You have the right to decline an officer's request to search you or your personal property for evidence. The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects citizens from illegal search and seizure. So, what do the cops need to look for evidence legally? A search...
Florida considers robbery a violent offense due to the threatening nature of the crime. Due to the characteristics of these charges, a conviction can lead to severe penalties. What is a robbery offense? While the legal crime of theft involves taking something without...
If you have been in a situation where you had to physically defend yourself, you may have questions about the legal ramifications of your actions. Even when defending yourself is the only reasonable option, can criminal charges stem from this act? What does Florida...
Government prosecutors have extensive experience with the criminal justice system. After all, many prosecutors try hundreds of cases per year. Unless you are a seasoned criminal defense attorney, you simply do not have the experience to go toe-to-toe with government...
In Florida, medical marijuana is legal, but recreational use of the drug is not. The penalties for marijuana possession vary based on the quantity. Parents need to think about the legal and medical implications of their marijuana use as well as if their children are...
If you are a fan of police shows on television, you may already know officers typically must obtain a warrant before searching a suspect or anyone else. This comes from the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that protects Americans from unreasonable searches...
Courts in Florida and around the country have held that police officers may enter homes and other premises without a search warrant if they have exigent circumstances. This exception to the Fourth Amendment ensures that police can respond to calls for help, stop...
Police officers in Florida and around the country usually obtain warrants before searching vehicles or properties because the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits unreasonable government search and seizure. The Constitution does not protect against...
It may seem counterintuitive in a country that values democracy, but in many cases, it's perfectly legal for law enforcement agents to be less than truthful when questioning people. In fact, it's a common tactic to lie to suspects. Law enforcement officers can lie...
Juries tend to find forensic evidence extremely convincing, which is why prosecutors in Florida and around the country rarely question the science supporting it. This reluctance to draw attention to the flaws of evidence that often secures convictions could explain...