This needs to be thoroughly discussed between your attorney, the prosecution, and put in writing. It is important to never assume the benefit that you will receive for being a confidential informant. Your attorney can also negotiate a minimal or alternative penalty for the charges within your deal. Instead, it is much more common for your charges to be reduced, so you face a lighter sentence. It is rare for your charges to be completely dropped. Sentence you to the minimal penalty for pleading guilty.Reduce some or all the charges to a lower offense,.Drop some or all the charges against you,. For providing information or performing certain actions for the police, the prosecution may: The Potential Benefit of Being a Confidential Informantīeing a confidential informant can be well worth it in certain circumstances. Your lawyer will fight for the deal to be as balanced as possible, so you do not take too great of a risk for too little benefit. The police will want to get you to do as much as possible before your charges are reduced or dropped. A lawyer can help you negotiate this with the police and prosecutors. In fact, if you do not completely fulfill your obligations, your charges could move forward without any reduction or possibility of reduced penalties.īefore becoming a confidential informant, you need to be aware of what you would have to do in exchange. If your actions do not lead to arrests or charges, then you may not receive the benefit your bargain. You are there to ensure they catch criminals and that the prosecution has enough evidence to win the cases. Instead, your participation could be required for months or years.Īlso, the police expect your information and assistance to lead to results. In many situations, being a confidential informant is not a quick fix. You may also have to lead to a certain number of arrests. You could be asked to take part in a sting operation by setting up a drug or prostitution deal. You may be asked to perform certain acts on behalf of the police, such as introduce an undercover officer to a suspect or to set up meetings. Being a confidential informant could take you out from behind closed doors and require you to act on behalf of the police within your community and circle of family and friends. However, being an informant is not usually that simple. If the police suspect a crime is going to be committed soon, they may want all the information you have about when and where the crime is going to happen and who is involved. The police or agency may be looking for information about a crime that has been committed or a suspect they are already investigating. In some situations, your obligation would be a one-time thing. If a law enforcement officer approaches you about being an informant, it is time to speak with an attorney. What Does it Really Mean to be a Confidential Informant? We will thoroughly review your case, discuss what kind of offer prosecutors may be willing to make, and advise you on the benefits and risks involved with being a confidential informant.Ĭontact us online or at (215) 839-9529 to schedule a time to talk. You need to be well aware of the risks and have any type of agreement thoroughly defined before you say yes or no.Īt Fienman Defense, we know how the Pennsylvania criminal process works and are here to protect you. If you are ever approached about being an informant, which is common in drug cases, or you believe you have information the police may want, always speak with an attorney first. Working with the police may not help like you think it will and can even put you at risk. However, it is not always the best arrangement. If you become a confidential informant for a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency, you could have your charges dropped, or more likely, have them and the potential punishment reduced.īeing a confidential information can be helpful to your case. A confidential informant is someone who trades information about illegal activity or helps law enforcement with making arrests for some type of benefit.
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