Have you ever been pulled over and worried about the outcome of an officer searching your car? You’re not alone. Many drivers in Nebraska are unsure of their rights regarding car searches. You may wonder, Do police need a warrant to search your car?  The good news is that federal and state laws protect you from unreasonable searches and seizures. But what does that mean for car searches in Nebraska? Today, we’ll look at when police can and cannot search your car without a warrant. When Can the Police Search Your Car? The short answer to this question is: it depends. The Fourth Amendment ..read more

Have the police ever stopped you and questioned you about a situation? It can be nerve-racking, leaving you wondering whether you were detained or arrested. In Nebraska, the difference between the two is not just semantics; it carries significant legal consequences. Understanding the distinction can help protect your rights in these situations. We explore the differences between being detained vs. being arrested and the legal implications for each below. Detained vs. Arrested: A Breakdown Distinguishing between a detention and an arrest depends on the seriousness, duration, and legal protecti ..read more

In the United States, we are fortunate to be protected by a number of important rights found in the U.S. Constitution as well as within each individual state constitution. One of your most important rights is found in the 4th Amendment, the right against unreasonable searches and seizures. Although the 4th Amendment calls for a warrant to be issued before a search and seizure can take place, that requirement has been watered down over the years, leaving a good deal of confusion concerning what type of search does, and does not, require a warrant. Is it legal for the police to enter your yard ..read more

To curtail traffic accidents, almost every state has enacted strict laws penalizing those who are convicted of driving under the influence. According to the Governors’ Highway Safety Association, every state has made it illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more. However, the potential penalties can vary according to the circumstances of the case as well as a person’s prior criminal history. If you are dealing with DUI charges, then here is what you need to know about what to do next. Understand the Possible Penalties In every state, DUI charges are recognized ..read more

It is virtually impossible to watch a police reality show or a Hollywood crime drama without hearing at least one police officer read a suspect his/her Miranda rights. As a result, just about everyone knows “You have the right to remain silent…” Just because you have heard these rights being read to someone on television or on the big screen, however, doesn’t necessarily mean you truly understand your rights, nor when and how to exercise them. Even the most law-abiding citizen can find himself/herself in a situation where understanding your right to remain silent is important. With that in mi ..read more

Embezzlement is a form of theft that is considered a form of white collar crime. Embezzlement penalties can vary depending on the value of the property that is taken. An embezzlement conviction on your record can also indicate to potential employers that you are untrustworthy, preventing you from securing a job.  If you are facing embezzlement charges, you may want to know the precise penalties that can come with a conviction. A seasoned embezzlement attorney can review the details of your charges and determine the penalties that apply in your case. Since its founding in 1995, Petersen C ..read more

A sex crimes charge in Nebraska is a serious accusation that can derail your entire life. A pandering charge typically involves an individual inducing another person to engage in prostitution or become a prostitute. A pandering conviction can result in thousands of dollars in fines and time spent in jail. The best way to protect your constitutional rights and obtain a favorable outcome is by hiring a criminal defense lawyer.  Our team at Petersen Criminal Defense Law believes that everyone deserves a quality legal defense, no matter what accusations they are facing. We handle all of our ..read more

If you violate a pretrial release, you may face imprisonment for up to six months, a fine as specified in [§ 22-3571.01], or both. A proceeding for contempt can be initiated by a judicial officer or a prosecutor. Being arrested and charged with a crime can wreak havoc with an individual’s life, without regard to whether the individual is actually guilty of the offense for which he or she has been charged. Spending just a single night behind bars can put a job at risk as well as disrupt an entire family’s routine. Imagine then, what would happen if you were arrested and had to remain in custod ..read more

Human trafficking in Nebraska is a distressing and pervasive crime that transcends international borders and reaches the heart of many areas in the nation, including Nebraska. This Midwestern state, known for its open landscapes and friendly atmosphere, is not immune to the shadows of human exploitation. In recent years, Nebraska has increasingly recognized the presence of human trafficking within its boundaries, igniting a concerted effort to combat this grave violation of human rights.  While this is a serious offense, false accusations of human trafficking can have devastating consequ ..read more

In Nebraska, sexual assault accusations carry significant consequences for all parties involved, both in the immediate and long-term aftermath. The mere allegation can result in severe personal, professional, and legal ramifications for the accused. Many people face reputational damage, regardless of the veracity of the claims. Professionally, those accused of sexual assault might face suspension, job loss, or difficulty finding future employment. Legally, if convicted, the accused can face imprisonment, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and a lasting criminal record. Even if acquitte ..read more