4 answers
Sydney
Student
Port Charlotte, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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How do you deal with losing a case?
When you are on a case for sexual assault and you lose how do you deal with it
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4 answers
Herbert Webber
Police Sergeant (retired)
10
Answers
Roseville, California
Updated
Herbert’s Answer
Speaking as a former investigator in Special Victims I can tell you there will be a ton of cases that do not result in prosecution.
That being said, there are some things that will help take the sting out of not getting a case resolved by conviction:
Do everything you can to obtain as much evidence in the case as you can to make the case more solid, such as interviews , warrants , surveillance footage, cell phone logs, texts , photos....(That does not mean fabricate evidence to make your case more solid! )
Make sure the victim(s) in the case tell you everything, I always told the victims in the interview to be completely honest and tell me the good, the bad, and the ugly. Defense attorneys love to attack the victim's character. Taking away that potential landmine helped immensely in multiple cases, especially when I dealt with several serial sexual assault cases involving prostitutes. The victims were reluctant to tell me they were working, until I told them I was more concerned about a dangerous man assaulting women than I was about what they were doing to make a living. That would show the suspect was specifically targeting a particular class of victim and it deflated the defense's case of potentially calling the victim a liar. If you don't get all the information from the victim at the start of the investigation, you could get a rude awakening in the courtroom.
Remember what I said about doing a good job in getting evidence? Guess what? I had a couple of cases I thought were legitimate and turned out to be a complete fabrication after I found exculpatory evidence. Yes, some people like to use the police as an instrument of vengeance against ex husbands, ex wives and ex boyfriends. I was glad the cases did not make it to the courtroom. I kept innocent people out of prison. What might at first be considered a loss turned into a very big win.
Be ethical and hard working, ask others in the squad if there is something they think you missed, and do not lie or fabricate anything. The ends do not justify the means. Is your character and career worth instant gratification/ conviction? Do you want to be the officer labelled 10 years after the fact who wrongfully got a man convicted? Not me. At the end of the day you can look in the mirror and even if the suspect got away (for the time being or forever) you can said that you did what you could in a way that will stand up to any level of scrutiny.
I hope this is a helpful answer to your question.
That being said, there are some things that will help take the sting out of not getting a case resolved by conviction:
Do everything you can to obtain as much evidence in the case as you can to make the case more solid, such as interviews , warrants , surveillance footage, cell phone logs, texts , photos....(That does not mean fabricate evidence to make your case more solid! )
Make sure the victim(s) in the case tell you everything, I always told the victims in the interview to be completely honest and tell me the good, the bad, and the ugly. Defense attorneys love to attack the victim's character. Taking away that potential landmine helped immensely in multiple cases, especially when I dealt with several serial sexual assault cases involving prostitutes. The victims were reluctant to tell me they were working, until I told them I was more concerned about a dangerous man assaulting women than I was about what they were doing to make a living. That would show the suspect was specifically targeting a particular class of victim and it deflated the defense's case of potentially calling the victim a liar. If you don't get all the information from the victim at the start of the investigation, you could get a rude awakening in the courtroom.
Remember what I said about doing a good job in getting evidence? Guess what? I had a couple of cases I thought were legitimate and turned out to be a complete fabrication after I found exculpatory evidence. Yes, some people like to use the police as an instrument of vengeance against ex husbands, ex wives and ex boyfriends. I was glad the cases did not make it to the courtroom. I kept innocent people out of prison. What might at first be considered a loss turned into a very big win.
Be ethical and hard working, ask others in the squad if there is something they think you missed, and do not lie or fabricate anything. The ends do not justify the means. Is your character and career worth instant gratification/ conviction? Do you want to be the officer labelled 10 years after the fact who wrongfully got a man convicted? Not me. At the end of the day you can look in the mirror and even if the suspect got away (for the time being or forever) you can said that you did what you could in a way that will stand up to any level of scrutiny.
I hope this is a helpful answer to your question.
Walter Ozeki
Retired law enforcement and current security professional
33
Answers
Honolulu, Hawaii
Updated
Walter’s Answer
Hey there Sydney,
As those who are committed to upholding the law, we in the police force need to have faith in our criminal justice system. We need to believe it's fair and just, as this belief fuels our dedication to doing our jobs to the best of our abilities. Our role isn't simply to secure a conviction at all costs. Rather, our duty is to present the evidence in a balanced and unbiased way. We aim to build the strongest case we can so that a judge or jury can make a well-informed and impartial decision.
