Police are supposed to serve and protect and police departments in counties like Denver, Jefferson, Arapahoe, Adams, Douglas, Larimer, and Weld are no exception. However, some police departments have quite a stellar reputation for messing up simple investigations in Denver, Aurora, Englewood, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, and Castle Rock. Sloppy police work is now the center of attention because of the controversy surrounding the death of Trayvon Martin, a black teen who was shot and killed by a neighborhood watch vigilante. There are no arrests (so far) in his case, and the public is outraged. The police are now blaming initial stumbles in the investigation on the lack of prosecution for Zimmerman, who is claiming self-defense.

But by now, it may be too late to get to the truth of the case. Evidence is lost, and eye witness accounts are fading. Zimmerman's claim of self defense is not fully corroborated because the police are admitting they did not complete the investigation as thoroughly as they should have and he is in danger facing murder charges. The point of any case is for the police do their job correctly in obtaining evidence and collecting the correct version of testimonies from witnesses.

Looking at the Trayvon Martin case shows that police should be careful in their work or critical mistakes may occur. In a recent Sexual Assault on a Child (CRS 18-3-405) we handled, the Aurora police failed to collect basic evidence or interview witnesses. You cannot rely on the police to fully and properly investigate cases. The Denver police have already admitted they do not keep perfect records, as this blog previously announced.

If charged with a sex crime like Enticement of a Child (CRS 18-3-305), Unlawful Sexual Contact (CRS 18-3-404), or Sexual Assault (CRS 18-3-402), do not trust the police to protect your side. Colorado police have an agenda of their own that will come before yours. They may have already formed an opinion and obtain evidence only to support that opinion and make a quick arrest.

Police are far from perfect, and often times they need to be held accountable for their actions. The best way to make that happen is to have an experienced sexual assault attorney at your side to defend you against trumped up charges filed by police. Be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call the experienced attorneys at the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.