Surprise! The Life of a Criminal Case After a Preliminary Hearing
The preliminary hearing is a critical but often frustrating phase for defendants going through the criminal-justice system. While on the one hand the preliminary hearing can be a prime opportunity…
Anything You "Type" Can Be Used Against You
Social media is increasingly becoming a larger component of our lives. Because more of us are preserving our daily activities on various social media platforms, there is a concern that access to…
Protecting You From Your Past
Your past can haunt you! That’s true in life, and it can be true in the courtroom. Take Bill Cosby as an example. Bill Cosby is facing trial on sexual-assault charges related to one alleged victim.…
How Your Rights May Hinge Upon "Momentary and Minor" Violations of the Law
Perhaps one of the most important rights to be guaranteed under both state and federal constitutions is the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. This right places a check upon…
The Unintended Consequences of Your Words
Words have power! Recently, as I was out for a late-night snack, I came across an advertisement of a local restaurant that read: "If you're smiling we're hiring." This sign made me think back to…
A Criminal Case: Start To Finish
Understanding the process requires understanding the system. The criminal-court system is hierarchical. The higher-up courts exercise authority over the lower courts, and the lower courts are bound…
