Police officers may find evidence of criminal activity through many different tactics. Sometimes, people who experience crime come to the police station to file a report. They may have already gathered evidence on their own, including witness testimony and security...
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Criminal Defense
3 constitutional rights to remember during a police stop
A lot of people do not understand their constitutional rights. Yet, knowing those rights and remembering them could be of great importance in dealings with the police. Here are the three main ones you’d need to know at this time: 1. The Fifth Amendment gives you the...
Collateral consequences: Byproducts of a felony conviction
People who are facing felony charges have to think carefully about how to present their defense because a conviction may result in serious penalties. While some defendants are focused on concerns like incarceration and fines, they also need to factor in the...
Is your private internet browsing really private?
Your computer and phone have several settings that suggest they can increase your privacy. It’s true they can increase it, but nowhere near as much as you might think. When you close a window or browsing tab, the evidence of your browsing lives on. This applies even...
Does a judge or a jury decide a defendant’s sentence in Virginia?
Those accused of criminal offenses in Virginia often worry about the potential consequences of their situation. Every crime has a different classification under state law and carries different potential penalties. The law generally provides a range of penalties...
How to keep the police from looking in your vehicle
It’s intimidating to look into your rearview mirror and see those red and blue flashing lights from a police car – and it’s even more intimidating to have an officer come up and poke their head into your car window. Even if you have nothing to hide, a traffic stop can...
Invoking your Miranda rights during a police interrogation
When the police read you your Miranda rights before a custodial interrogation, you need to watch your words. Anything you say could be used against you in a court of law. Understanding your legal rights and asserting them is crucial under such circumstances. Remember,...
The main risk of making phone calls while in state custody
It is easy to make minor mistakes that result in major implications after an arrest. People frequently fail to make use of their civil rights while in state custody, and that failure can have major implications for someone's options when responding to criminal...
K9 units and DUI stops in Virginia
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Virginia, and law enforcement utilizes various tools to enforce DUI laws. One such tool is the K9 unit, a specially trained dog and handler team. When exactly can the police use a K9 during a vehicle search at...
Common examples of inadmissible evidence
Evidence is the most important aspect of any criminal case. The police obtain evidence for the prosecution that aims to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt, and the defense looks to create reasonable doubt by showing flaws in the evidence. Despite...
