The right to remain silent is one of the most important legal protections for people dealing with police officers or other agents of the state. The Constitution protects people from forced self-incrimination, including excessive and abusive interrogation tactics....
Automated license plate readers, commonly called Flock cameras, have become increasingly controversial with Oregon residents in recent years. Law enforcement agencies use these devices to identify vehicles connected to criminal investigations. Critics argue that...
A disagreement at a bar can escalate quickly, especially when alcohol, crowded spaces and heightened emotions are involved all at once. What begins as a verbal argument might turn into pushing, punching or an altercation involving several people. Although some...
Some people accused of shoplifting-related offenses get arrested for possessing or reselling stolen merchandise. Others might get arrested after they leave the store with unpaid merchandise. The greater the total value of the items taken from a store without paying,...
Many cases of sexual abuse or sexual assault involve a discrepancy in power. Some cases involve perpetrators physically overpowering victims or using threats, such as the act of brandishing a weapon, to force them into a traumatizing situation. Other times, they may...
To many people, the word assault is synonymous with a physical fight or an attack on another person. They envision someone acting with the intent to harm someone else or an incident that causes injuries severe enough to necessitate immediate medical attention. Many...
People accused of shoplifting or taking property that belongs to other people could face theft charges. Especially if the person accused of theft has no prior experience with the criminal justice system, they might expect to receive lenient treatment. People may...
The Third Party Doctrine can affect how the police gather evidence from a person's cellphone or mobile device. Even if officers cannot get the evidence from that device itself, they may be able to obtain it from another entity that has been voluntarily given control...
Police officers often ask questions during a traffic stop. They should be related to the stop itself, and they are often relatively simple. The officer may ask the driver where they are going and if they have had anything to drink that day. They could ask if the...
Many people think of acts of violence when they think of sex crimes. However, offenses that are sexual in nature are sometimes technical violations rather than aggressive and violent criminal acts. For example, the state can bring statutory rape charges against an...
