Sarasota, FL asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Florida

Q: Do I need to provide video evidence to the police after I file a complaint against them?

The police are investigating our complaint of negligence, assault & battery, and trespass. A lawsuit has not been filed yet. They have asked if video evidence exists. Do I need to provide now or wait for the lawsuit and provide as part of discovery?

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

A: You are not obligated to provide video evidence to the police immediately upon filing your complaint. You have the right to withhold evidence until a lawsuit is formally filed and the discovery process begins. This allows you to present your evidence in a controlled legal environment.

However, withholding evidence might impact the police investigation. If the video clearly supports your claims, sharing it now could potentially expedite the investigation and strengthen your position.

Consulting with an attorney before deciding can help ensure that your rights are protected. They can provide guidance on the best course of action based on the specifics of your situation.

Terrence H Thorgaard agrees with this answer

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