isn't possible, to make sure you don't spend any length of time in jail before we go to court to get this case fixed.
Many lawyers such as myself offer free consultations so there is really no harm in speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible - before a warrant is issued and you are arrested without a lawyer.
David West
Attorney at Law
David West / David West & Associates
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
You should definitely seek the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer like myself to try and keep you from getting arrested. This situation is very dangerous as it appears that you may have paid this person to dump you stuff - at least that is what the police are going to think. And if the person stopped and arrested has cut a deal with the police to admit you were involved in exchange for their leniency against him then you are in much greater danger.
The ad does help somewhat but police and prosecutors will likely argue that it doesn't prove anything except your intent to pay someone else to do your dirty work so you couldn't get caught doing it yourself. Even though this may not be true, that is what they will probably think. This is why you need someone on your side - to try and prevent your arrest or, if that isn't possible, to make sure you don't spend any length of time in jail before we go to court to get this case fixed.
Many lawyers such as myself offer free consultations so there is really no harm in speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible - before a warrant is issued and you are arrested without a lawyer.
David West
Attorney at Law
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