Criminal Law Newsletters

Alien Terrorists and Other Crimes and Penalties Under the PATRIOT Act

The PATRIOT Act has numerous provisions preventing alien terrorists from entering into the United States. The Act focuses particularly on Canada due to their liberal policy permitting most individuals to enter their country. The Act also permits law enforcement authorities to detain and deport alien terrorists. Individuals who support the alien terrorists may also be deported under the Act.

Motion to Disclose the Identity of a Confidential Informant

A defendant may file a motion requesting that the prosecution disclose the identity of their confidential informant. Typically information received from the confidential informant may be the basis of probable cause to support the issuance of an arrest warrant for the defendant.

Principals and Accessories

A defendant in an action may be charged as a principal offender of the underlying offense or an accessory to the underlying offense. Depending upon the defendant's actions and role in the offense, the prosecution will decide to charge the defendant as a principal or an accessory.

Surveillance Changes under the PATRIOT Act

The PATRIOT Act provides federal and international agencies with the ability to track and intercept oral, written, and electronic communications.

Voluntary Manslaughter

A person commits the offense of voluntary manslaughter when he or she commits murder under the immediate influence of sudden passion that arises from an adequate cause. Sudden passion is also referred to as "heat of passion."