Attorney Elaine E Lukic

Freedom
A Former Prosecutor — Who Knows How To Win

With 20 years of experience in the criminal justice system, I know how to get positive results for clients who have been charged with a criminal offense. With insider knowledge and a drive to win, I am the attorney defendants turn to when dismissal — and freedom — is their goal.

High Rate Of Dismissals And Acquittals

Recognized by the Equal Justice Foundation for my “high rate of
acquittals and dismissals” in domestic violence cases.

Former Domestic Violence/Sex Assault Prosecutor

With a background in criminal prosecution, I have the know-how and insight
to stand-up for your constitutional rights.

Domestic Violence Defense

Falsely accused? Misunderstood? Targeted by a spiteful significant other?
I can help.

Sexual Assault Defense

I don’t judge. I provide mitigating evidence to the
court to paint a complete, accurate picture.

10 Best 2016 for Client Satisfaction: American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
Top 25 Criminal Trial Lawyers
NACDA Top Ten Ranking 2016
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | FACDL
10 Best 2016 in Client Satisfaction | American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
Palm Beach Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | PBACDL
Avvo Rating 10.0: Superb | Top Attorney in Criminal Defense
Lead Counsel Rated | LC
Avvo Client's Choice 2015: Criminal Defense
Top 100 Trail Lawyers | The National Trial Lawyers
Avvo Rating: Superb | Top Attorney in Criminal Defense
Top 25 National Women Trial Lawyers
Lawyers of Distinction 2016 - Five stars
Rated by Super Lawyers: Elaine E Lukic | SuperLawyers.com
Lead Counsel Verified | LC
10 Best 2016 for Client Satisfaction: American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
NACDA Top Ten Ranking 2016
10 Best 2016 in Client Satisfaction | American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
Avvo Rating 10.0: Superb | Top Attorney in Criminal Defense
Avvo Client's Choice 2015 for Criminal Defense
Top 25 Criminal Trial Lawyers
Avvo Rating: Superb | Top Attorney in Criminal Defense
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | FACDL
Palm Beach Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | PBACDL
Lead Counsel Verified | LC
Top 100 Trial Lawyers | The National Trial Lawyers
Top 25 National Women Trial Lawyers
Lawyers of Distinction 2018 | Five stars
Rated by Super Lawyers: Elaine E Lukic | SuperLawyers.com
Lead Counsel Verified | LC
"The Highest Rate Of Acquittals and Dismissals"
— Equal Justice Foundation
"The Highest Rate Of Acquittals and Dismissals"
— Equal Justice Foundation

Colorado lawmakers tackle the issue of police lying to juveniles

Law enforcement officers can legally lie to suspects to get them to confess to a crime. They may tell them they have evidence they don’t have or that someone else turned on them, for example. However, when it’s a couple of 50-something detectives lying to a 16-year-old, it doesn’t seem right to many people. That includes some lawmakers in Colorado.

Earlier this year, state lawmakers introduced a bill that would make any statements made to anyone under 18 during police interrogation inadmissible as evidence if an officer knowingly lied to them. The bill ended up being watered down to the point where supporters decided to let it die.

As one of the sponsors said, other lawmakers “changed it to a point where…we agree that it would actually be worse for our kids when we’re talking about the use of deceptive tactics from law enforcement.” They’ve resolved to try again in the next session.

The main concern isn’t that deceptive techniques can cause juveniles to admit to crimes they committed but that they can often be persuaded to “confess” to crimes they didn’t commit. One study found that over a third (38%) of juveniles who were eventually exonerated made “false confessions” – compared to just 11% of adults.

One example that Colorado lawmakers have cited involved a 14-year-old Colorado boy who confessed to murder after police falsely told him his saliva and other evidence implicating him were found at the scene. After serving more than 13 years of a life sentence, he was exonerated based on real DNA evidence.

Juveniles and temporal discounting

Psychologists say juveniles are more likely to make false confessions than adults in part because of “temporal discounting,” which makes young people seek short-term rewards without fully thinking about long-term consequences. They’re also typically less capable of dealing with high-stress situations. That can cause a young person to say whatever an officer wants if they’re told it means they can get some sleep or a meal or maybe even go home.

Although no one wants to consider the possibility that their child could end up in an interrogation room, it’s wise to talk to them about their rights and how to firmly but respectfully assert them. Don’t let your child deal with the justice system – even the juvenile justice system – without legal guidance.

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