What relationship is more important - Lawyer knows the charging detective or Crown?

[wasserkool]

In minor non-violent criminal cases, what is more important and beneficial to the offender - the lawyer personally knows the charging detective or knowing the crown prosecutor?

[Nikita]

The Crown. Once a charge has been laid, the cop has no role in the proceedings, except for being a witness. And, ethically speaking, he/she cannot attempt to influence the Crown one way or the other, even if it's in your favor.

[nano]

the crown

[wasserkool]

So once the charge is laid, the Charging Detective, not the Arresting officer has no role in the case other than being the witness?

But doesn't the charging detective compile all the evidence and present it to the crown?

[MkmBandit]

But doesn't the charging detective compile all the evidence and present it to the crown?

You just answered your own question ;)

[Shaner]

A good lawyer will have numerous cops, crown attorney's and judges as friends.

My neighbor, who is a criminal lawyer, hosts poker games all the time. I play with him on a regular basis. There's always a lot of cops and prosecutors showing up to play with us. It's obvious he knows a lot of people in the field and has regular contact with them outside of the court house. I've heard the stories, his contacts have helped him with many of his cases.

Personally, I think using friends to help get accused persons off is exactly what is wrong with the system. Working where I do, I have a certain bias towards those who break the law (not all laws of course, but anything violent or predatory in nature), but I'm not about to let my views obstruct who I associate with outside of work (within reason obviously).

[Nikita]

Personally, I think using friends to help get accused persons off is exactly what is wrong with the system. Working where I do, I have a certain bias towards those who break the law (not all laws of course, but anything violent or predatory in nature), but I'm not about to let my views obstruct who I associate with outside of work (within reason obviously).

I agree that personal relationships should never influence criminal proceedings. But yep, it happens.

[Stoe99]

The system put in place is meant to be worked, kudos to those who can work it in their favor.

[Nikita]

The system put in place is meant to be worked, kudos to those who can work it in their favor.

Well, there are ethical and unethical ways of working the system. I prefer the ethical ways. Sleeping at night is very important to me.