How to Find Out What a Probable Cause Affadavit for Animal Abuse Says
- 1). Contact law enforcement. The agency filing the probable cause affidavit to back up the animal abuse charges will have a copy on file. Submit a public records request to the arresting agency to view a copy of the affidavit. Some agencies have forms on hand for requesting records. If not, prepare a letter to the agency detailing your request. For instance, "This letter serves as a public records request to obtain a copy of the probable cause affidavit in the animal abuse case involving John Doe." Provide your contact information, sign the letter and submit your request. This can be done in person, via email or faxed. Call the agency to verify receipt and inquire when the record will be made available.
- 2). Visit the clerk's office. The court clerk in the county where the animal abuse charges are filed will have a case file available. Contact the clerk's office and speak to a deputy clerk. If the abuse charge is a misdemeanor, request the deputy clerk in that department. If it is a felony case, this would be the appropriate department. Ask to view the file and obtain copies of the affidavit. There may be a small fee for copies. Some county clerk's have criminal case records accessible online.
- 3). Contact the state attorney. The prosecutor's office may be willing to release a copy of the probable cause affidavit or disclose information in the animal abuse report. Contact this office and ask to speak with the attorney prosecuting the case or her assistant.
- 4). Speak with the defense attorney. If you or a close family member are the defendant in the case, the defense attorney will obtain the complete case file, including the probable cause affidavit. Speak with the attorney to learn the details of the animal abuse allegations.
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