by Michael D. Hills | Feb 21, 2014 | Federal Law
In January, the U.S. Supreme Court applied the rule of lenity in a criminal case. The rule of lenity is a rule of statutory construction that resolves ambiguities in statutory language in favor of the defendant. The case involved a defendant who was convicted...
by Michael D. Hills | May 21, 2014 | Federal Law, Constitution, Search Warrants
Clients often ask me whether the search conducted on their home and/or property was legal. This blog will provide an overview of the Fourth Amendment prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Fourth Amendment applies when a person has a “reasonable...
by Michael D. Hills | May 28, 2014 | Federal Law, Halfway Houses
At the end of March, Attorney General Eric Holder announced some new policies for federal halfway houses. Federal halfway houses are used by tens of thousands of prisoners to ease the transition from prison back into society. Some of the changes Holder announced...
by Michael D. Hills | Dec 3, 2014 | Federal Law
In criminal court, every defendant is granted a speedy and public trial with an impartial jury of his or her own peers. What does an impartial jury of his or her own peers necessarily mean? The 6th amendment of the United States constitution doesn’t exactly...
