If you choose to be an informant, you must be careful. Protect Yourself While Informing on Others Can the law enforcement agency offer you any protection? If not, then thoroughly discuss the risks with your attorney before agreeing to being a police informant. If you are being asked to inform on powerful individuals or criminal organizations, then you must consider how your identity will be protected and what happens if someone else finds out. You also need to consider protection for in the future. Only when there is a detailed offer on the table can you decide whether this is the right course for you. Instead, work with an attorney to clearly identify what you will receive for becoming a confidential informant. It is essential that you do not assume your charges will be dropped once you give the police the information they want. Receiving the minimum penalty upon pleading guilty.Having some or all of your charges dismissed.The trade-off for this role is that you receive some sort of preferential treatment, which may include: In addition to fully understanding your role, you need to know exactly what you will get for playing the part of a confidential informant. Will My Charges be Dropped if I Become a Confidential Informant? If you default on your agreement, you will find yourself facing criminal charges. Agreeing to something you do not fully understand could put you in a difficult or dangerous position in the future. Never agree to become a confidential informant without speaking to an attorney and learning what would actually be expected of you. If you are found participating in an offense, your position as an informant can be revoked, and you could be charged with an additional crime. In the movies, you may see the police looking the other way when informants break the law. You also need to learn what you cannot do after taking on the role of a confidential informant. You need to know exactly what they want you to do and how. They may need introductions to other offenders or for you to set up meetings, such as a drug deal. The police may want more than specific and useful information. You will need to negotiate with the police regarding your precise role and expectations. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a confidential informant during your criminal case, you need a lawyer to represent you. Learn the Details About Your Role as an Informant You need to speak with an experienced criminal lawyer about your options before agreeing to anything.Ĭall Breeden Law Office at (919) 661-4970 to discuss your rights and options. However, becoming a confidential information is not always in your best interests. They want information you have, and you have a vested interest in facing a less serious crime or no charges at all. Instead, law enforcement agents often use this as a bargaining tool while you are being investigated or charged with one or more offenses. It is rare for someone to come forward to the police and suggest they become a confidential informant. You may be asked to maintain your relationships with certain individuals, get acquainted with other people, or continue to be part of a criminal organization or conspiracy. However, it is not necessarily a one-time job. It might sound easy to be a criminal informant. What the police and prosecutors are looking for is information that can be used as evidence in court to gain convictions. This could entail details of who is or was involved in a crime, how an offense took place, when criminal activity is planned in the future, and much more. To become a confidential informant means you give information to a law enforcement agency about illegal activity.
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