Confidential Informant- Orlando Criminal Defense Attorneys

What is a confidential Informant?

A confidential informant, otherwise known as a “CI”, is someone who informs on a criminal defendant. E.g. a person who buys drugs from the Defendant

Who are they?

Traditionally, they are individuals who are faced with legal problems themselves and who want to lower their sentence.

What do they do?

Confidential informants pretend to be regular people who need something illegal. For example, a junkie who needs his fix. The CI will often be wired with audio and/or video equipment. If they are not wired for audio/visual, then the Detective in charge of the investigation will likely conduct a search of the CI, maintain constant visual surveillance over the CI during the transaction, and then follow up with a search once the CI completes the transaction.

Damaging Evidence:

Confidential Informant testimony is incredibly damaging. You have the actual person who conducted the purchase of an illegal substance testifying that the Defendant was the one who sold it to them. That is often supported by video and audio surveillance.

What are Defenses to Confidential Informants:

Understand that the traditional CI has its baggage, its criminal history. Often the Confidential Informant will have a criminal history that can be attacked during a trial. Additionally, the State must reveal the name of the CI in most instances. Where the CI is conducting numerous buys for the police, the State is less likely to produce the name of the CI. If your attorney files the appropriate motion, the Court will order that the State produce the CI’s information. In some instances, a case may be dismissed where the State refuses to turn over the name of the Informant.

If you or your loved one are in need of information on confidential informant, call us at 407-930-8912 to speak with a qualified legal professional or fill out the contact form on this page. We’re available 24/7, we offer free initial consultation and payment plans. In addition to our Orlando location, we have offices in the following cities across the state of Florida:

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