Criminal Law Newsletter

DELIVERY, DISTRIBUTION, AND SALE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

A person commits a criminal offense when he or she unlawfully delivers, distributes, or sells a controlled substance to another person. Delivery is defined as the actual or constructive transfer of the controlled substance to another person. Delivery may include selling, dispensing, giving away, or supplying the controlled substance. More...

Statements of Juveniles

After a juvenile has been arrested, they have the right to receive Miranda rights and the right to be represented by counsel. The juvenile also has the right to be free from self-incrimination as provided under the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. More...

AIRCRAFT PIRACY

Federal law prohibits the seizure, by force or violence, by threat of force or violence, or by any other form of intimidation with wrongful intent, of an aircraft within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Such an offense is called aircraft piracy or hijacking. The display of a dangerous weapon by a defendant constitutes a sufficient use of force or violence for purposes of the offense. More...

OBTAINING CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES BY FRAUD

A person commits an offense when he or she acquires, obtains, or attempts to obtain possession of a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, or forgery. The person obtains a controlled substance by fraud when the person forges or alters a prescription for the controlled substance.More...

Credibility and Impeachment of Witnesses

After a witness has been sworn in and testifies on direct examination, the opposing party may cross-exam the witness. Often times the opposing party will attempt to discredit the witness by challenging their credibility. The opposing party may try to challenge the witness's credibility by employing numerous impeachment techniques.More...