What Is a Search Warrant
A search warrant is a legal document or order that allows the police to conduct a search of an individual or a property. Search warrants must be signed by a judge, and they indicate the time, date, and reason for the search. The law enforcement agency seeking the warrant has to prove - through evidence and an affidavit, that the evidence they're looking for is valid and true. An affidavit is basically a written statement made after taking an oath. In this case, the affidavit needs to suggest that there [...]
What is the Child Abuse Central Index?
The Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) was created by the California state legislature as a tool to help state and local agencies uphold the health and safety of children in California. Notably, the Index is recurrently updated with thousands of new names every year, and the info that goes into the CACI database is entirely provided by state and local police agencies, probation departments, and county welfare officials. Californian law requires every reporting agency, primarily the ones mentioned above, to furnish the state's Department of Justice with a report of [...]
Steps to Take If You Believe Your Rights Were Violated
Being arrested and charged with a crime can have far-reaching consequences on your life. Apart from the potential jail term or fine, you may have problems getting a job in future, particularly if you're charged with a felony. Nonetheless, people charged with crimes have a right to a free and fair trial, as well as not having their dignity or privacy infringed. If your constitutional rights were violated at one point, here are the steps to take: Be Informed and Know Your Rights First things first, it's important to know [...]
The Ins and Outs of Armed Robbery Charges
Incidents of armed robbery in the US are still considerably higher compared to the rest of the first world countries. National statistics put the number of armed robberies that occurred in 2018 at slightly over 121,000, with targets ranging from convenience stores to wealthy people’s houses. […]
Eyewitness Misidentifications & Wrongful Convictions
An eyewitness account is one of the most reliable methods of settling cases. However, there have been instances where innocent people are wrongfully convicted based on testimony presented against them by eyewitnesses. It is therefore vital to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to help scrutinize witness accounts and any other evidence brought against you. Situations Where Misidentification Can Happen As mentioned earlier, eyewitness accounts aren’t always perfect. The ability of an eyewitness to recall events may be hampered by several factors such as forgetfulness and confusion. This is especially [...]
Miranda Rights Overview
If you are a fan of police dramas or law TV series, then you’ve probably heard the line, “You have to remain silent…,” playing out so many times. This phrase normally pops up when an officer arrests a suspect. These words are a tidbit of what we call, “Miranda Rights.” Unfortunately, most people do not understand what the Miranda laws are all about, considering that cop dramas never state the full rights. As a result, you might misconceive that you can walk scot-free in case a law enforcer does not [...]