Most crimes - with the exception of murder and kidnapping - have a limit of time that a prosecutor can file criminal charges against a suspect. These time limits are known as the statute of limitations. The statutes are in place to make sure that evidence being used is preserved properly and justice is happening in a timely manner.
What Are Criminal Statutes of Limitations?
Can You Sue After A Wrongful Arrest?
Hundreds of arrests happen each day in the United States and many of these are wrongful arrests of defendants who haven't committed the crime they are ultimately charged with and often serve time for. In a country where at any given moment over 2 million people are in prison, even 1% of an error in arrests can result in several thousands of people behind bars for crimes they didn't commit.
What Happens After You Are Arrested and Not Yet Charged with A Crime in Florida?
After you're arrested for a crime, the next step is the filing of the information or indictment. In most cases in Florida (except Capital) the police will fill out a standard police report (A-Form) that will be passed on to the State Attorney's Office who will review the case and determine what crimes they will formally charge you with.
Judges Rule Police Are Protected By Stand Your Ground Law
Having the ability to defend oneself in a moment where you fear for your life is an important factor in feeling safe. The Stand Your Ground law protects those who have to take action to defend themselves in life-threatening cases. Initially, this was a right given to all persons, but not necessarily those on the police force. However, the Florida Supreme Court recently ruled that Florida law enforcement can use the law in some instances.
The Degrees of Murder in the State of Florida
In the state of Florida, there are three different degrees of murder. These degrees are dependent on how the crime takes place and determine the outcome of the sentencing. The circumstances around the situation can have a large effect on how the case is handled in court.
How One Man's Selfie Saved Him from Jail Time
A man in Texas was able to save himself from a life in prison by proving his innocence with the help of a geotagged selfie taken with his family on Facebook. According to KVUE, Cristopher Precopia was accused by his ex-girlfriend of breaking into her home and using a box cutter to slice an X into her chest.
Criminal Trial by Jury in Florida
When someone is arrested and charged with a crime, the next step is a plea and potential trial. Not all criminal cases go to trial. In fact, many of them do not. If a defendant pleas guilty or no contest, or if both sides reach a plea bargain or there is a dismissal of charges, the case will not go to trial. However, if the defendant wishes to plea not guilty and face a jury of his or her peers, here is what one can expect from a criminal jury trial process.
April is Alcohol Responsibility Month
Alcohol Responsibility Month is in April, but it should be every month when you consider the harm that can be done when someone over indulges. Not only do you put yourself at risk when you abuse alcohol, but you can also put friends, family, and strangers in harm's way. Because of the need to drink and enjoy alcohol in a responsible manner, Responsibility.org has made a campaign out of alcohol responsibility, as opposed to awareness, for the month of April.
What You Need to Know About Probation Violations in Florida
When someone is convicted of a crime, there are several different ways that they can be punished. Often we see incarceration offered as a type of punishment, but probation is also an option depending on the type of crime and the judge's choice in sentencing.
Your Miranda Rights and the 5th Amendment
If you've ever watched a Hollywood crime show, you've probably heard the phrase, "You have the right to remain silent" when a suspect is arrested. These seven words usually come shortly after the phrase, "You are under arrest." But do you know exactly what it means when a law enforcement officer makes this particular statement, and are you aware of your rights as a crime suspect under the U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights?
