[stranger1399]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California (Federal)

Person has been indicted of a multiple counts of wire and mail fraud, pre-trial proceeds have been completed, he was released on a signature bond by magistrate judge, attended initial trial-preparation court sessions, has entered a plea of "not-guilty" but then decided to flea the country.

it almost has been five years, now he's contacting me to set up councel for him to get the issue resolved. What are his options? or is there a statue of limitation that might come into play?

[Mr. Knowitall]

He fled the jurisdiction after he was charged. You don't win a "get out of jail free" card for choosing to be a fugitive.

As he told you, he needs a lawyer to help him resolve his warrant and to potentially negotiate a plea bargain for him before he returns.

[stranger1399]

thanks so much for your feedback... i'm guessing that he's just warried about his return, and if he ever decided to return to US, the possibility is rather high for him being arrested.

Another question, in order to negotiate some sort of a warrant/plea bargain, does he need to come back into the country, or can that be done through his councel?

[gabrieldorman]

thanks so much for your feedback... i'm guessing that he's just warried about his return, and if he ever decided to return to US, the possibility is rather high for him being arrested.

Another question, in order to negotiate some sort of a warrant/plea bargain, does he need to come back into the country, or can that be done through his councel?

If your friend is worried about his return, it is with good reason ...he has an federal arrest warrant. He absolutely needs to come back to the states.

It is unlikely that a plea bargain will be negotiated prior to his return. In general, the US Attorney's Office is not likely to start bargaining with a defendant that skipped out on his case 5 years ago and now decides it's time to settle up. However, without knowing more about the case, it is hard to say.

The first thing that has to happen for your friend is to speak with and retain a federal criminal defense attorney. That will get the ball rolling and allow the attorney to make some calls and determine where things stand and what needs to happen from there.