We all know those friendly cops, who respect what we do, and actually appreciate what we do. There's the ones who see us in the halls and say hello, or slap us on the back and say "good job" after we've cross examined them. And there's the ones who tell us our clients were cooperative at the scene and that they will tell the prosecutor that and recommend a light sentence or reduced charges. When they find themselves on our side of the law, either under investigation, or arrest, they seek out the best of us.
Then there's the one a few years ago who wouldn't take my card because "he doesn't like to have cards of criminal defense lawyers," and the ones who show up for hearings angry at us (even though the prosecutor filed the case) for them having to actually testify to what they did during the investigation or arrest.And recently, I've heard more and more about cops filing bar complaints against defense lawyers.
I'd like to hear some examples of this, from cops and defense lawyers, and I'd like to hear about any instance of a cop filing a bar complaint, against a prosecutor.
Brian Tannebaum is a criminal defense attorney in Miami, Florida practicing in state and federal court. To learn more about Brian and his firm, Tannebaum Weiss, please visit www.tannebaumweiss.com
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ReplyDeleteI think using a fired USA would be a fitting replacement. Justice as fairness at its finest.
re your cop gripe-- many criminal defense attorneys treat cops like shit. i dont mean cross them hard in court but little petty shit like filing rules to show cause againt them when they call and say they cant make it. that is particulary lame when you consider how often attorneys have to cancel depos.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember the last time I filed a rule to show cause against an officer, and I agree that this contributes to the bad relationships between cops and defense lawyers, but remember that some judges require them to be filed in order to "move cases along"
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