After an arrest is made, most people have some understanding of how the process usually plays out. Generally, the accused will face an arraignment and bail will be set. They will then have to put up money or property to fulfill the bail amount or face the prospect of sitting in jail until their trial. For more detail on bail, please read our previous blog on the subject. However, did you know that it is possible to Read More

Having a warrant issued for your arrest can be an incredibly confusing and exceptionally frightening situation. Many people, due to a lack of knowledge of how the process works, will let these emotions get the better of them, causing them to take ill-advised actions in response to discovering the warrant. An arrest warrant is a form of authorization granted by a judge which allows law enforcement to arrest an Read More

The text of the Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution states: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. This is one of the core Read More

We live in the golden age of information, which is a positive development in many ways. However, it also means that more information than ever is readily available to employers about your past criminal issues. Even arrests where you were not convicted of a crime could be found by potential or current employer, and that could be the deciding factor in whether or not you land or keep a job. We also currently live in Read More

Until children reach the age of 18, their parents are generally legally responsible for almost every aspect of their lives. Parents must clothe and feed them, make sure they receive an education, and keep them safe. The law takes parental responsibility for children very seriously, to the point where every state in the US has some sort of law regarding parental responsibility when their children break the law. Read More

When you have been arrested and charged with a crime, you will next enter into the criminal trial process which will play out in a manner which determines your guilt or innocence with regard to the crime you’ve been charged with, as well as what penalties you will face if you are found guilty. Most people are unfamiliar with exactly how this process will play out, and it can help to familiarize you with your options Read More

Unfortunately, that Monopoly “Get Out of Jail Free” card you carry around in your wallet is not going to get you very far if you are ever arrested for a crime. If you are arrested, you are going to be put in jail, and chances are, you will have to post bail in order to get out. Whether you’re an avid watcher of Law and Order or you’ve seen various bail bond company advertisements on TV or billboards, nearly everyone Read More

The phone rings at 3:00 a.m. You’re instantly alarmed: has there been a death in the family or a devastating medical emergency? When you answer, you find out that it’s something nearly as bad: a family member or friend has been arrested and needs your help. What do you do? Determine where they are First, ask where they are being held and by what police agency (i.e. local, state, FBI). Then tell them that you will Read More

Having the police knocking at your door is intimidating, even if you’ve never broken a law in your life.  Whether you’re being investigated by the police or not, it’s a good idea to think through this situation and be prepared, so that you have a plan should you find police outside your front door. In this blog entry we go over the basics. No warrant – no entry Your home is entitled to the highest standard or privacy Read More