Chances are your favorite news source has recently ran a story about the FBI using a confidential informant to help investigate a case. Many law enforcement agencies use confidential informants, including those here in Clay County, St. Johns County, and Jacksonville. Did you know confidential informants have rights? Unfortunately, it took the tragic death of Rachel Hoffman to bring this about.
Rachel was murdered while working as a confidential informant under the supervision of the Tallahassee Police Department in 2008. Subsequently, the legislature passed “Rachel’s Law.”
For the most part, “Rachel’s Law” was created so that law enforcement agencies have policies and procedures in place to help ensure the safety of the confidential informant–something the Tallahassee Police Department did not have when it recruited Rachel Hoffman. But is also requires that any person who is requested to work for law enforcement in a confidential capacity be given an opportunity to consult with an attorney before doing so. However, while there are some things law enforcement is required to disclose when recruiting someone, this is not one of them. This right is only upon request and you are not required to be informed of it.
If you have been asked by law enforcement to work as a confidential informant, tell them you want to speak with an attorney first. At Luke Law, we will take the time to review your situation and the agency’s policies and procedures so you can make a wise and informed decision about whether to work as a confidential informant. Working as a confidential informant can lead to the risk of harm to you or your family, do not make this decision without a legal consultation.
*Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to be legal advice. We highly recommend speaking with an attorney if you have any legal concerns. Contacting us through our website does not establish an attorney-client relationship.*