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Category Archives: Criminal Defense

What counts as a probation violation? What are my rights?

By Scott N. Richardson, P.A. |

Probation is a common aspect of misdemeanor and felony convictions, and the terms and conditions of probation are specific to each case. You should speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney right away if you have questions about the terms and conditions of your probation. With that said, following are some common probation violations… Read More »

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What are a driver’s rights during a police stop? 

By Scott N. Richardson, P.A. |

Any time you get behind the wheel of your car, you’re taking a risk. In addition to the risk of an accident, there’s always a chance you could be pulled over by a police officer. Knowing your rights during a police stop is a must, as this can help protect you against trouble. What… Read More »

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Understanding your right to a jury trial

By Scott N. Richardson, P.A. |

If you are charged with a crime, your right to have a jury decide whether or not you are guilty is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees that “The trial for all crimes shall be by jury.” The Sixth Amendment also recognizes the right to a jury trial and adds that jurors must… Read More »

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Police calling? Investigators at your door? Consult an attorney before you talk to anyone.

By Scott N. Richardson, P.A. |

You may have heard it said that, if you are not guilty of a crime, there is no reason to be afraid of talking to police. Maybe that questionable advice even came from the police themselves. But the reality is that you could be making a huge mistake by agreeing to speak with investigators… Read More »

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The trouble with eyewitness accounts

By Scott N. Richardson, P.A. |

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, a witness’s memory is a tool often used by… Read More »

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Can probation impose limits on your use of alcohol?

By Scott N. Richardson, P.A. |

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… Read More »

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What you and your college student need to know about campus police

By Scott N. Richardson, P.A. |

If your child is in college, they may or may not take campus police seriously. Many college students don’t even consider campus police to be “real” police. Whether they are or not varies by state and by school. If your son or daughter goes to school at one of the University of Florida campuses,… Read More »

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Police searches and your privacy rights

By Scott N. Richardson, P.A. |

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 case, the answer depends in part on where the search… Read More »

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What is a ‘sneak and peak’ warrant?

By Scott N. Richardson, P.A. |

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 Court of Appeal, have recently deemed the practice “extreme” and decided to suppress… Read More »

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Study: Many courtroom psychology tests are unreliable

By Scott N. Richardson, P.A. |

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 techniques and theories that are widely accepted by the field in question. Yet… Read More »

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