A federal lawsuit filled by four criminal defense attorneys in Travis County, Texas, alleges that the local sheriff’s department secretly monitored and recorded private phone conversations between inmates and their legal counsel. If the allegations turn out to be true, it would represent a clear and troubling violation of the expected attorney-client privilege. “The confidentially […]
Minnesota House Upholds Fourth Amendment Rights
The Minnesota House unanimously sided with the protections guaranteed in the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution when they passed a bill 120-0 that makes it illegal for authorities to track a person’s cell phone without judge approval and individual notification. The bill sought to set clearer definitions as to when authorities can track […]
Cops May Soon Be Able to Search Through Your Cellphone
If Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito Jr. gets his way, police officers may soon be able to search through your cell phone if you are stopped for a minor violation. The Supreme Court was closely split during a Tuesday discussion about a person’s right to privacy when it comes to their personal cell phone. Justice […]
Video Recording Laws in Minnesota
In an age where the majority of Americans carry a smartphone with them wherever they go, it should come as little surprise that there have been an increasing number of incidents where police unlawfully stop or detain a pedestrian for recording the officer’s actions. Recent actions by cops in Florida, New York and Maryland showcase […]
What Are My Rights After A Police Pat Down?
Earlier this week, I shared a story about the unconstitutional strip searches being conducted by law enforcement officials in Georgia. The story led one reader to pose the following question: Can a person refuse to be searched further if the initial pat down reveals nothing? – Dave F. I’ll answer the question to the best […]
