| The Introduction of Polygraphs or other Lie Detector Tests at Trial and Other Uses of the Polygraph |
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| Generally, courts in most jurisdictions do not admit the results of polygraph or other lie detector examinations. Most courts find such results quite unreliable and untrustworthy. There are a number of states that will admit polygraph or lie detector tests results into evidence if both the prosecution and defendant agree that the test results will be admitted. More... |
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| The Duties of a Defense Attorney at a Glance |
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| After a defendant has retained a defense attorney or after the court has appointed a defense attorney for an indigent defendant, the defense attorney's duties begin.More... |
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| FINES & COSTS |
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| When a defendant is convicted of a criminal offense, the defendant is usually required to pay fines and costs as part of his or her sentence. If the defendant has only been ordered to pay fines and costs, the defendant will be discharged from a judgment requiring fines and costs upon full payment of the fines and costs to the proper authorities.
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| Motions to Suppress Evidence |
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| A defendant may file a motion to suppress evidence during the pretrial phase of her trial. A motion to suppress is filed when the defendant is seeking to exclude evidence on the basis that it was illegally obtained. The evidence may have been obtained in violation of the defendant's right against unreasonable searches and seizures as provided under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution. The evidence may have been tainted by other illegally obtained evidence, thereby supporting the defendant's assertion that it should be excluded. More... |
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| FEDERAL LAWS REGARDING GANGS & GANG VIOLENCE |
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| The presence of gangs and gang violence has risen over the last several years in most cities in the United States. Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have become involved with prosecutions of offenses involving gangs and gang violence. The federal government has become involved because a large portion of gang violence concerns the commission of offenses that constitute violations of federal laws. Such laws include the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, federal drug trafficking laws, federal firearms trafficking laws, and the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). More... |
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