What It Means for Your Criminal Case if the Officer Working on It Is Fired in Florida

Palm Beach Gardens FL Criminal Defense Lawyer

Palm Beach Gardens Police Department just announced that Officer Bethany Guerriero was fired this week, making headlines. According to Troy Myers from CBS News, Officer Guerriero was fired after an internal investigation into her conduct during a disturbance call. The investigation found that she was in violation of several department policies, and was subsequently terminated.

In light of this news, you may be wondering - what does this mean for an ongoing criminal case? If you are involved in a criminal case in Palm Beach Gardens Florida that may have involved Officer Guerriero, this may have a significant impact on your case.

How a Fired Police Officer May Affect Your Criminal Case in Palm Beach Gardens FL

If a police officer is fired, such as Officer Guerriero, this may have a significant impact on a case. In fact, a police officer who is or has been arrested, terminated, or proven to have otherwise acted unprofessionally or out of accordance with department policy may be challenged in court for various reasons.

Officer Credibility: The credibility of a police officer is always in question. If an officer is found in violation of department policy, this can raise concerns about their overall professional conduct.
Admissibility of Evidence: Similar to credibility, any evidence collected by an officer who was found to have committed professional misconduct may suppressed upon a proper filing.
Witness Testimony: An officer who was fired, arrested, or otherwise acted out of accordance with their job may not be a reliable witness to testify in court.

If you are currently facing criminal charges in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, or the greater Palm Beach County in Florida, it is essential to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. They will be able to guide you on how to best leverage any developments if an officer’s reputation is compromised and ensure that your rights are protected in court so you receive a fair trial. Also, check out our free guide, "Top 5 Things Most Criminal Defense Attorneys Don’t Want You to Know" for more information on how to navigate your criminal case.