Most of the time, the verdict is guilty, but sometimes it's not. There are loads of factors at play, and no case is ever perfect. Things like mistakes during the investigation, hesitant witnesses, credibility problems, and flawed evidence can all influence the case's outcome. As long as I know I've done my best to build the strongest case possible, I have to trust in the system.
Sure, sometimes that trust can morph into frustration and even anger when we don't secure a conviction. But, we have to dust ourselves off and continue to serve the next victim with the same level of determination and passion.
As those who are committed to upholding the law, we in the police force need to have faith in our criminal justice system. We need to believe it's fair and just, as this belief fuels our dedication to doing our jobs to the best of our abilities. Our role isn't simply to secure a conviction at all costs. Rather, our duty is to present the evidence in a balanced and unbiased way. We aim to build the strongest case we can so that a judge or jury can make a well-informed and impartial decision.
Most of the time, the verdict is guilty, but sometimes it's not. There are loads of factors at play, and no case is ever perfect. Things like mistakes during the investigation, hesitant witnesses, credibility problems, and flawed evidence can all influence the case's outcome. As long as I know I've done my best to build the strongest case possible, I have to trust in the system.
Sure, sometimes that trust can morph into frustration and even anger when we don't secure a conviction. But, we have to dust ourselves off and continue to serve the next victim with the same level of determination and passion.
Mike Dreyer
Retired Law Enforcement
1
Answer
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Regrettably, there will be instances where you might lose a case due to the prosecutor's choice to either dismiss the case or negotiate a plea deal. In addition, the outcome of a case can be influenced by the evidence presented, or the absence of it, the credibility of the witnesses, and a variety of other factors. Some of these setbacks might stir up feelings of frustration. However, it's crucial to not let these losses affect you personally. Instead, try to identify any mistakes you might have made that contributed to the loss, and find ways to improve your approach for future cases.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6183
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Greetings Sydney from Port Charlotte, Florida, this is Jim reaching out from the Gold Coast, Australia. I've received your query and I'm truly sorry to hear about the unfortunate circumstances you're facing. Dealing with a grave offense such as sexual assault can be emotionally taxing and tough to handle. It's vital to recognize and manage these emotions in a positive way. Here are some tactics that might assist people in dealing with the aftermath of a lost case:
1. **Find Emotional Support**: It's essential to connect with friends, family, or a support group to express your feelings and experiences. Discussing your emotions can offer solace and a fresh viewpoint during this tough period. Also, consider reaching out to professionals like therapists or counselors who are experts in trauma or legal issues.
2. **Prioritize Self-care**: Participating in self-care activities can reduce stress and boost emotional health. This could involve leading a healthy lifestyle by consuming balanced meals, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and utilizing relaxation methods like meditation or deep breathing exercises. Looking after your physical health can positively influence your mental health.
3. **Reflect and Learn**: Allocate time to ponder over the case and the reasons for its result. Consider asking for feedback from colleagues or mentors to understand areas that could be enhanced in future cases. Reflecting on the experience can help identify strengths and weaknesses, paving the way for personal growth and development as a legal professional.
4. **Preserve Perspective**: Losing a case doesn't determine your abilities as a lawyer or lessen the significance of the work done in the pursuit of justice. It's crucial to remember that the result of a single case doesn't represent your entire career or commitment to advocating for sexual assault victims.
5. **Undertake Self-reflection**: Losing a case can serve as an opportunity for self-reflection and introspection. Consider evaluating personal biases, strategies used during the trial, or any other factors that may have influenced the outcome. This process can lead to personal growth and improvement as a lawyer.
6. **Network with Colleagues**: Connect with other attorneys or legal professionals who have faced similar situations. Exchanging experiences and discussing coping strategies can offer valuable insights and support.
7. **Pursue Professional Development**: Utilize continuing education opportunities, workshops, or conferences that focus on sexual assault cases or related legal subjects. Enhancing knowledge and skills can boost confidence and improve future results.
8. **Champion for Change**: Losing a case can trigger advocacy for systemic changes in the legal system or policies surrounding sexual assault cases. Consider participating in organizations or initiatives that aim to enhance access to justice, support survivors, or promote legislative reforms.
