September 2012 - Federal Criminal Law Center

Georgia man seeks dismissal of charges in child porn case

Posted by Marcia Shein
On September 28, 2012
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When someone has been charged with a crime, the collection and analysis of evidence becomes extremely important. Because an examination of the evidence could be the difference between a conviction and freedom it is imperative that defendants have access to the evidence to conduct their own examinations of it. This is providing to be a […]

Posted by Marcia Shein
On September 25, 2012
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An ample amount of prosecutorial discretion is something that many people involved in or who study the criminal justice system often simply assume. Experienced criminal defense attorneys, who understandably have a deep well of knowledge concerning the criminal process and strategies to employ against crime charges, also know that some prosecutors do occasionally step over […]

Posted by Marcia Shein
On September 21, 2012
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Once again, it was the tape. The New York Police Department wanted a Bronx grand jury to return an indictment against a 19-year-old male for what was alleged to be an assault on two police officers and an attempt to take one of their guns on a November evening last year. Instead, and after watching […]

Posted by Marcia Shein
On September 19, 2012
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Although media reports are not readily implying anything in connection with a traffic stop in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and subsequent arrest of a man on an outstanding warrant for a drug charge that ended up with his shooting death while handcuffed in a police squad car, some doubts about the incident are being raised. The incident […]

Posted by Marcia Shein
On September 17, 2012
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States across the country vary widely in their laws regarding the use of marijuana — how much, if any, is allowed for personal consumption; whether a medical marijuana card can be obtained; whether strict or comparatively strict liability attaches to operating a motor vehicle with marijuana in a driver’s system; and so forth — and […]

Posted by Marcia Shein
On September 11, 2012
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The recent closing of a Massachusetts drug laboratory used for certifying drug evidence submitted by police is broadly relevant to the criminal justice system across the country, including in Georgia. The matter — described by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick as “deeply troubling” — underscores that cracks in the justice system can cast great doubt on […]

Posted by Marcia Shein
On September 6, 2012
0 Comments

In a recent editorial simply entitled “Prosecutorial abuse,” the New York Times makes its view regarding a 2011 federal appeals ruling by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals crystal clear. And, in fact, it is staunchly supported by 69 retired judges and former federal prosecutors who say that the decision “will allow serious prosecutorial […]

Posted by Marcia Shein
On September 3, 2012
0 Comments

The job of a public prosecutor is to bring criminal cases on behalf of the government, acting in essence as a trial lawyer for the people. Central to the prosecutorial role is the seeking of justice, which promotes the public good. Justice flows two ways. Just as it is in the people’s interest for a […]

Georgia man seeks dismissal of charges in child porn case

Innocence Project cites one state’s excessive prosecutorial abuse

Grand jury sees tape, dismisses case; exonerated man now sues city

Questions, concerns raised in police car shooting death

Upcoming study to analyze marijuana use and driving behavior

Shut down of yet another state lab used to certify drug evidence

Sharp response to 11th Circuit’s ruling in prosecutorial abuse case

State’s high court finds DA abuse, overturns death sentence