If your future is in the hands of a jury, you are undoubtedly wondering what jurors think as evidence and witnesses are offered up in a trial. How supportive are they of a defense attorney’s argument? How influential is a specific piece of evidence? It is a multifaceted and ever-changing…
The holiday season typically sees a rash of certain types of crime. That’s partly because, while many people are busy shopping or attending holiday parties with friends, colleagues, and family, there are those among us who have something a little less festive on their minds. If you have been charged…
When prosecutors demanded that a California man who faced illegal gun possession charges be held without bail, the man’s defense team argued that the charges simply did not warrant such a harsh response. Prosecutors had pages and pages of explanations to support their argument. Unfortunately, for them, their extensive documentation…
Why do the feds pursue some cases and let others go? The Take Care Clause from Article II of the United States Constitution, as the Department of Justice (DOJ) gives prosecutors discretion when it comes to weighing whether to pursue a case. The provision necessitates that the president take care…
Turn on the news and you will find all kinds of sports betting fiascos, driven by a number of high-profile scandals that have recently hit the headlines: ESPN reports that the Lucchese crime family was the mastermind in a network of bookmakers nationwide who facilitated roughly $2 million in illegal…
The U.S. Constitution provides that when someone is suspected or has been convicted of committing a crime in another state, that person can be surrendered from their current state residence to the state where the alleged crime took place in order that the suspect stand trial and/or serve a sentence…
Let’s say you were alarmed when police approached you unexpectedly. As they attempted to arrest you, in your confusion, you reacted based on your instinct to try to get away. In hindsight, you recognize that you made some decisions that were less than perfect, but that awareness is not going…
Surveillance by law enforcement has had extensive growth in recent years, advancing capabilities to an often-worrisome level. Inarguably, it has made it easier to capture criminals. But it has led to some sober ethical questions, as well. License Plate Readers What could possibly be troublesome about automated license plate readers…
Have you been charged with arson? If so, an emotionally charged trial could be in your future. That’s because when fire destroys property and life itself, it is difficult to ignore the catastrophic impacts. It is up to prosecutors to prove that a fire was intentionally set, and that is…
A crime that is motivated by certain characteristics outlined in state and/or federal law can be charged as a hate crime. Penalties may be increased beyond typical guidelines for the original crime. In other words, a sentence that might normally be for ten years could be extended by months or…