Criminal Law Basics

There are two primary ways in which you can file criminal charges against someone. One method is used when you are filing charges for a crime that has just been committed, while a second method is...

The first police officer responding to a crime scene plays a critical role in the investigation. The officer must secure the scene in order to preserve the integrity of any physical evidence. In...

Probation is a more lenient sentence awarded by a court in lieu of jail time or possible fines. Those who are charged with first-time misdemeanors often receive probation.

If you are the victim of a crime – or in some situations, a witness to a crime – then you may want to file a police report. Police reports can be filed for many reasons: to report theft for...

An affidavit of probable cause is a sworn statement, typically made by a police officer, that outlines the factual justification for why a judge should consent to an arrest or search warrant or...

Police misconduct can infringe upon the rights of law-abiding citizens. Allegations of police misconduct can be filed with the US Department of Justice, your local precinct, or national activist...

As a police officer i see alot of mistakes people make when you get pulled over i have a few tips to make your experience an easier experience.

Few things can be as unsettling as being arrested. The arrest process begins when a law-enforcement officer takes you into custody. The officer must state that you are being arrested, and in the...

The cuffs are on your wrists and you're starting to panic. Here's how to keep your cool and protect your rights.

Lawful use of force by law enforcement officers must be reasonable under the circumstances. The reasonableness of the officer's actions is weighed against the actions of the subject to whom they...

The contact and cover technique is used by officers during traffic stops and is useful in almost any situation where they are dealing with suspects and witnesses. The purpose of the technique is...

The use of force continuum is a descriptive tool used in law enforcement to help officers understand the progression of legitimate levels of physical force to be utilized in various circumstances...

Have you just been ripped off? Few feelings are worse than the shock of discovering that something of yours has been stolen. Learn how to file an accurate police report that increases the chances...

Being married to a law enforcement officer, I've heard many complaints of people trying to avoid tickets. I've also heard many officers list their pet peeves. Here are just a few!

Becoming a police officer can be a calling. Others are drawn to the job for the decent salary and government benefits. Whatever your reason, prepare to face a grueling application process. Getting...

The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution prohibits unlawful searches and seizures. Unless a few narrow exceptions apply, to conduct a search, an officer must have a search warrant.

Becoming a police officer is often considered an excellent avenue for those who wish to serve in the public realm. A job with numerous options for advancement, police work can be rewarding for...

Arrest warrants legally authorize the arrest and detention of a suspect. Arrest warrants are written orders issued by neutral and detached judges or magistrates based on probable cause and are...

If you're like many people who pleaded guilty or were convicted of a crime in California and were then sentenced, you probably assumed that you couldn't be punished any more. However, if you...

Probable cause is defined as facts or evidence supporting a reasonable belief that a crime has been, is being, or is going to be committed. Police officers must establish probable cause in order...

An arrest warrant legally charges someone with a crime. In the vast majority of cases, an officer will arrest someone on an alleged crime and immediately take that person to a magistrate or...

This article will give you a basic understanding of your Constitutional Rights if you are arrested. This article is NOT a help tool for criminals. It is just a basic understanding of your rights...

The law enforcement field is very competitive, especially when it comes to new hires. The best way to increase your chance of becoming a police office is to ensure that you are well prepared for...

It is necessary to obtain a high school diploma from an accredited educational institution or a GED equivalent. All applicants must be at least 21 years of age and be a U.S. citizen. An applicant...

Becoming a police officer in Canada can be rather simple. You don't need to be a graduate from a college, but it helps, as does speaking more than one language. There are various simple...