Video recordings have helped to clear the names of the thousands of innocent people who have been falsely accused of crimes. While most people understand the value of recording police encounters, they aren't aware of how they can do so without breaking the law. You have the right to protect yourself by filming your interactions with law enforcement and knowing the law can help you to feel confident when pulling out the camera.
Is fingerprint evidence actually scientific?
If there is one form of evidence that sticks most with people when they are asked to start listing the things that police see as clues in an investigation, it's probably the presence of fingerprints. For younger people, there's a solid chance that the answer could also be DNA, but for anyone who remembers the days before DNA testing, fingerprinting is quick to spring to the front of the mind and the tip of the tongue.
The difference between an expungement and a pardon
Convictions can be a very scary and jarring experience, not only for the person convicted but for their loved ones as well. It's hard watching a loved one be convicted and trying to support them through the stress of the litigation process. You may worry that it could permanently hinder or ruin them. However, there are options to lessen or erase the legal effects of a conviction or arrest for your loved one.
Can police conduct a search without a warrant?
Did you know that in most circumstances, you must give consent for a police officer to search your house, car or other property? Unless the police have a search warrant, you have the right to deny consent to a search.
Illinois changes marijuana laws
Illinois became the 21st state to decriminalize small amounts (10 grams or less) of marijuana on July 29 when Governor Bruce Rauner signed SB 2228. The new law states that a policeman or other law people statewide will no longer arrest or jail a person with that amount or less. They will issue tickets for a fine between $100 and $200, which will subsequently be expunged after payment of the fine. Nothing goes on your permanent criminal record.
The Role of Wearable Technology in Criminal Defense
When it comes to criminal defense, technology is changing the game. There have now been cases of technology being used to prove a person's whereabouts, and even what they were doing at the time of the alleged crime.
Is your criminal record holding you back?
It is extremely difficult for people who have been convicted of crimes to get their lives back on track. Long after you serve your criminal sentence, the record of your conviction can continue to haunt you. People with criminal records run into too many closed doors: housing, jobs, loans, child custody and visitation.
Illinois man jailed after attempted dine-and-dash at steakhouse
An Illinois man was arrested for theft after he sat down at a Mattoon steakhouse and ordered a large meal that he could not pay for. He apparently ordered and ate appetizers, a steak, a lobster tail, and one drink to run up a tab of $70 before telling the server that he had no money to pay for the meal. He was arrested after she called the police and was eventually charged with theft.
