QUESTION
Who would be responsible for an arrest for a charge that community service was performed instead of jail time?
Asked on Mar 28th, 2017 on Civil Rights - Tennessee
More details to this question:
About 3 years ago, I was charged with a misdemeanor. The Judge sentenced me to 45 days in jail. Instead of jail time, I performed 360 hours of community service. I completed the service and was taken off probation. About 2 weeks ago, I was arrested for "failure to report". This was done by a judge from another town, same county. I was held without bond and was arraigned to court in 8 days, still no bond. My family got paperwork from the person that was over the community service. I was seen by the original Judge and he released me and apologized for the paperwork mistake. Do I have a valid case of Wrongful Arrest? This was done in the state of TN and the county of Sullivan.
1 ANSWER
My opinion is that you do not have a case for "wrongful arrest". The reason for that is public officials, like the judge, are performing a public duty/function and have either absolute or qualified immunity. Beyond that, I can only recommend that you consult with an attorney in your area to get his/her opinion.
Answered on Mar 29th, 2017 at 6:05 PM