How Social Media Can Affect Your Criminal Case

How Social Media Can Affect Your Criminal Case Social media has become an integral part of daily communication, but it can also pose risks in criminal cases. Anything posted online, even with privacy settings, can become public and potentially harmful if you’re involved in legal proceedings. It’s often best to avoid posting on social media altogether while your criminal case is active.

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Four Reasons to Hire a DUI Lawyer

If you’re facing DUI charges, it’s crucial to hire a DUI lawyer to navigate the complexities of your case. With thousands of DUI arrests in DuPage, Kane, and Cook counties each year, having an experienced attorney can make a significant difference in your case outcome. A knowledgeable DUI lawyer from Martin & Kent, L.L.C., can help streamline the process, negotiate favorable terms, and represent you in court if necessary.

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Shoplifting Defense: The Value of an Attorney

If you’re facing shoplifting charges, hiring a skilled shoplifting defense attorney is crucial to protect your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. A knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the charges, potential consequences, and develop a tailored defense strategy. For more serious cases, a felony defense attorney is essential to advocate on your behalf, aiming for the best possible outcome in court.

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Sobriety Test: To Consent or Not to Consent?

Sobriety Test: To Consent or Not? If you’re pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving, officers will likely ask you to complete field sobriety tests and a Breathalyzer. It’s important to know that you’re not yet under arrest, and you have the right to refuse these tests, which are often subjective and can be used against you. At Kent Law, L.L.C., our experienced attorneys have successfully defended numerous DUI cases; if charged, contact us at (630) 474-8000 to protect your rights and build a strong defense.

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Are Video Hearings for Juveniles a Good Idea?

Illinois is considering legislation mandating detention hearings for juveniles within 48 hours of custody, but this could impact the rights of young defendants. While video hearings may provide quicker access for juveniles in rural areas, organizations like the ACLU of Illinois worry that virtual hearings might reduce humane considerations in detention decisions. Criminal defense attorneys, including those at Kent Law, L.L.C., are concerned that video hearings could infringe on juveniles’ rights and advocate for careful scrutiny of any legislation impacting defendants’ rights.

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Eyewitness Identifications & Unreliability

Eyewitness testimony is often powerful in court but is surprisingly unreliable due to factors like stress, poor viewing conditions, and memory gaps. Studies reveal that stress and anxiety can distort memories, and witnesses may focus more on a weapon than the suspect’s face. Additionally, police lineup procedures can unintentionally guide witnesses toward a certain suspect, emphasizing the need for reforms like double-blind lineups and recording witness certainty during identification.

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DUI Lawyer: Do You Need One?

DUI Lawyer: Do You Need One? Hiring a DUI lawyer may seem costly, but the expense of not having one can be far greater, even for first-time offenders. The FBI reports that over a million Americans faced DUI charges in 2016, many of whom were everyday people with much at stake. A DUI conviction can be financially devastating, making the cost of hiring a lawyer a worthwhile investment to protect one’s future.

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Police Body Cameras & Privacy Implications

The public has advocated for police officers to wear body cameras, leading to widespread adoption and federal funding for local agencies. Although research on the effectiveness of body cameras in reducing force and complaints is limited, 34 states and D.C. have enacted laws regarding their use. While body cameras aim to increase accountability, they also raise significant privacy concerns for individuals inadvertently recorded during police interactions.

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