Criminal Defense Law Firm Hartford Connecticut

Cases

Criminal Defense Law Firm in Hartford, Connecticut

The United States Supreme Court has ruled on countless issues in criminal law. Here are just a few that address some basic issues.

Chimel v. California held that a police officer, after making an arrest, can search the area around the arrestee for weapons or other evidence.

Terry v. Ohio held that a person may be stopped and frisked when a police officer reasonably believes that the person may have committed a crime. The police do not need the person's consent or a search warrant to do so.

United States v. Ross held that the police can and stop a car and conduct a search of an automobile without a search warrant if they have probable cause to believe that there is contraband in the car.

Harvey v. United States held that objects in "plain view" can be used as evidence without consent or warrant when the police officer has the right to be in position to see such objects.

Miranda v. Arizona held that evidence obtained by the police cannot be used in court unless the accused has been advised of the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. This applies only when the accused is in police custody and is being interrogated.

Faretta v. California held that a person may represent himself or herself at a criminal proceeding (such as an evidentiary hearing or trial).

Illinois v. Gates held that, if a judge finds that in "the totality of the circumstances" (such as information from a confidential informant) there is probable cause to believe that an arrest or search is justified, a warrant may be issued.

Pennsylvania v. Mimms held that a police officer may order the driver of a vehicle to step out of the vehicle after a routine traffic stop even if there is no reasonable suspicion that the driver poses a threat to the safety of the officer.

United States v. Robinson held that a police officer can conduct a body search of a person who has been arrested, even if the officer admits there was no possible danger to him and therefore had no reason to search for a weapon.

Batson v. Kentucky held that a prosecutor cannot exclude from a jury members of the defendant's race solely on racial grounds.

The Law Offices of Richard E. Cohen
2 Congress Street
Hartford, CT 06114
Phone: 860-278-9366
Fax: 860-728-3433

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