If you’re like most Americans, you probably have a few tools sitting around in your garage that you break out when working on a project or building a piece of IKEA furniture. But did you know that, under certain circumstances, possessing hardware like screwdrivers, crowbars, and hacksaws can be a violation of the law? In…
Super Bowl Sunday is one of the best days of the year for many Americans who gather with friends and family to eat wings, cheer at their TV, and enjoy what is often an unpredictable and exciting contest between the two best squads in the National Football League. Even those who aren’t excited about the…
For years, individuals have studied why certain children commit crimes and not others. Recently, extensive scientific reports from various associations have submitted data that can better justify the contributing factors. Though each juvenile offense is the consequence of a complexity of causes—some of which date back to years before the crime was committed—it’s often the…
An ancient Roman maxim is “ignorantia juris non excusat,” which loosely translates to “ignorance of the law does not excuse.” In other words, it’s presumed that the public knows the law, and therefore a defense of ignorance typically isn’t allowed. This idea has been emphasized throughout history. Thomas Jefferson once said, “Ignorance of the law…
Confessions have long been considered the gold standard for evidence in criminal cases. After all, why would an innocent victim confess to something they haven’t done, especially if that means facing penalties? But in fact, false confessions are fairly common. Data from the National Registry of Exonerations indicates that over the past 60 years, more…
A subpoena—sometimes referred to as a court summons—is a legal document issued by a magistrate that requires you to appear in court and adhere to a specific request. This might be your direct participation in a court case as a witness or a demand to produce certain documents or objects as evidence. In some instances,…
Seeing a person commit a crime—particularly a violent one—can be very distressing. You could be going to the store or a movie, dropping the kids off at school, or even just sitting at your desk at work when a crime occurs right before your eyes. When confronted with a crisis, some witnesses become so-called Good…
It may feel like second nature to share what’s going on in your life with family and friends on social media. But if you’re in the midst of an ongoing domestic violence case, it would be smart to exercise great caution. What you post on social media can provide the opposing counsel’s research council with…
It’s relatively common knowledge that Florida police have the right to make a DUI arrest if they suspect that a driver is under the influence of alcohol. But what about passengers? If you’re completely sober behind the wheel, are you held liable for the actions of those in your own vehicle? Do passengers face similar…
As the jail and prison populations in Florida and throughout the U.S. have swelled, courts have become more open to incarceration alternatives. In fact, as long as a case doesn’t involve mandatory sentences required by law, judges have wide discretion and often utilize other options. One such common substitute for incarceration and other penalties is…
