It was no secret that the controversial Safe-T Act would be subject to judicial review, both on the face of it and as the state implements it. Mere weeks after its initial passage, the new law had already been brought to the Illinois Supreme Court for alleged...
Criminal Defense
How Do Police Trace An Illegal Gun Purchase?
Tracing a gun to a purchaser is not always a simple matter. When someone is shot, investigating officers often track a suspect by looking at the gun used. Ballistic evidence can often help determine if a specific gun was used in the shooting, but that only helps if...
Mississippi’s largest welfare fraud case leads investigators to Brett Favre
The state of Mississippi is investigating what it says is the state’s largest welfare fraud case in state history. State Auditor Shad White is alleging involvement by the former governor, Phil Bryant, and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre. Although the state is...
Double jeopardy might not provide the legal protection you think
The United States Supreme Court decided an interesting case that discusses the issue of double jeopardy and how it works. While some of the core issues involve dual sovereignty matters that don’t come up that often, the case involves a basic understanding of double...
Fighting back against elder abuse charges
Americans take elder abuse seriously. When evidence arises of possible exploitation, neglect or abuse of someone over aged 65, the reaction is generally swift and aggressive. For those facing accusations of elder abuse or financial exploitation of the elderly, these...
Can nursing home negligence be a crime?
The neglect of the elderly is a common problem, especially in larger urban areas. When the people who are being paid to provide care for the elderly are the ones who are apparently at fault for injuries and deaths occurring to the elderly, the normal recourse resides...
How to challenge evidence in computer cases
For many people accused of computer-related crimes, and even for many criminal defense attorneys, the evidentiary issues around computer-related crimes seem mysterious and often difficult to sort. However, computer and technology cases involve similar evidentiary...
Who defends police and prosecutors on trial?
Members of the community often have harsh negative opinions of certain types of alleged criminals, such as so-called rapists and child molesters, and many have even harsher negative opinions and the greatest criticism for “dirty cops,” corrupt prosecutors, or other...
Police tactics in asset forfeitures in airports, train stations and bus stations
Asset seizures for the purpose of forfeiture happens with shocking frequency. Law enforcement authorities at all levels are involved with forfeitures and they are frequently coordinating their efforts between the federal, state and municipal levels to launch criminal...
How to win the digital evidence war
We live in a digital era. Police use body cameras. There are cameras and home security systems littered throughout every neighborhood. ATM machines usually have security cameras that are always recording what they see. Even the smartphones carried by most citizens can...