Special Privileges and Treatment for Police Officers

Police officers and other public figures are often given special privileges and deals unavailable to the general public. A top-tier defense lawyer will ensure his client gets every advantage available.

Police Officers Get Preferential Treatment in Court

The Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. is frequently retained to represent clients charged with solicitation. The prosecutor’s office has a huge incentive to prosecute these cases because the police seize the defendant’s car and force him to buy it back from the city. It’s all about money, and unfortunately, when money is the motivation, facts and circumstances in cases get tweaked by law enforcement to make charges stick. The amount the prosecutor charges, generally $900 for a first offense and $1,800 for a second offense, is usually large enough to cause some financial discomfort but not enough to justify paying an attorney to fight. Very convenient for the City of Detroit.

So what if the defendant in a case is a police officer and the vehicle is a Detroit patrol car? Shouldn’t the officer pay the forfeiture fee to put the police car back into service? Unfortunately, that would seem fair, but not the case because police officers get special treatment when charged with crimes.

Police Officer Engaging in Solicitation with a Prostitute

It is alleged that this past weekend, a Detroit Police Officer, while on duty and while driving a parole vehicle, was caught by other officers engaging in sexual acts with a prostitute. The officer has been suspended with pay. WJBK reported the incident, but the media is apparently in on the “protect the police” conspiracy with the prosecution and court system because WJBK failed to disclose the officer’s name.

Why should prosecutors and judges hold a police officer to a higher standard?

Holding a police officer to a higher standard by prosecutors and judges is vital for several reasons. Primarily, police officers, as public servants and law enforcement representatives, play a critical role in upholding the law and maintaining public order. Their position grants them significant authority, including the power to use force and make arrests, necessitating a corresponding accountability level. This higher standard is crucial in preserving public trust in the legal system. Officers acting within the law and facing accountability for their actions reinforce the public’s confidence in the justice system. Conversely, failures to hold officers accountable can erode this trust and undermine the system’s legitimacy.

Moreover, a higher standard for police officers helps to prevent abuse of power and misconduct. It acts as a deterrent against potential violations of individual rights, ensuring that police conduct remains within the legal and ethical boundaries. This is particularly important given that police officers are sworn to protect constitutional rights, including civil liberties and freedoms. Upholding these rights in all police-public interactions is fundamental to a just and fair legal system.

Furthermore, the professional integrity of law enforcement as a whole is at stake. A higher standard of accountability promotes professionalism and ethical conduct within police departments. It emphasizes the seriousness of law enforcement’s role and society’s trust in these officers. In essence, maintaining a higher standard for a police officer is essential for upholding the law, protecting individual rights, maintaining public trust, and ensuring the integrity and legitimacy of the justice system.

Media Coverage of a Police Officer Facing Criminal Charges

In today’s media landscape, the coverage of a police officer facing criminal charges often ignites a public discourse that is as contentious as it is complex. The role of the media in these scenarios is multifaceted, acting as a bridge between the legal system and the public, while also shaping perceptions and narratives. This dual role can profoundly affect the public’s understanding and reaction to these cases. On the one hand, media coverage ensures transparency and public awareness, critical components in a democratic society that values accountability. On the other hand, it can lead to sensationalism or bias, potentially influencing public opinion and the presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of our legal system. As defense attorneys, it’s our responsibility to navigate this challenging landscape, ensuring that our clients receive a fair trial, irrespective of the media spotlight. We must be adept at managing the narrative, addressing misconceptions, and ensuring that the rights of the accused are protected in the court of public opinion and the court of law. In the end, the goal is to balance the scales of justice, respecting the role of the media while zealously advocating for our clients, even when we represent a police officer.

Highly Rated Criminal Defense Attorneys in Michigan

If you still have questions for a Michigan criminal defense attorney about police officers, criminal charges, or investigations, please call the good, affordable defense attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. for a free consultation and confidential case evaluation. We have vast experience and success with defending solicitation charges in Detroit and courts throughout Wayne County, Oakland County, Washtenaw County, Livingston County, and Macomb County. We will not let you down!

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.