If I’m Innocent, Why am I in Jail?
In our criminal justice system, one of the hardest things to understand is if you are presumed innocent until proven guilty, why are some people detained in jail while they wait for their trial? It’s a good question that unfortunately doesn’t have a simple answer. However, thanks to a recent…
Is it Illegal to Flip Off a Cop?
Let’s say your speeding on US-95 by the Rainbow Curve and you’re pulled over by a Nevada Highway Patrol officer. The officer generously gives you a ticket for speeding only 10 miles over the speed limit, even though you were actually going 25 miles over the posted limit. However, you…
Is an Accusation of Rape Evidence?
Recently, the news and social media have been flooded with coverage about the Supreme Court nomination hearings concerning Judge Kavanaugh and the sexual assault accusations made against him by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. Similarly, soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been accused of raping a woman at the Palms Hotel in…
Important New Sealing Records Law Starts October 1, 2017
Last year, this Blog explained the importance of getting your records sealed and the difference between getting your case dismissed and your records sealed. In that blog, we explained the time requirements a person must wait before a person can seal their records. Thankfully, you can forget about the time…
Speak to Remain Silent!
In a recent unpublished opinion from the Nevada Supreme Court, the highest court in Nevada reminds us all of the importance of two things: It is SUPER important to contact a knowledgeable and skilled criminal defense attorney if you are even remotely suspected of committing a crime; and You MUST somehow inform the police…
The Importance of Sealing Your Records
https://www.themarshallproject.org/2016/10/02/how-can-a-criminal-record-haunt-you-for-the-rest-of-your-life?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_source=opening-statement&utm_term=newsletter-20161003-598#.8RCfUjLmO
How the Government can Legally Steal your Property
Did you know that the State of Nevada can legally take your property (i.e., cash, cars, houses) without even charging you with a crime? The process is called “civil forfeiture” and many other States are now either reconsidering their laws on the issue, like New York (http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/08/how-police-use-a-legal-gray-area-to-rob-suspects-of-their-belongings/495740/), or completely abolishing it, like New…
Does a Juvenile have a Right to have a Parent Present during Police Questioning?
Many people think that a juvenile (i.e., a person under 18), must have a parent present before the police can ask the child questions about a crime. This is simply not true. In Nevada, the police can actually question any child (whether 17-years-old or 10-years-old) without telling his parents first,…
If Arrested, Please STFU!
Most people know that they have the very important right to remain silent when questioned by the police. However, just as important is the right to not talk to ANYONE about your case, especially if you are in custody in jail. The government will listen to all your conversations, including…
U.S. Supreme Court Hears Argument in Important DUI Case that Could have Impact in Nevada
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case Birchfield v. North Dakota. The case is about laws in 13 states that make it a crime for drivers to refuse breath or blood tests without a warrant when ordered to undergo such tests by a police officer. The…