Sometime law enforcement and the prosecutors rely on a certain kind of witness: an Informant.

Who Qualifies as an Informant?

According to Missouri law, an informant is defined as a witness providing testimony about allegedly self-incriminating statements or activities of a suspect or defendant while the witness:

• Is or was incarcerated with the defendant,
• Is being detained or is in the custody of law enforcement, OR
• Provides testimony in exchange for any benefit.

Note: The term “informant” specifically excludes codefendants or victims involved in the case.

What Constitutes a “Benefit”?

It is, of course, a concern that the witness gets a “benefit” which could encourage them to lie. So, it is important to know how “benefit” is defined (also by Missouri law). Specifically, it includes any plea bargain, bail consideration, sentence reduction, financial payment, reward, or any other form of leniency or amelioration of incarceration conditions—whether requested, offered, or provided in the past or future.