Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

Can a detective chose not to investigate a case.

I have been told that detectives do

not have to investigate cases, no

matter how serious the crime. Ex: A

man is arrested for allegedly beating

a child. There was significant

evidence to prove his innocence if the

case was investigated. The girlfriend

(who actually did the abuse of the

child) of the man that was arrested

had ''slept'' with the detective.

Statements were taken, man can not

afford legal council and was forced to

take a plea for less time by the public

defender. Should this case have

been investigated or can these small

town legal systems get away with

this type of injustice?


Asked on 4/16/08, 11:30 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
jeffrey lazroe Jeffrey A. Lazroe attorney at law

Re: Can a detective chose not to investigate a case.

Detectives have the freedom of investigation.

If there was an investigation done by the police concerning this matter, they have the right to choose whom to charge.

Since the man plead guilty to a charge, it really vindicates the detective's investigation.

Most Police Departments have a department for internal investigations. You can lodge a complaint there. Make certain that you tell these investigators of the sexual involvement between the detective and one of the potential perpetrators of the crime.

They then will take action.

Read more
Answered on 4/16/08, 7:19 pm


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