Newsletters

A DEFENDANT'S RIGHT TO A PUBLIC TRIAL

A defendant is guaranteed the right to a public trial under the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution. The right to a public trial is also an element of the defendant's due process rights, which rights are guaranteed under the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. In addition, states have enacted provisions in their constitutions that guarantee a defendant's right to a public trial. The public also has a right to attend criminal trials under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

FEDERAL LAWS REGARDING MURDER-FOR-HIRE

A person commits a federal offense when he or she travels or uses facilities in interstate or foreign commerce with the intent to murder another person for monetary compensation.

MOTIONS IN LIMINE

A motion in limine is any motion that is filed either before or during a trial and that seeks to exclude prejudicial evidence before it is offered into evidence. A motion in limine usually seeks to exclude evidence of another party.

DUI Defenses

If one is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), or driving while intoxicated (DWI), or operating under the influence (OUI), there are numerous defenses one could raise prior to trial by way of a motion to suppress evidence or to dismiss the charges or during trial. Some of the most common and potential defenses are discussed below in more detail.

RIGHT TO APPEAL

A defendant has a right to appeal his or her final judgment of conviction and sentence by a trial court to a state's appellate court. In order to be considered a defendant for purposes of an appeal, the defendant must have been charged with a crime or the defendant must have committed a criminal offense.