Yates & Wheland

Bail hearings, also known as bond hearings, are the first significant event following an arrest and the first opportunity for someone charged with a crime to leave the jail. At the hearing, a judge will evaluate whether you are a good candidate for bond and review 3 important factors: 1. risk of flight from the jurisdiction 2. whether you are a danger to any person, the community, or property in the community 3. whether you pose a risk of committing an additional felony pending trial 4. whether you pose a risk of intimidating witnesses or obstructing the administration of justice

Unfortunately, police may conduct legal warrantless searches in several situations. The most common involves traffic stops in which the officer gathers evidence like openly visible contraband or odors when interviewing a driver. If the officer sees drug paraphernalia or smells the odor of marijuana, he may have probable cause to search your car for other illegal items without a warrant. If you find yourself on the receiving end of a warrantless search, remain silent and request an attorney before making any statements to police.

It depends on whether you had a reasonable expectation of privacy for items within the place the evidence was discovered. In most cases, police search for evidence of crimes in homes, businesses, and cars. Police may circumvent your 4th Amendment protections by obtaining consent to search or in some cases, obtaining probable cause by observing other clues that a crime may have been committed. If a police officer executes a warrantless search, do not provide information or answer questions. Call your lawyer if you can safely do so.