Helping Good People Regain Control of Their Future
When Charged With a Crime
September 2019 eNewsletter Issue no. 34
Cops Photoshop Lineup Pics for Eyewitness IDs
Eyewitness testimony is thought by many be the best evidence of a suspect’s guilt. However, research has shown that eyewitness testimony is the single largest cause of wrongful convictions. The testimony is often the result of a photo lineup, and recent disclosures have revealed that police in some states have been photoshopping the pictures they use to present to witnesses for identification. In a recent Oregon bank robbery case reported by The New York Times, the cops had a suspect – a man (shown here) with multiple tattoos on his face. The problem was that witnesses stated, and a video showed, that the perpetrator had no tattoos on his face. The cops remedied this by proceeding to photoshop out the tattoos on their suspect’s mug shot, in an obvious effort to change the appearance to fit the testimony of the eyewitnesses. What a disgrace! In California, as of earlier this year, PC 859.7 now sets regulations for both photo and live lineups. Time will tell whether the new law will have the effect of avoiding the kind of misconduct referred to above. For more information on problems with eyewitness identification, see Partner Stefano L. Molea's article on LinkedIn.
Meet Our Client Concierge
The Law Office of David P. Shapiro is pleased to announce that Sarah Shafer has become the newest member of our team and will be serving as the Firm’s Client Concierge. Sarah's passion for the law – in particular for criminal defense – began as a child watching crime shows on TV and has continued through the years. She is an Honors graduate of the University of Oregon, where her interest in the law was fueled by a course in restorative justice. Sarah plans on attending law school in the near future. Sarah’s responsibilities at the Firm include, but are not limited to coordinating client communications with our team, screening potential new cases, and lending a hand to the rest of the team whenever one is needed. She is committed to helping the Firm’s existing and prospective clients, and we are thrilled to have her on board!
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This newsletter is for meant for informational and marketing purposes only, and should not be relied on as legal advice. Viewing and/or use of the newsletter, including sending email or submission of forms, does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship. Any endorsement, testimonial or other statement contained in or referred to in this newsletter is not a guarantee, a warranty or a prediction of a particular result in your case. David P. Shapiro and Stefano L. Molea are active members of the State Bar of California and are admitted to practice law in any and all California state courts and in the Southern District of California federal courts.