Families of SOs Community Group
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I am new to this community, but I am glad that I found it. I am 24 years old and a grad student(for the time being), and 3 months ago, my apartment was raided, and my electronics were seized for possible CP charges. I live alone, so I was interviewed by the police while they were proceeding in their search. I was asked a few questions, and they claimed there was illicit activity 18 months prior without getting into the specifics. They wanted me to tell them my side of the story, but I didn't want to talk to the police without having some legal counsel, and I told them that, and they proceed to claim that they already knew I did it and had all the proof of my wrongdoing, but I remained quiet. They then said if I helped them, then that would only help me in the longterm since they would tell the prosecutor of my compliance.
So I gave them my passwords and my access to search my car but refused to answer any other questions. I wasn't arrested, and I got a lawyer.
Basically, I am in limbo, waiting to see if they find on my devices.
My questions are:
Have other people had more success with private lawyers vs. public defenders?
Will the police actually consider me giving them my passwords and allowing them to search my car when thinking about if they want to actually charge me?
My lawyer hasn't been able to contact anyone on the police side after 3 months, and I am just wondering if that is odd that they won't call him back?
The reason why I am asking these questions is that I feel like there is something that my lawyer isn't telling me. He tries to reassure me and tells me to focus on school, but I find it so weird that he hasn't gotten any information from the police yet about my case. I'm sorry but thank you for taking the time to read this.
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Hey All...I hope that you have a lovely, peaceful beginning of your weekI have a bunch of chores that need doing but may put them off til tomorrow and just hang out with my landlord/roomie todayWhat about you?...Anything special going on?Have a great day and take good care of you!!..Xo
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Once again I've had a fever today. I'm not going to the hospital because that's a huge waste of time but I did schedule a dr appointment for Wednesday afternoon.
I will tell you my thoughts on this though....
Having your own lawyer I think is absolutely better... Public defenders may be great lawyers but they're terribly overworked
I don't know why your lawyer isn't telling you anything... or why the police aren't talking to him.... I know that here our court system is really, really backed up due to Covid ..... Do you have your electronics back yet?
It's the Crown or district attorney that lays charges against people.... I would let your lawyer know that you want to know what's going on.... No answer isn't acceptable IMHO.... I would let the lawyer know that this is having a profound affect on your life
I know that police are allowed to lie when questioning people they are considered as persons of interest or suspects
I hope that you have some answers soon
Here is a link to another board....
https://support-for-families.boards.net/
Is there an average time for the time of search to charges?
The police or ICE or whoever are supposed to update your lawyer--I don't know how much they would have to tell at this point but they certainly should be expected to return calls. I agree you have a right to ask this lawyer to tell you everything. If he's too busy to work on your case then it's time to look for a different lawyer. If you've paid a retainer, make sure to do it right so you get the rest of your retainer back.
That said, there really might not be any action on your case for the lawyer to report. It sounds like you're dealing with federal authorities--and between Covid, change in administrations, and the total disarray of the US Justice Dept 2017-2020, your case might be at the back of a long line or lost in limbo. Then your lawyer would have to guess--is it better to remind them that the case is there or not? Any usual timeline, if there ever were any, are pretty much meaningless with the backlog that Covid has created in the courts.
Usually it's FBI who does federal CP investigation so I'm not sure what's up with HS and ICE. If you're not a citizen that would be another whole aspect to the situation and you may need a lawyer who understands that side of the law.
I know firsthand how hard it is to have this hanging over your head, no idea what will happen, and no idea even when you will find out what's happening. I'm so sorry you are stuck in that space.
My thinking with giving passwords is, "I have nothing to hide."
Sorry another question, Is it normal to receive a notice of seizure and information to claimants letter after your home was searched?
Big hug.... I know it must be hard to be going through this.... I hope that you will find some answers soon.... I hope that your lawyer can push for some answers.... xo
He wasn't but there was a cp on his computer he never looked at and he was charged with that and had to take a plea or they would up charges and go to trial. He got 30 months in federal prison, he's now on 15 years supervised released here in PA. The 'crime' happened in Floriduh. So you might have a different experience, plus times have changed a little since they got my son.
Get your own forensics, I can't say this too many times. If you're in Floriduh I know a good company that does it.
We all send hugs and wishes, but these laws are a shame and we need to be upfront about what can happen, as you need to be prepared.