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...
Warrantless searches are often an issue in Florida criminal cases. Oftentimes, the police claim that they did not have the time to obtain a search warrant from a court based on probable cause. Whether a warrantless search is legally permissible is a decision made...
Incomplete or inchoate crimes may sound like an oxymoron. How can it be a crime if it never even happened? However, Florida residents have likely seen this in the news and in movies. Attempted murder, for example, is a crime that wasn't completed but still has...
The Sixth Amendment says that you have the right to a speedy trial if you've been charged with a crime. As a general rule, the circumstances of your case will determine how long Florida authorities have to resolve the matter. It's worth noting that you have the...
One of the most misunderstood areas of the law has to deal with searches and having probable cause. Many Florida residents don't understand what their legal rights are regarding these issues. You'll want to learn what probable cause is and when it's necessary for...
The short answer to this legal question is assuredly no, but it is a qualified no. Police officers do have standard protocol they are required to follow when conducting arrests and submitting evidence of criminal behavior. The court system and prosecutors often do...
You are walking down the street in Fort Myers when a police vehicle pulls up. Two officers step out of the vehicle and ask if they can ask you some questions about your recent activities. What do you do? Tips for dealing with a police stop Remember, you have rights,...
You can always leave a police questioning interview at any time in Florida. If the police detain you, they can keep you for an interrogation no longer than eight hours, unless they have a court order to keep you longer. Should they detain you, they will read you your...