While many believe forensic testimony is an objective tool helping achieve justice for law enforcement and criminal defendants, a new report says it propagates a “presumption of guilt” for people of color in the criminal justice system. The report’s authors say...
Criminal Defense
Understanding your rights when facing criminal charges
If you’ve been accused of a crime, it’s important to be aware of the rights available to you under the law. Accused individuals have a variety of rights to help ensure their fair treatment in the criminal justice system. In today’s post, we review some of these key...
What to know if you’re going to record a police interaction
Almost everyone knows they have a right to record police interactions with members of the public. We’ve all seen videos of disturbing and even criminal behavior by officers that might have gone unaddressed if it hadn’t been for onlookers taking out their phones and...
The collateral consequences of a criminal conviction
Facing criminal charges is a serious matter. If convicted, you may have to serve time in prison as well as have to pay steep fines. But even after you’ve paid your debt to society, your criminal record still has the potential to haunt you for the rest of your life....
How a criminal arrest could affect your college career
There is no law preventing people charged with a criminal offense, or convicted of a minor crime, from attending college. There is not even a standard requirement for schools to complete criminal background checks, although it is becoming increasingly more common....
Agreeing to talk to a police officer may not always be a good idea
It seems innocent enough, and perhaps it appears that way. An officer calls you on the phone and expresses an interest in talking to you about an incident. Perhaps, he says, you have information. You don’t believe you have done anything wrong, and since the cop...
How to respond if approached by law enforcement in Florida
Anyone living in Florida has the right to be treated with respect if the police or other law enforcement officers approach them. But many people aren’t sure how to react when having contact with officers. If police suspect you of a crime, it’s advisable to contact an...