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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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Defendants in criminal cases often make these 3 mistakes

By Scott N. Richardson, P.A. |

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 they speak with police officers and investigators. That… Read More »

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What constitutes self-defense in Florida?

By Scott N. Richardson, P.A. |

Everyone has the right to protect themselves in certain situations. In Florida, you have the right to “stand your ground.” But what does that actually mean? Can you take any action necessary to protect yourself, or are there limitations to what qualifies as self-defense? It’s important to note that the legal concepts surrounding self-defense… Read More »

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The Sixth Amendment gives you the right to a ‘speedy trial.’ What does that mean?

By Scott N. Richardson, P.A. |

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 trial doesn’t mean you should rush through the trial process…. Read More »

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Important things to know about probation violations in Florida

By Scott N. Richardson, P.A. |

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, including possible jail time or even prison. What constitutes a probation violation?… Read More »

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Exercising your right to remain silent

By Scott N. Richardson, P.A. |

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 are able to speak with your lawyer about your… Read More »

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Understanding the scope of search warrants

By Scott N. Richardson, P.A. |

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. They may search only the… Read More »

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What constitutes entrapment in criminal cases?

By Scott N. Richardson, P.A. |

In many criminal investigations, undercover police officers and informants are used to gather evidence to build a case. However, when an informant or undercover cop entices a person to commit a crime, the actions of law enforcement may amount to entrapment. What does that mean for defendants? Entrapment can be difficult to prove in… Read More »

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Can police search your car after smelling cannabis?

By Scott N. Richardson, P.A. |

It’s important for drivers to know that, since the legalization of hemp, Florida has taken steps to stop the practice of so-called “sniff and search.” What has changed? Previously, police officers relied on marijuana odor as reasonable suspicion for searches and potential arrests. However, when hemp was legalized statewide, state attorneys in Palm Beach,… Read More »

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What is a private sale of a firearm?

By Scott N. Richardson, P.A. |

In Florida, there is no registration of a firearm. So, if one individual wants to sell his or her firearm to another individual, they’re legally able to do so as long as they do their due diligence to make sure that that person can legally possess that firearm. That might sound a little confusing…. Read More »

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