If the police pull you over, they may ask to search your car. But do they have the right to do so? You may think invoking your Fourth Amendment rights will protect you during a traffic stop; however, that is not always the case. The automobile exception The U.S....
Contrary to popular belief, an eyewitness does not guarantee a conviction. While they can be compelling, they are not always correct. Or, if they are correct, they are not always watertight enough to prove that someone committed a particular crime beyond a reasonable...
Unfortunately, your past can haunt you for a long time, especially if you have a criminal record. For example, potential landlords have the right to perform a background check before renting to you. They may refuse you a residence if they uncover convictions or...
There are two main tools that police officers in California use to determine if someone is impaired. The first is a breath test. There are both portable breath tests that some officers may carry and full Breathalyzer systems that are usually administered at the police...
If a police officer arrests you, you may be tempted to fume, mouth off and be argumentative because you know you are innocent. Although that reaction is very human, it’s not an approach that will help you. In fact, it could go strongly against you. According to...
“You are under arrest. You have the right to be quiet. Whatever you say can be used against you in court.” You have probably heard these words while watching your favorite crime movie or drama. But what exactly do they mean? At the most basic, the right to remain...
When a police officer starts to question you, your first instinct may be to cooperate. For example, they might tell you that you could have information that could help them solve a crime or protect the local community. They might also tell you that you won't face...
Getting into college takes years of preparation. Maintaining a specific GPA in high school and securing competitive scores on standardized tests like the ACT and SAT are key components to gaining admission to college. Of course, securing entry is only the first hurdle...
People who are facing criminal charges usually hope that they can either be found not guilty or not have to face a serious sentence. There are sentencing guidelines in place that help to determine what sentences are possible for specific convictions. The court will...
Police officers have a duty to keep their jurisdictions safe. One way that they do this is through traffic stops. When you’re stopped, do the police need a warrant to search your vehicle? The answer to this depends on the circumstances, but it’s fully possible that...