Police Appear to Cover up Prosecutor’s Indiscretions

On Behalf of | Sep 21, 2017 | Criminal Defense |

According to the Detroit Free Press, three Grand Rapids police officers who responded to or had knowledge of a drunk driving collision involving an assistant prosecutor tried to cover up the official’s role in the accident. The police discussed the case with one another over the phone on a line that was allegedly “non-recorded,” but a judge ordered them to release the conversations, which actually had been documented. Heavy reports that the collision occurred in November of last year, when the assistant prosecutor was allegedly driving down a one-way street while impaired. Officials claim he crashed into a man who had been trying to get into a vehicle, which was parked on the street. According to the phone calls that followed, the Grand Rapids officer who responded to the scene let the suspect go despite the fact that he demonstrated signs of alcohol impairment. In the released recordings, the law enforcement official talked to two other police about covering up the crash report. In January, the city suspended all three officers without pay. The man who seemed to be one of the main conspirators in the recordings was fired. Now, he is suing the city in an attempt to reinstate his position. The suspect faced charges for reckless driving causing injury. He later resigned from his post at the prosecutor’s office. This story illustrates just how corrupt the criminal justice system can be. If you are facing charges for driving under the influence, there is a chance the prosecutor or judge will violate your rights at some point during the proceedings. To protect your best interests and ensure no one bullies or intimidates you into confessing to something you did not do or accepting a sentence that is unfair, contact Gordon & Hess, PLC. With more than 30 years of combined experience representing clients throughout West Michigan, our team understands what is at stake for each and every client. Call 616-369-7452 to schedule a case evaluation with a criminal defense attorney in Grand Rapids. Can I Record a Traffic Stop in Michigan? Officers rely on dashboard cameras and body cams to document traffic stops. They also record phone calls during policy activity. In most cases, these conversations work in the officer’s favor, and it is common for law enforcement officials to use the footage they gather against a suspect. If you want to protect your best interests should police violate your rights during a traffic stop, you should record the interaction, as well. In the state of Michigan, you have the right to record a traffic stop as long as the act of documenting it does not interfere with the officer’s ability to perform his or her duty. Although the recording may not be admissible in court, having it could provide your attorney with insight regarding the best way to frame your defense. If you are facing criminal charges after police violated your rights during a traffic stop, contact Gordon & Hess, PLC. A Grand Rapids criminal lawyer from our team can assess your arrest for any procedural errors and help you determine the best way to proceed. Call 616-369-7452 to schedule a consultation. If you want to learn more about fighting DUI charges in Michigan, visit the USAttorneys website.