Earlier today, the United States Supreme Court issued its opinion in Alleyne v. United States. The Court sought to answer the question: when an element of a crime raises the mandatory minimum sentence for that crime, must the jury find the defendant guilty of that element beyond a reasonable doubt before the mandatory minimum sentence […]
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Sleepdriving a Legitimate Defense to DUI in Oregon
Last week, Oregon’s Supreme Court ruled in State v. Newman that “sleepdriving” is a legitimate defense for DUII. In Oregon, DUII is the acronym for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, which is comparable to PA’s DUI law. DUI is a strict liability crime, which means it does not require the offender to possess at […]
Drug Conviction May Affect Federal Student Aid Eligibility
Many college and graduate students receive federal student aid in the form of grants, loans, and work study to help pay for their education. But did you know that a drug conviction might affect your eligibility to receive student aid? If you have been convicted for the possession or sale of illegal drugs for an […]
Illinois Judge Faces Federal Gun and Drug Charges
Illinois Judge Michael Cook announced his resignation from the bench late last month, days after he was charged with federal heroin and gun offenses. The St. Clair County Circuit Judge, who first became an associate judge in 2007, entered the spotlight last March when fellow Judge Joe Christ died of a cocaine overdose while staying […]
Incriminating Text & Photo Evidence Not Allowed At Zimmerman Trial
Last week, Circuit Judge Deborah Nelson ruled that George Zimmerman’s defense will not be allowed to mention incriminating photos and texts found on Trayvon Martin’s cell phone during the opening statements of the trial, which is to begin on June 10. Prosecutors found pictures and texts on Martin’s phone referencing guns and marijuana, which calls […]
