There are different rules that apply to different kinds of searches in Texas. For the police to legally search someone's vehicle or home, for example, an officer will usually need to have a warrant, get permission from the owner or have probable cause to believe that...
Thanks to the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, police can’t just appear at your home or office, push their way in and start looking around and taking things without your permission or a valid search warrant – with some limited exceptions. A warrant should...
In a criminal investigation, police officers are often eager to secure any evidence they can connecting an individual to certain crimes. Officers will search people and get warrants to go through their homes and vehicles. They may also want to search an individual's...
When lawmakers and news pundits talk about the opioid crisis, they usually reference the uptick in prescription drug abuse and overdose deaths in recent years. Medical researchers have expanded the number of opioids available, reducing the cost to manage chronic and...
The United States Constitution gives people in this country some very specific rights. Some of those rights have to do with police interactions. For example, the Fifth Amendment gives people the right to avoid incriminating themselves. The rights of people to avoid...
Your phone is a major part of your life. It lets you communicate with others and store crucial information. You can file an insurance claim or record your daughter's first steps with the same device. The way that people use mobile devices also makes them a potential...
Those who are caught with illegal drugs are often simply charged with possession. For instance, you may not have a prescription for opioids, so you could be charged with possessing the pills, which are only supposed to be given out with a prescription. You can also...
If the police knock on your front door, it can be a bit unnerving. You may not believe you’ve done anything wrong or know why they’re there. This may never have happened to you before. But simply seeing the police on your property can understandably make you nervous....
You have a reasonable expectation of privacy when in your own space, whether you own your own home or your rent a small studio apartment. You also have protection from unreasonable searches and seizures thanks to the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. The Fourth...
When it comes to mounting a successful criminal defense, one of the most important aspects is having an understanding of your basic rights. Police officers will happily manipulate you into giving up your rights or trick you into making mistakes that could harm your...