Will I be able to claim self-defense?
As a police officer, you know that there are two sides to every story. This is especially true if you've been accused of domestic violence. The reality is that innocent people are charged with domestic assault on a regular basis. One reason they're indicted in the...
How quickly things can turn when an officer is charged
Few people understand the trials and dangers you go through as a police officer on a daily basis. You put your life on the line every time you don the uniform in the name of protecting your community. But when you make a mistake, like the thousands that are made among...
Officers accused of stealing overtime hours
For as many people that police officers encounter that are stealing, whether it is property or money, some officers are not above the allegation of taking things that are not theirs. According to a recent news report, four police officers face felony charges after...
What police officers should know about body cam footage
Calls for the review of police body cam footage have increased over the past few years. These requests commonly come as a result of complaints made against a police officer (or department) for civil rights violations. Indeed, body camera footage can be helpful in...
Should I take the plea deal?
If you are a police officer being charged with or under investigation for domestic abuse, chances are that you know that a discussion about a plea deal will be forthcoming. After all, a majority of criminal cases are resolved through plea deals, so they are fairly...
Officer suspected of improper weapons purchases
Indeed, curbing gun violence is a top priority for police departments today. To do this, local authorities conduct additional investigations with federal law enforcement bureaus to uncover illegal weapons sales. Sometimes these investigations may unwittingly ensnare...
Officer accused of stealing marijuana from arrestee
As a result of last November’s election, recreational use of marijuana is now legal in California. However, this does not mean that people can take other people’s stashes without their permission. This especially applies to law enforcement officers taking custody of...
How often are police officers arrested?
We know that police officers are sometimes charged with crimes. But the frequency of such charges has always been a vexing question. Depending on what segment of the public is questioned, only a small number of officers face criminal charges. Others may believe that...
Three defense strategies against assault charges
Law enforcement officers face potentially dangerous situations every day. In this peril, officers often have to resort to use of force to defend themselves and others from suspects who could be armed. However, use of force has become the subject of particular scrutiny...
A word of reason for officers accused of crimes
We rely on and expect police officers to live by the laws they are charged to enforce. After all, they represent the authority of the State of California, which means that they must uphold a standard of fairness and decency. However, it is no secret that some officers...
