Typically, if you’re under investigation for a serious felony, the police cannot open your phone without a warrant. They can ask you for your password, but you’re under no obligation to give it to them. Doing so could cause you to incriminate yourself, so you’re...
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Criminal Defense
Why students need to worry about constructive drug possession
There’s no telling who’s selling drugs these days. Someone off the streets could randomly come up to you and try and sell something. Or, it could be a relative or even your roommate – and that might spell trouble for you. Some people can go their entire lives without...
What to look for when officers show up with a search warrant
When law enforcement agencies at all levels want to search someone’s home or office, they like the element of surprise. That means the people who live or work there often have no idea they’re going to show up and may not even realize that they’re under criminal...
What are the consequences of missing a court date?
If you are facing criminal charges then it’s highly likely that you’ll have to attend a number of court hearings. When pleading not guilty, the most important of these will be the trial date. What happens if you cannot make it on a certain day? Will the court show...
Eyewitness testimony can be inaccurate
You’re facing criminal charges and the prosecution claims to have strong evidence against you. One pivotal aspect of their case is eyewitness testimony. Witnesses have come forward and claimed that they saw you carrying out the offense in question. You know you did...
What information should your defense attorney know?
One of the first things people do when they are accused of a felony is to seek out an experienced defense attorney. Your attorney will represent you and guide you through the legalities of your charges. But, before they can go through with your case, they’ll need to...
What you need to know about plea deals
If you are facing serious criminal charges, the prosecution may reach out with an offer. In exchange for a guilty plea, you will receive a lighter sentence or be charged with a lesser offense than you would have had your case gone to trial. This is known as a plea...
Defense strategies for a fraud accusation
Fraud is a serious crime that has harsh penalties for those who are convicted. But sometimes these accusations are just misunderstandings. It’s imperative for you to understand that just because you are accused of fraud doesn’t mean you are convicted. There are...
When can you “plead the Fifth” as a witness?
Most everyone can recite some approximation of the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. It says, in part that no one “shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself.” The amendment has been clarified over the centuries by U.S. Supreme...
Take these factors into consideration before accepting a plea deal
Think about it. You are facing charges where, if convicted, you could end up spending considerable time in jail. However, the prosecution presents you with a deal - plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for a lighter sentence. You might want to jump on the offer...