Probable Cause vs Reasonable Suspicion
Probable cause and reasonable doubt are two very important concepts in criminal cases. But they relate to two different aspects of those cases. An officer must have probable cause to make an arrest. A prosecutor must prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt. Probable cause exists if an officer has knowledge and trustworthy information sufficient to warrant a person of reasonable caution and prudence in believing that an arrestee has committed an offense. Probable cause may include information that an...Read More
How a Criminal Case Travels Through the Courts
A criminal case usually, but not always, begins with an arrest. If you are arrested, your first court date and the location of that court will be on your bail paperwork. That date is your arraignment date. An arraignment is when the State formally notifies you of the charges against you. Those charges may be different than those listed on your bail paperwork. That is because the prosecutor will look at the file and make the final determination as to...Read More