It is estimated that approximately 90 to 95% of all criminal cases end with a defendant taking a plea deal. As a result, shockingly few cases ever make it to trial, regardless of the merits of a defendant’s case. But what is it that determines whether taking a plea deal is a good idea, and when is it potentially better to go to trial?
Category: Criminal Law
The Pros and Cons of Excercising Your Fifth Amendment Rights
The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects every American’s right against self-incrimination, also known as the right to remain silent. This right is essential to protecting people from being forced into false or coerced confessions by law enforcement. However, there are benefits and risks to invoking your Fifth Amendment rights, and you should know them before you invoke it.
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Five Reasons Not to Allow the Police to Search Your Property
One of the most basic rights Americans have, enshrined in the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, prohibits law enforcement from conducting an “unreasonable search or seizure” without a warrant probable cause. However, there are numerous loopholes in this protection, foremost among them that police do not need a warrant if you allow them to search your property of your own free will. Here are five reasons you may not want to comply with a police request to search your property:
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What You Should Know About Police Brutality
If you have paid attention to the news, then chances are that you have heard the term “police brutality” more than once. This is more than a controversial topic of conversation, however, as people who suffer from police brutality often must deal with the legal, financial, and medical consequences for years afterwards. But what exactly is police brutality, and what should you do if you experience it? Continue reading “What You Should Know About Police Brutality”
What Happens When the Police Violate Your Rights?
The United States Constitution guarantees people a number of crucial rights that can help protect them against abuse from law enforcement. However, police officers can still violate these rights, resulting in serious potential harm as you suffer the indignities of the justice system. So what exactly happens when the police violate your rights, and how does the law protect your rights? Continue reading “What Happens When the Police Violate Your Rights?”
What Happens If You Are Arrested for a DUI?
Driving under the influence, more commonly known as DUI, is one of the most serious traffic offenses you can be accused of. Unlike most other traffic offenses, though, you can face far more serious consequences than simply getting a traffic ticket, or having points put on your license. Here are five things that may happen if you are arrested for a DUI: Continue reading “What Happens If You Are Arrested for a DUI?”
Five Reasons Not to Defend Yourself Pro Se
If you have been arrested by the police for allegedly committing a crime, you may believe you can handle things by yourself. You may feel there is no point in getting a lawyer, or that it is too expensive, so representing yourself pro se (without a lawyer) is a good idea. However, you may find that without a lawyer, you will have a much harder time defending yourself against criminal charges. Here are five reasons you should not try to defend yourself pro se: Continue reading “Five Reasons Not to Defend Yourself Pro Se”
Five Mistakes People Make When Accused of a Crime
There were more than 250,000 people arrested for alleged criminal acts throughout New York State in 2020, or around 700 people every day. However, even people arrested for the same crimes can have wildly different outcomes to their cases, depending on what they choose to do after their arrest. Here are five common mistakes people make when accused of a crime, which can negatively affect their ability to defend themselves: Continue reading “Five Mistakes People Make When Accused of a Crime”
What is Brady Material, and How Could it Impact a Case?
In the American justice system, evidence is king. You cannot legally make any assertion unless you have some kind of evidence to back it up. However, there is a certain type of evidence found in criminal proceedings that can often be a major source of contention between defense and prosecutors, known as Brady material. But what is Brady material, and why is it so important to criminal cases? Continue reading “What is Brady Material, and How Could it Impact a Case?”
Five Things You Need to Know About Warrants
The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution states that no one will be subject to an “unreasonable search or seizure” without a warrant backed by probable cause. However, most people would not even know what to look for if they ever were served a warrant, so they can make sure it is valid. Here are five things you need to know about warrants: Continue reading “Five Things You Need to Know About Warrants”
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