police body camera criminal defense Santa Rosa

police body camera criminal defense Santa Rosa

by Dec 26, 2014

Across California, local law enforcement agencies are purchasing body cameras. Here’s some facts about these devices.

* Officers determine when and where to turn them on.
* The category of camera determines where the officer will wear the device: usually in the center of their chest or on their lapel.
* The resolution and quality of the camera determines what can be seen and heard.
* The law enforcement agency that buys the cameras will determine how long a recording will be kept and who should have access. Distributing video to individuals who are not charged with a crime or connected to a case could be seen as violating privacy rights.

The fact that a body camera is rolling can discourage an officer to use excessive force. Yet footage from a camera could hurt your case if you appear more violent or out of control than you remember.

On December 9, 2014, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved a $1.2 million contract to outfit all county’s sheriff’s deputies with lapel cameras for 5 years. Current policies allow deputies to deactivate their cameras at any time they believe the use of the camera is unnecessary.

If you need a skilled criminal defense attorney, call Gabe Quinnan at (707) 540-2356. Gabe Quinnan is an experienced and determined criminal lawyer who is able to analyze the footage from a police body camera and determine whether it can help your case. Gabe Quinnan is available to represent you if you live Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, or Marin County.