Criminal Law Newsletters

A DEFENDANT'S RIGHT TO CONFRONT WITNESSES

Under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, a defendant has a right to confront his or her adverse witnesses. This means that the defendant has a right to a face-to-face meeting with the witnesses. Included in this right is the right to cross-examine the witnesses.

AGGRAVATED ROBBERY

A person commits the offense of aggravated robbery when he or she during the course of a theft, which theft is committed with the intent to obtain or maintain control of property, intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes serious bodily injury to another person, uses or exhibits a deadly weapon, or causes bodily injury or threatens to cause injury to an elderly or a disabled person.

Disclosure of Defendant and Attorney Overhearings with Respect to Electronic Communications

An overhearing is when an individual believes that another has illegally overheard their communication. When a defendant believes that he has been illegally overheard, he may file a motion alleging that an unlawful act of electronic surveillance has been conducted. The defendant may request the disclosure of the electronic communication. The federal government may request that the trial court require the defendant to provide specific information regarding the disclosure of the electronic surveillance. The defendant may be required to provide the following information:

Hobbs Act Generally

The elements with respect to a violation of the Hobbs Act are as follows:
1. Obstruction or effect on interstate commerce. 2. An attempt, conspiracy or completed robbery or extortion is committed. 3. The use of actual or threatened violence or injury to an individual or property.

Lie Detector Tests and Polygraphs

A lie detector test or a polygraph test is used to determine whether the defendant or witness shows physiological and psychological reactions in response to certain questions. These tests are typically given if it is believed that the defendant or a witness is intentionally trying to deceive authorities or attorneys. There are various types of lie detector tests.