9. **Exercise Self-compassion**: It's important to be gentle and compassionate towards yourself during this challenging period. Avoid self-blame or harsh self-criticism, as these thoughts can harm emotional well-being. Instead, practice self-compassion by acknowledging the efforts made and the commitment to seeking justice.
10. **Take a Break if Necessary**: If the emotional burden becomes too much, it might be necessary to take a temporary break from work or seek additional support. Prioritizing mental health is crucial in maintaining overall well-being.
It's important to remember that these strategies are general suggestions and may not apply to everyone's individual circumstances. Each person's experience with losing a case is unique, and it's essential to find coping mechanisms that work best for you.
Web Resources:
Here are some resources that might be helpful:
1. National Sexual Assault Hotline: Confidential 24/7 Support
2. Common Reactions to Sexual Assault - Counseling Center
3. Special information if you have been a victim of rape or other sexual assault
4. Sexual Harassment at Work
5. Sexual Assault Long-Term Effects - Erie County
6. Victim of Rape or Sexual Assault? How to File a Civil Lawsuit
7. Impact of Sexual Violence - Resilience - Rape Victim Advocates
May you find healing and peace.
1. **Find Emotional Support**: It's essential to connect with friends, family, or a support group to express your feelings and experiences. Discussing your emotions can offer solace and a fresh viewpoint during this tough period. Also, consider reaching out to professionals like therapists or counselors who are experts in trauma or legal issues.
2. **Prioritize Self-care**: Participating in self-care activities can reduce stress and boost emotional health. This could involve leading a healthy lifestyle by consuming balanced meals, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and utilizing relaxation methods like meditation or deep breathing exercises. Looking after your physical health can positively influence your mental health.
3. **Reflect and Learn**: Allocate time to ponder over the case and the reasons for its result. Consider asking for feedback from colleagues or mentors to understand areas that could be enhanced in future cases. Reflecting on the experience can help identify strengths and weaknesses, paving the way for personal growth and development as a legal professional.
4. **Preserve Perspective**: Losing a case doesn't determine your abilities as a lawyer or lessen the significance of the work done in the pursuit of justice. It's crucial to remember that the result of a single case doesn't represent your entire career or commitment to advocating for sexual assault victims.
5. **Undertake Self-reflection**: Losing a case can serve as an opportunity for self-reflection and introspection. Consider evaluating personal biases, strategies used during the trial, or any other factors that may have influenced the outcome. This process can lead to personal growth and improvement as a lawyer.
6. **Network with Colleagues**: Connect with other attorneys or legal professionals who have faced similar situations. Exchanging experiences and discussing coping strategies can offer valuable insights and support.
7. **Pursue Professional Development**: Utilize continuing education opportunities, workshops, or conferences that focus on sexual assault cases or related legal subjects. Enhancing knowledge and skills can boost confidence and improve future results.
8. **Champion for Change**: Losing a case can trigger advocacy for systemic changes in the legal system or policies surrounding sexual assault cases. Consider participating in organizations or initiatives that aim to enhance access to justice, support survivors, or promote legislative reforms.
9. **Exercise Self-compassion**: It's important to be gentle and compassionate towards yourself during this challenging period. Avoid self-blame or harsh self-criticism, as these thoughts can harm emotional well-being. Instead, practice self-compassion by acknowledging the efforts made and the commitment to seeking justice.
10. **Take a Break if Necessary**: If the emotional burden becomes too much, it might be necessary to take a temporary break from work or seek additional support. Prioritizing mental health is crucial in maintaining overall well-being.
It's important to remember that these strategies are general suggestions and may not apply to everyone's individual circumstances. Each person's experience with losing a case is unique, and it's essential to find coping mechanisms that work best for you.
Web Resources:
Here are some resources that might be helpful:
1. National Sexual Assault Hotline: Confidential 24/7 Support
2. Common Reactions to Sexual Assault - Counseling Center
3. Special information if you have been a victim of rape or other sexual assault
4. Sexual Harassment at Work
5. Sexual Assault Long-Term Effects - Erie County
6. Victim of Rape or Sexual Assault? How to File a Civil Lawsuit
7. Impact of Sexual Violence - Resilience - Rape Victim Advocates
May you find healing and peace.