The law enforcement tactic of criminal profiling, pioneered by FBI Agent John Douglas, is not just a tool injected into TV shows for extra entertainment, but is a reality in law enforcement, even used to try and hunt down Jack the Ripper in London. Profiling does not take place in a vacuum and investigators rely...
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Sexually Dangerous Convicts Can be Held Indefinitely
The government now has more power and discretion in holding sexually dangerous convicts. At one time, once a sexually dangerous inmate served a full sentence, he or she was released. The U.S. Supreme Court has now indicated this may no longer be the case when it comes to sexually dangerous convicts. How is a convict...
Read MoreMedical marijuana amendment fails in Florida, pot still illegal to possess.
Florida's medical marijuana amendment did not pass yesterday in the election. Even though a majority of the voters voted in favor of passing the medical marijuana amendment, receiving 58% of the vote, it fell 2% shy needed to pass. In 2006, Florida voters decided all constitutional amendments needed a "super majority" to pass (60% instead...
Read MoreBartow high school teacher arrested for possession of cannabis and paraphernalia.
Over the weekend, a Bartow high school teacher was arrested for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia (a grinder). WFLA channel 8 is reporting that Polk County Sheriff deputies allegedly went to the teacher's house in response to a tip that the teacher was in possession of the marijuana. Once the deputies arrived, they alleged smelled...
Read MoreWhat Does the Crime of Involuntary Manslaughter Involve?
Involuntary manslaughter can defined in several different ways, depending on the circumstances of a case. While involuntary manslaughter may, of course, be involuntary, it may also include a deliberate act. In some situations resulting in a death, the death was an accident or a caused by a careless individual. However, even in circumstances where a...
Read MoreMarijuana Possession, Use and Sale Remain Federally Illegal, Though Enforcement Is Spotty
Each state has its own marijuana laws. If you are arrested, you need to know which laws are applicable to your case. In 2012, Washington and Colorado became the first two states to legalize, regulate and tax recreational possession of cannabis. The laws in those states permit a person 21 years of age to buy...
Read MoreU.S. Supreme Court rules cell phones cannot be searched by police without first obtaining a search warrant.
A major victory for citizens’ privacy interests today as the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled law enforcement cannot search an arrested person’s cell phone without first obtaining a search warrant. While the court recognized the need to investigate crimes, the Court found that privacy rights are more important. Besides, the police may still have the...
Read MoreWhat Does Federal Criminal Law Ensure for Every Jurisdiction?
Every state and the District of Columbia has its own criminal procedure codes. However, each of these jurisdictions must act in compliance with the U.S. Constitution. Each state's rules and regulations on criminal procedure codes are predicated on the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. The Constitution contains numerous provisions to protect individuals arrested for a...
Read MoreTouch DNA May Change Conviction Rates in Criminal Offenses
So-called “touch DNA” may be able to link an alleged suspect to a crime scene. A man in Jacksonville, Florida was accused of grand theft and organized fraud after touch DNA linked him to several crimes in 2013. Allegedly, the 71-year-old man scammed a woman who was taking cash out of an ATM. He showed...
Read MoreThree Florida Men Arrested for Promoting Obscenity at Polk County Nightclub
Where is the line when promoting live obscene shows in a bar? Three Florida men were arrested for promoting obscenity at a Polk County nightclub. The arrests were made because law enforcement described the bar’s activities as a “violent public nuisance.” Under those circumstances, the police began an investigation of the business and arrested the...
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