Even if you don't know much about the reliability of eyewitness accounts, you're probably at least familiar with the pivotal role they can play in a criminal investigation. Whether someone is on the witness stand in court or selecting a suspect from a criminal lineup,...

If you’re on probation, you must abide by the specific rules given to you by the court. For instance, you may be told that you have to meet with your probation officer on a set schedule. If you skip a meeting, even for what you believe to be a good reason, that can be...

Police in Palm Beach County have considerable powers to search your person or property. But you have a right to privacy under the U.S. Constitution. Where is the balance between law enforcement and individual rights? As with many legal matters, it depends. In this...

With a so-called "sneak and peak" search warrant, police officers typically install secret cameras in a location to obtain evidence of an alleged crime. "Sneak and peak" warrants are controversial for many reasons, and courts in Florida, including the Fourth District...

When scientific or expert testimony is to be admitted as evidence, courts are supposed to ensure that the evidence is reasonably reliable. That means sorting out the pseudoscience from the real science. Technical evidence should not be admitted unless it involves...

Whether you have been arrested or think you may be, there are steps you can take to minimize the negative consequences. However, being arrested — or simply being questioned by police — can be a very stressful situation, and often people are not thinking clearly when...

The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides for multiple rights and protections for people accused of crimes. One of the most crucial aspects of the Sixth Amendment guarantees you the right to a speedy trial by an impartial jury. However, a speedy...

With any criminal conviction, there is the chance of probation as part of sentencing. Probation often serves as an alternative to jail time and may be applied to minor crimes or felonies. However, there are serious consequences when anyone violates their probation,...

First and foremost, it's important to understand that anything you say to a law enforcement officer may be used against you or others. You have the constitutional right to remain silent. You should not lie to government authorities, but you can remain silent until you...

When a judge grants a search warrant, it allows police to search for evidence of a crime. The warrant must state the specific place to be searched, as well as the items to be seized. In other words, a search warrant does not give police unlimited permission to search....