Internal Affairs Called? Don’t Go Alone.
By Thom Nisbet
If you’re in law enforcement and internal affairs (IA), your command staff, or a city investigator has asked to “speak with you,” your career—and your freedom—could already be at risk.
Many of our clients are good officers who made a judgment call, followed standard procedure, or found themselves at the center of a political storm. Sometimes, they’re the target of false claims by angry arrestees or ex-partners. Other times, the issue stems from bodycam footage taken out of context or an anonymous tip that spirals into something bigger.
If you're being investigated for police misconduct, use of force, or personal conduct off duty, get legal defense now—before the department builds a case around you.
Types of Investigations We Handle for Public Officials and Law Enforcement
At Christian, Nisbet & Casillas, we represent officers, deputies, state employees, and public servants in:
Use of force and excessive force allegations
Off-duty conduct and domestic complaints
Sexual misconduct or harassment investigations
Public integrity unit or attorney general inquiries
Tampering with evidence or false report claims
Unauthorized computer use or unlawful search complaints
DWI or assault charges involving peace officers
Whether you’re under internal review or facing criminal charges, we defend both your career and your constitutional rights.
Recent Legal & Disciplinary Trends in Texas
SB 1445 (2023): Requires departments to report sustained misconduct findings to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)—impacting your license
Expanded public records laws mean that bodycam footage and complaint records can go public before internal findings are complete
Increased pressure from civil rights groups is pushing departments to act quickly and often before an officer can explain their side
Prosecutors are independently reviewing use-of-force incidents, even when the department finds no wrongdoing
What Officers Get Wrong During Investigations
Believing IA or HR is “just gathering facts”
Giving a statement without understanding the stakes
Trying to explain or justify actions without full context
Trusting union reps to act as legal counsel—they don’t
Assuming administrative interviews can’t lead to criminal charges
How We Help You From the First Call
We evaluate whether the complaint could trigger civil, criminal, or licensing consequences
We attend IA or command staff interviews with you—or stop them until proper procedure is followed
We challenge vague or retaliatory complaints with evidence-based responses
If you’re charged, we defend you in court and fight for dismissal, reduction, or resolution that protects your future
We help protect your license and career through regulatory responses with TCOLE or other oversight boards
Final Thoughts
No one expects a call from IA until it happens. And when it does, everything you've built—your job, your retirement, your reputation—is on the line. Whether it’s a baseless complaint or a situation that escalated, we make sure your side is heard.
You’ve served the public. Now it’s time to protect yourself…we’re that call.
