Category: Criminal Defense
When could evidence be ‘thrown out’ after a traffic stop?
If the defense can show that the police violated the defendant’s constitutional rights, the evidence the police garnered from the violation is generally not admissible in court. The question of whether your rights were violated is very complex and depends on the exact circumstances. There are basic rules the police have to follow, however. If
Supreme Court narrows the definition of wire fraud, making it harder to prove
When is a secret backroom deal a fraud? Not always, says the U.S. Supreme Court. Prosecutors must show beyond a reasonable doubt that the alleged victim actually lost money. The case involved Louis Ciminelli, a New York businessman who won a $750 million contract for a state government real estate project. The problem was, he
Accused of a crime on campus? Get an attorney to protect your rights.
Being in college isn’t that different from the “real world.” In both settings, there are some things that are illegal and doing them can get you into real trouble. Don’t kid yourself that a campus crime will be swept under the rug. College students can and do face serious consequences in the college disciplinary process
The rise of ransomware means the risk of charges
Ransomware is a type of malware that holds digital files and information “for ransom.” For example, one of the most common attacks involves someone using ransomware to confiscate a social media account or personal photos and demand payment to return them to the user. You may already be familiar with the concept of ransomware. However,
Drug field test kits are so inaccurate, some places are banning them
The field test kits many law enforcement agencies use to determine whether a certain substance is an illegal drug while out in the field can be inaccurate. For that reason, they’re generally not admissible in court without some further testing or proof. The results are considered preliminary – enough for an arrest but not reliable
Is CBD legal in Tennessee? What is the legal risk?
Only CBD (cannabidiol) products with less than 0.3% THC are legal in Tennessee. THC is the psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant, and CBD is a substance derived from that same plant. When the plant contains less than 0.3% THC, it is considered hemp and is legal in Tennessee. It is illegal to use or possess
Criminal charges: One of the many risks of social media
You may be fully aware of the studies that report how social media can affect our mental health. Teenagers may compare themselves to others and develop body image issues or other mental health issues. Some may even experience cyberbullying through social media. However, there is another risk of social media that parents should be aware
Can a DUI or drug conviction affect my ability to travel abroad?
Yes. Some countries, including Mexico and Canada, may refuse to allow you to enter if you have a recent DUI or another criminal conviction or pending charges. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of State will generally refuse to issue you a U.S. passport if you’re convicted of certain felony offenses. Canada makes people with DUI, drug or
Accused of breaking your college campus’s rules?
Sometimes, things get a little out of hand. Maybe you made a mistake. Maybe someone has falsely accused you of something. Perhaps it’s a little bit of both? In any case, campus misbehavior can have serious consequences. You could be facing campus discipline, which might result in your suspension or expulsion from college. Unfortunately, because
Supreme Court hears case on fraud in government contracting
Facing fraud charges in Tennessee is no small matter. It can put one’s reputation and future on the line. Anyone dealing with the risk of fraud charges should make sure they take steps to protect their rights. However, it is also critical to understand the potential changes in how courts prove fraud. First, what is