Soon, Nebraska will be the 26th state in the U.S. to allow the constitutional carry of a firearm. As a result, Nebraska law created a right to carry a concealed firearm without governmental interference. The law removes previous conditions, such as obtaining a concealed carry permit and passing a firearms safety course. However, you should not assume that everyone can now have a gun. Therefore, you should consult a lawyer for guidance.  Who is prohibited from possessing a firearm in Nebraska? Omaha criminal attorney Tom Petersen and his team at Petersen Criminal Defense Law are here to he ..read more

In Nebraska, a person under 21 cannot legally possess alcohol. Getting caught as a minor in possession of alcohol can cause serious legal problems with long-lasting detrimental effects. Given what is at stake, you might wonder, How long does a minor in possession stay on your record? Suppose you have been charged as a minor possessing alcohol. In that case, you need a skilled and experienced defense lawyer to help avoid the severe consequences that could hinder your personal and professional development. Don’t take a chance by trying to handle the case yourself. Instead, call me right away to ..read more

A theft by deception charge falls under the broader category of theft crimes in the Nebraska statutes. In short, theft by deception means taking the property of another by using false words or actions. The offense has other aspects to it, which we will discuss later.  You must take these charges seriously by speaking with a highly experienced Omaha lawyer who focuses solely on criminal defense. For over 20 years, my staff and I at Petersen Criminal Defense Law have focused on providing people like you with the defense they need to maintain their liberty. My motto is simple: I won’t judge ..read more

You’ve heard of the crimes of murder and manslaughter. Perhaps you know that they refer to criminal charges against someone for another person’s death, but you don’t understand the difference between them. Under Nebraska law, whether the accused will face murder vs. manslaughter charges depends entirely on their alleged mental state at the time of the killing. The prosecutor will charge someone with murder if they believe they can prove the killing was intentional. Murder and manslaughter also carry different penalties, with murder carrying a much harsher sentence.  Below, Petersen Crimin ..read more

Civil protection orders and restraining orders seek to accomplish the same goal: preventing irreparable harm. Although you might think the terms are synonymous, they are not. That’s why it is important to understand what each order does and when it should be used.  If you are subject to a civil protection order or a restraining order, you will need representation from an experienced defense attorney to protect your rights. Trying to defend yourself during either proceeding could leave you in dire straits. In Omaha and all across Nebraska, defense lawyer Thomas M. Petersen is a lawyer you ..read more

Throughout the country, DUIs carry steep penalties. But some states treat drunk driving offenders harsher than others. Arguably, the Nebraska legislature is one of the toughest on DUI offenses. Among other penalties, drivers charged with DUI face immediate license suspension. In essence, you are guilty before proven innocent when it comes to the suspension of your license after such a charge. License suspension is a swift and harsh penalty that many argue is unfair. Whether you reside in Nebraska or are just passing through when you get arrested, you need to immediately retain an experienced D ..read more

If you face a white-collar crime, a lot is at stake, including your freedom, livelihood, and reputation. Many white-collar crimes can be charged on the state or federal level, and understanding where yours lies can be confusing. If you are facing an offense on the state or federal level or are unsure where you will be charged, contact the professionals at the Petersen Law Office. We are happy to assess your case and guide you through every step of the process. Will the government charge you at the state or federal level? The general rule of thumb is that any violation of state law is prosecute ..read more

While it may seem like Nebraska police and prosecutors would have bigger fish to fry than arresting people engaging in prostitution, that isn’t the case. Law enforcement takes an aggressive approach to prosecute parties on both sides of prostitution transactions, and both buyers and sellers of sex can find themselves in jail. At Petersen Criminal Defense Law, our prostitution lawyer has more than 25 years of hands-on experience defending clients facing all types of felony and misdemeanor charges, including both prostitution and solicitation. We are familiar with all the best defenses to prosti ..read more

Are you looking for an attorney to defend your drug possession charge? Figuring out which lawyer you should hire for your case is a daunting task, especially if you have no experience with the criminal justice system. You may have well-meaning people in your life who want to help and throw names at you. But since it’s your freedom and future on the line, you need to be confident you selected the right attorney. In Omaha, Tom Petersen is a defense lawyer for drug possession charges who understands the law and uses his experience to put you in the best possible position to win. Tom has defended ..read more