Before you decide to work with police in exchange for a deal remember this saying, “Snitches get stiches and end up in ditches.”
It is common to see a person arrested for a crime and told by police that if they cooperate their charges may be dismissed or significantly reduced. This scenario is most common in offenses involving drugs, and any theft related crimes such as retail fraud, or financial transaction device.
Some police agencies will do this more than others. Wayne County Drug Task force routinely will try to make these deals. Inkster police are known amongst defense lawyers, not only for making these deals, but going back on them as well.
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Should I trust the police?
In some instances the police may follow through on their word, but often times they do not. Legally, only a prosecutor can enter into a binding deal to reduce charges. Even a written and signed agreement from the chief of police isn’t worth the paper it is written on.
In the Michigan Supreme Court case, People v Gallego the court held that the police couldn’t bind the prosecutor to a plea agreement or pledge of immunity. The only way this can happen is if the prosecutor is a part of the agreement as well.
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The court in the Gallego case not only refused to enforce the agreement, but the court even suppressed the agreement and any mention of it at trial. In that case the defendant was charged with delivery of cocaine, a serious felony. Lesson learned - don’t trust the police.
Michigan Criminal Lawyer
If you have had police contact and they are either threatening to charge you with a crime if you do not help them or claim that they will cut you a “deal” if you help them you need an experienced Michigan criminal lawyer. Not only is snitching incredibly dangerous, it may not lead to anything other than still being charged.
Having a criminal lawyer in your corner can ensure that your rights are protected and that if there is a “deal” available for you it is enforced. For more information about criminal lawyer, Aaron J. Boria check out borialaw.com
