Criminal Defense | Blogs by Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. - Part 3
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?
Understanding Wyoming’s Bail Process
After being arrested, one of the first things a defendant has to deal with is a bail bond. A bail bond is an agreement the defendant makes with the court that he will go to all court appearances on time. In order to be released from jail before your trail, you need to pay a “bond” to the court, either in cash or through a bail bond agent. If you attend all court appearances and follow the court’s rules for your release, you will get the money back. If you miss an appearance or break a rule, then you lose the money.
Can a Police Officer Search Your Vehicle Without a Warrant?
Being pulled over is a scary experience. You may have no idea what you did wrong or if you even committed a crime. You should always remember that you have rights under Wyoming state law. These include the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney if you are charged with a crime, and the right to refuse a search. But these rights do come with some exceptions, and there are scenarios where you may have to allow an officer to search your vehicle.
Wyoming’s Laws on Cyberstalking
The internet has made it extremely easy to look someone up online. Anyone can pull out a phone and search for someone they used to know on social media with just a few clicks.
While some people may only look up classmates they lost touch with or keep in contact with distant family, others may take it too far.
You should be extremely careful about how you act online, as you may end up being charged with cyberstalking in Wyoming.
Can Google Search History Be Used as Evidence?
The amount of information and content on Google is massive, and it is growing every day. You can find every recipe imaginable or track down long lost movies you watched late at night years ago. In addition, there are all sorts of rabbit holes you can end up on the worldwide web. While some may seem innocent enough, others can be more questionable and can lead to a darker side of the internet. However, very few of us expect these search results to be used against us in a criminal trial.
Campbell County’s Diversion Program Explained
Alternative sentencings have steadily expanded across the United States for the past few decades in order to rehabilitate criminal behavior and lower prison populations more effectively. The state of Wyoming is no different and has several programs in place to allow criminal offenders to avoid prison time while also ensuring the needs of their community are met. This includes everything from probation to substance abuse programs to community service. In addition to programs helping adult offenders move on from a conviction, minors are also eligible for similar programs that can help them avoid developing a criminal record.
The Confrontation Clause and Your Defense Case
One of the most unique amendments in the United States constitution is the sixth amendment. Under this statute, a defendant in a criminal trial has the right “to be confronted with the witnesses against” him or her. While this may seem standard in a criminal case, there are instances where the sixth amendment could be vital to reducing your charges or having your case dismissed, but only if you thoroughly understand how it works.
What Does ‘Plead the Fifth’ Mean and When Should You Use It?
Cop dramas and crime shows have made most people aware of the term “I plead the fifth,” but few actually know what the phrase refers to. It comes from the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution, which outlines several laws regarding due process and how an individual should be charged with a crime. When someone declares they are pleading the fifth, they are specifically referring to how the Constitution states that no individual “shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself.”
Differences Between Restraining and Protection Orders in Wyoming
Depending on the situation, a court may implement a restraining or protection order to prevent a particular person from doing something to someone else. Despite some similarities, these two types of orders have different purposes in Wyoming and are issued under different circumstances.
Expunging a Criminal Record In Wyoming
Following a court case, the court will file a criminal record of all related charges, even if they are dismissed, with Wyoming’s central criminal records and these records are available to the public. The availability of these files can be roadblocks for individuals looking for employment, applying for schools, and renting an apartment or home. Within the state of Wyoming, citizens have the option of expunging a criminal record, which will remove or seal the record from public eyes. Expungement holds a number of benefits in Wyoming, including improving your job, schooling, and housing opportunities. Once a record is expunged, the records can only be accessed by law enforcement and you are not required to disclose it to landlords, housing officials, employers, or any other individual.
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