Law enforcement officers have a duty to serve and protect. There are times, however, when they may go beyond the bounds dictated in the Constitution, an action which may result in the court throwing out evidence against you. You may have heard the phrase "the fruit of...
Search and Seizure
Can the police obtain a no-knock search warrant?
No-knock search warrants are a hot-button topic for the legal system. What are they, and when does the court deem it necessary to issue one? When will the court issue a warrant? The Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unlawful search and seizure, but the police...
Advice for talking to police officers
When police officers show up at your door in Chicago and politely ask if they can come inside or conduct a search, it's very important to know how to talk to them. People sometimes make costly mistakes because they feel nervous or they aren't used to talking to the...
What is the fruit of the poisonous tree?
The fruit of the poisonous tree is an important legal idea that essentially states that anything related to an illegal means of gathering evidence is also illegal, even if it did not come directly from the primary event. When the law was broken the first time, it...
What is probable cause for arrest, search and seizure?
When you are facing drug charges, you will hear a variety of terms regarding your case. One of these terms is probable cause. Probable cause is one concept that can have a huge impact on your case. It is necessary for you to understand some points about probable cause...
What is the Fourth Amendment about?
Search and seizure laws are often misunderstood. Some people might think that law enforcement officers can take anything they want and others might think that law enforcement officers don't have the right to take anything. The truth is that searches and seizures are...
Search warrants and methods might provide points for your defense
A defendant who is facing drug charges or any other criminal charges must take the time to explore all possible defense options. In the case of criminal charges that result from a search or seizure, scrutinizing the circumstances of the search and seizure might open...
Expectation of privacy matters in search and seizure law
There are several components of the Fourth Amendment that Americans should be familiar with. Most are familiar with some of the protections that this amendment gives regarding the need for search warrants in many cases. There are, however, some finer points that you...
All drug charges require a vigorous defense strategy
When you are stopped by the police or the police show up at your door, you should understand your rights. It is vital that you ensure your rights are respected and protected when you deal with police officers. One of your rights is the right to have legal...
Can I be arrested or searched without a valid warrant?
One of the primary questions people have when they are subjected to a search by police officers is whether the search is legal. The requirements for a legal search are set forth by the Fourth Amendment. While many people think that the only way police officers can...