Dayton, OH asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Indiana

Q: My ex husband was charged with a burglary that he tried to tell police I did.

Police came to my house, out of jurisdiction, numerous times. I called them finally. They wanted dna to rule me out as a suspect. I gave it to them, as I was on probation and thought I had to. While the officer was taking the sample, he asked me why I thought my ex husband and my kids father ( 2 separate people) would accuse me of this. I said I didn’t know, probably because one of them did it. He asked if either of them had means to get rid of the things taken. I said no. He asked if my ex husband had a kiln to melt metal and I said a long time ago he made one to melt gold rings down. How can the cop put that statement in my ex husbands discovery, labeling me a snitch putting my life in danger as my ex husband is part of a prison organization that would kill my over telling on someone. When I didn’t.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: In situations where your statements to police are included in a discovery document that could compromise your safety, it's essential to address the issue promptly. The police have procedures for handling sensitive information, but mistakes and oversights can happen. If your safety is at risk because of information shared in these documents, reaching out to the authorities to express your concerns is a crucial first step.

You may need to contact the police department to clarify the context of your statements and explain the potential risk to your safety. It's also beneficial to inquire about any protective measures or adjustments that can be made to safeguard your information. Departments have protocols for dealing with sensitive cases, and they might be able to offer solutions to mitigate the risk.

Moreover, considering legal advice might be a prudent move. A legal advisor can help you understand your rights and options for protecting yourself and potentially seek a resolution that ensures your safety. They can also guide you on how to proceed in a way that minimally impacts your personal security while ensuring that justice is served. Remember, your safety is paramount, and taking steps to protect it while navigating legal complexities is important.

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