Because of today’s political climate, it is more likely for an officer involved in a fatal shooting or an encounter that results in a significant injury to be charged with a crime. Even more challenging is the possibility of an internal affairs investigation.
Indeed, being found guilty of a crime can be the death knell to an officer’s career, but an internal affairs investigation could be just as troubling. Even though it may not result in criminal charges, it is important to have legal counsel at this time. This post will explain why.
Guidance is essential – You may not realize it, but the investigation may not be geared towards eliminating wrongdoing, but instead to gather evidence to support a particular conclusion. This conclusion may not always be in your best interests. As such, guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney may be necessary to protect your rights.
Adherence to protocols – You understand that when dealing with criminal suspects you are obligated to follow certain protocols when it comes to requiring statements. Similarly, your department must follow certain rules while investigating you. A skilled attorney can protect your rights in that regard.
Help with the union – Your police union is always behind you, but it may not have the expertise or bandwidth to protect your legal rights.
If you have additional questions about how a criminal defense attorney can assist you, please feel free to contact us.
The preceding is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
