RSSCriminal Defense | Blogs by Steven Titus & Associates, P.C.
Self-Defense and Reasonable Force in Wyoming
In Wyoming, self-defense is legally defined as “reasonable defensive force that is necessary to prevent injury or loss.” According to this standard, there are times when a defendant can use self-defense to avoid prosecution in cases of assault or battery, but this defense is strictly limited, and defendants should not think of self-defense as a “get-out-of-jail-free” card.
Cheyenne Police Launch “Lock It or Lose It” Campaign
Property crime is a major issue in Cheyenne and other cities in Wyoming. In 2021, as of December 8, police officers had responded to 394 stolen vehicle reports, representing a 104% increase over the previous year, as stated in a Cheyenne Police Department news release. The department recently launched a “Lock It or Lose It” campaign to encourage citizens to lock up their valuables, vehicles, and homes.
When Does a Drug Dog Violate Your Rights?
Drug dogs are often used in drug busts in Wyoming. These drug-sniffing dogs may be used to search a home, vehicle, or other area. The U.S. Constitution protects a person’s rights, including the right to be free from illegal search and seizure. When a law enforcement officer believes there is sufficient evidence that you may have committed a crime, drug-sniffing dogs may be employed. However, this action may have violated your rights.
How TikTok Might Get Your Teen Arrested in Wyoming
TikTok is the fastest growing social media app. This short-form, video-sharing app allows users to create 15-second videos on any topic and share them. TikTok uses celebrity partnerships to generate viral content. For example, celebrity Jimmy Fallon helped drive the popularity of the app and started a challenges section on his show, using TikTok as the platform for challenges. Recently, TikTok challenges have been on police radar.
When You Might Be Able to Sue Police After a Suspected DUI
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable search and seizure by the government. In a recent Wyoming case, a Cheyenne man sued three police officers in federal court for violating his civil rights, as reported by the Gillette News Record. This civil suit was filed by Michael A. Sena after a municipal court judge ruled in his DUI case that one of these officers had lied under oath to a judge, stating that Sena had refused to take a blood test in order to obtain a search warrant. The DUI case was dismissed.
What You Need to Know About Possessing Prescription Drugs
Drug charges can serve as an unexpected wake-up call. When you’ve been charged with a drug crime, you are probably worried about how a conviction could affect your career or reputation, as well as if you will face jail or prison time, fines and expenses, or probation.
Can a Police Body Camera or Dash Cam Help My Defense?
Uniformed police officers in Wyoming may be wearing body cameras. Police departments began implementing integrated video camera systems years ago. Casper Police Department is an example, as reported in the Star Tribune.
Can a Police Officer Test for Drugs in a Traffic Stop?
Most people are aware that police officers can use field sobriety tests or breathalyzer tests to check whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol, but drugs are a different story. Traces of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, and even over-the-counter drugs in your system can lead to a DUI with drugs charge, yet they do not appear on breathalyzer tests, and they influence the body in different ways. So, the question remains: how do officers know if a driver was using drugs?
How to Avoid Jail Time With Probation
If you have been arrested for a crime, you likely are worried about spending a long stretch of time behind bars. Wyoming courts often impose harsh punishments for minor offenses that can completely change your life. But if you are eligible for probation, you may be released early or not have to go to jail at all.
What Makes a Good Criminal Defense Attorney?
After being arrested in Wyoming, you have to sit down and take a hard look at all of your options. Wyoming courts can issue severe penalties for seemingly minor offenses, and prosecutors like to aggressively pursue the harshest punishments. To avoid a long prison sentence and hefty court fines, you need to pick the right attorney to handle your case. But how do you pick a criminal defense lawyer?
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