Michigan police officers know that collecting information on drug dealers and ultimately making arrests can be difficult without insider information. To get closer to those who are manufacturing or trafficking drugs, they often seek the help of a person who is facing a charge or sentence relating to a drug crime. In exchange for his or her help, this person, known as a confidential informant, can get a lesser charge or sentence on his or her original case.
But becoming a confidential informant comes with a number of risks. At DeBruin Law our experienced Ingham County drug lawyers have experience helping clients who are considering becoming confidential informants, or who have already become active confidential informants. Enlisting the help of an attorney can help you to make the most of being a confidential informant—and keep you from incriminating yourself in the process.
What Is a Confidential Informant?
A confidential informant is a person, often facing his or her own criminal charges, who supplies information to law enforcement officers, including police and detectives, to assist them in making arrests of drug dealers. Confidential informants will often receive lesser charges or sentences for their own criminal case and may be looked upon favorably by a judge who is notified of their cooperation.
3 Things to Consider Before Becoming a Confidential Informant
- High Risk — Becoming a confidential informant is incredibly risky, with law enforcement officers hoping to use an informant, not just for information but to achieve arrests. This might mean putting you in a situation where you’re interacting with a drug dealer or even assisting with a buy.
- High Stakes — Law enforcement officers are often looking to find people who are high up in a supply chain. Because of this, an informant sets himself up for situations involving drug deals that are proximal to a drug’s source. This can mean high-stakes encounters involving wire transmitters, police surveillance, and lethal weapons.
- No Guarantee — While cooperating with law enforcement is likely to result in a lesser charge or sentence, there’s no guarantee that becoming a confidential informant will benefit your case. If you’re unsure if becoming an informant could be advantageous to you, contact an experienced Lansing criminal defense attorney at DeBruin Law today.
3 Ways a Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You
- Protect Your Identity — Having your cover blown as a result of being a confidential informant could have lethal consequences, depending on your circumstances. An experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney can help you to ensure that your identity always stays safe.
- Hold Police Accountable — While there’s no guarantee that you’ll get your charge or sentence lessened, there’s a greater chance this will occur when your attorney has a pre-established professional relationship with the law enforcement officers and prosecutors handling your case. Enlisting the help of a Michigan criminal defense attorney is a smart way of ensuring that the police and prosecution uphold their end of the deal.
- Coach and Protect You — What you say to the police can be used against you in just about any context. That’s why it’s important to be careful with your words when working with law enforcement. A Michigan criminal defense attorney can ensure that you don’t incriminate yourself in the presence of police and detectives.
Call DeBruin Law Today
If you’ve been approached about becoming, or are considering becoming, a confidential informant, contact the Lansing criminal defense lawyers at 517-324-4303 today. Our Ingham County and Clinton County drug attorneys are experienced at handling cases involving confidential informants and can work with you to get the best possible outcome for your case.