Newsletters

Search & Seizure - Abandoned Property

The right under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures is based upon an expectation of privacy in a person's property. If the person abandons his or her property, he or she no longer has an expectation of privacy in the property.

BRIBERY

A person commits the offense of bribery when he or she intentionally or knowingly offers to another person or solicits or accepts from another person any benefit in consideration of his or her decision, vote, or exercise of discretion as a public servant, a political party official, or a voter.

Judicial Notice

Judicial notice is the knowledge or recognition that a fact is true without evidence to support its truth. An example of a fact that a court may take judicial notice of is that the sky is blue. Most people know and understand that the sky is blue and no proof is needed to establish that the sky is blue.

Witness Immunity From Prosecution

A witness may be granted immunity from prosecution by way of federal or state law. Immunity is granted in exchange for a witness's testimony about a certain event. There are two types of immunity available, use immunity or transactional immunity.

Severance of Offenses and Defendants

If any of the defendants would be prejudiced by a joinder of defendants or offenses then the defendants may file a motion for severance. A motion for severance may be filed with respect to the defendants and/or the offenses charged in the indictments. It is within the trial court's discretion to grant or deny the motion for severance.