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Federal Criminal Defense of Law Enforcement Officers

Posted by Hedding Law Firm | Oct 15, 2019

Over my twenty-five years of defending police officers facing charges, I've observed a troubling trend. Once charged, these officers, who have sworn to protect society, often find themselves viewed as the very criminals they've dedicated their careers to apprehending.

I really think it does them a disservice because the prosecutors tend to lose sight of the fact that these individuals have helped the community for many years. It's not fair to jump to the conclusion that they're suddenly criminals just because somebody decided to charge them with a federal crime.

These are good people.  They have worked hard all their lives.  They have sworn to uphold the law, and I believe that prosecutors and judges should remember this when deciding whether to charge a case and when deciding whether to let a jury stand in judgment of these officials.

Police Officers Have a Career Protecting Society From Crime

It's my job as a criminal defense attorney to defend a law enforcement officer, police officer, FBI agent, or whoever, and ensure that the jury knows these individuals are good people.

These individuals are not just good people, they are dedicated professionals who have sworn to protect society from crime. Recognizing their commitment is the first step in building a strong defense for a law enforcement officer facing charges.

Federal Criminal Defense of Law Enforcement Officers

Obviously, it depends on the nature of the crime.  It depends on what behavior is being viewed as criminal.  It depends on the evidence, but once you have laid the core foundation with the jury, if the case proceeds to trial.

If you're going to try to negotiate it, once you have that core foundation laid with whoever you're dealing with, it's crucial that what you do is show the jury that.

You show whoever is evaluating your client that they are a good person.  They are extraordinary and have sworn to help people, and it doesn't really make sense why they would go astray.  What would cause them to go astray?

So, if you're a law enforcement officer and find yourself on the wrong side of the law, facing criminal charges, being investigated, or whatever the circumstances may be, I want you to pick up the phone.

You can ask to speak with me directly or schedule a meeting, and we'll sit down to review everything in the privacy of my office.

Confidential Defense Strategy Review of Your Federal Case

The attorney-client privilege is a powerful tool, ensuring that all discussions remain confidential. In a criminal case, one of the first crucial steps is for you and your attorney to come to a meeting of the minds on exactly how those charges will be defended.

Defending charges throughout a jury trial requires a comprehensive game plan.  It involves an investigative plan, a plan for dealing with the media if they're involved,  and a plan for laying the framework to win the case.

The other end of it is that sometimes they've evidence that you've done something wrong, and we need to come up with a game plan on how to deal with that.  How are we going to counter that evidence?  How are we going to mitigate that evidence?

Our federal criminal defense plan for a law enforcement officer is not rigid. It's designed to be adaptable,  ready to adjust, and respond to any changes or new evidence that may arise.  We're committed to doing whatever it takes to achieve the best possible result.

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Hedding Law Firm is committed to answering your questions about Federal Criminal Defense issues in Los Angeles and Encino California. We'll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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