Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

police report

My adult son has been arrested, why can't the Public Defenders office give us a copy of the police report, Even after my son told them to give me a copy? I want to know whats been said in the report before I go & hire a criminal attorney. My son gave his permission with me present, to the supervisor of the Public Defenders office this morning at the pre-trial. I don't understand why they can't. I don't want to hire a attorney until I have some answers, also to have the report to show to an attorney so they could give me a consultation without having to hire them first.


Asked on 2/02/00, 4:13 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Stephen Sitkoff Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP

Re: police report

There are very strict guidelines regarding who a police report can be given to and when a police report can be given out. In this case the public defender might be able to give you a copy of some of the report if your son gives the ok.

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Answered on 2/04/00, 8:10 pm
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: police report

There are many reasons that the public defender has not provided you a copy of the police report. The penal code greatly restricts the ability of an attorney to give a copy of the police report the defendant or members of his family. This limitation is supposed to prevent the defendant from learning the name address etc of the witnesses and/or victim.

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Answered on 2/03/00, 1:33 am


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