EFFECTIVE DEFENSE COUNSEL FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT DISCIPLINE IN NEW JERSEY
SAFEGUARDING YOUR CAREER AND RESTORING YOUR REPUTATION
Law enforcement officers are under heavier scrutiny than ever. Despite tremendous stress and the risk of bodily injury, they must perform up to stringent professional standards, often with cell phone cameras aimed at them, ready to capture the smallest indiscretion. When members of the public file complaints, officers can find themselves at the mercy of career-minded superiors willing to let politics influence the way they administer discipline. Pope Law is proud to support police officers in the performance of their duty. We capably represent officers facing disciplinary hearings that can damage their careers. The complaints we address include:- Crime – That the officer participated illegal behavior, such as bribery, theft or narcotics violations
- Excessive force – Actual or threatened excessive force against a person
- Arrest – Improper restraint of a person’s liberty
- Entry – An officer’s entry into a building or onto property was improper
- Search – An officer’s search of a person, automobile or premises violated police procedures
- Differential treatment – Irrelevant factors such as race, attire, age, or sex determined the officer’s actions
- Demeanor – Gestures, language or behavior were inappropriate and unprofessional
- Serious rule infractions – Disrespect towards a supervisor, intoxication on duty, sleeping on duty or neglect of duty are examples
- Minor rule infractions – These may include untidiness, tardiness, faulty driving or failure to follow procedures
AGGRESSIVE REPRESENTATION DURING INTERNAL AFFAIRS INVESTIGATIONS
If you’ve received notice of an Internal Affairs investigation or an administrative hearing, you should consult reliable counsel. You have a duty to appear and testify on matters directly related to the performance of your duties, but you shouldn’t go in alone. Our firm provides steadfast representation at every stage of the investigation to ensure your rights to due process and protect your career. Departmental discipline can take many forms, including:- Counseling
- Oral reprimand or performance notice
- Letter of reprimand
- Loss of vacation time
- Imposition of extra duty
- Monetary fine
- Transfer/reassignment
- Suspension without pay
- Loss of promotion opportunity
- Demotion
- Discharge from employment