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Ways to handle a traffic stop by a police officer

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New drivers have much to learn about the rules of the road, from proper etiquette to abiding by different road signs.   Inability to master these various regulations can lead you getting pulled over by a traffic police, which for many is a nerve-wracking experience in itself.   Law student Eric Wetlaufer offers tips to keep in mind below, whether or not it’s your first time to deal with a traffic stop. Image source: usacarry.com   Know that if you act improperly when talking to the police, like sounding all irritated or complaining incessantly that you’re being delayed unnecessarily, chances are you’d just get into more trouble.   So instead of yakking away irritably, be respectful and avoid getting into an argument.   Ask politely what your traffic infraction or violation is and listen intently to what the officer has to say in this regard. Image source: freshgreenlight.com Remember to keep your hands on the steering wheel and avoid making any sudden movements that m

What exactly are search warrants?

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A search warrant refers to an order issued by a court judge or magistrate effectively authorizing police officers to search a person, vehicle, or given location for specific objects or materials. Search warrants are given when probable cause is established and are meant to look for evidence of a crime or contraband. Image source: kwqc.com Because search warrants must abide by the rule of law and people’s right to privacy, officers who have not been issued one cannot conduct a search. The common exception where this may be allowed is when officers are in hot pursuit of a criminal who is on the run from the crime scene and has entered a particular home or property. Image source: theregister.co.uk To obtain a search warrant, police officers often convince a judge by providing written affidavits, done under oath and based on thorough police observations and reports from informants. Again, if the judge believes that the affidavits make for probable cause, he or she will issue a

What to do if you are wrongfully accused of a crime

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It is possible for an innocent person to be wrongfully accused of a crime. This can be due to circumstantial evidence, wrong information, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you are innocent but is wrongfully accused of a crime, there are steps you need to take to protect yourself. Image source: foottlaw.com.au First and foremost, do not resist and remain silent. Unlike what they say about guilty parties remaining silent during an arrest, speaking out to the police could have repercussions. For one, they could misinterpret your words and use them against you. As much as you would want to explain the situation, remain silent until you are in the presence of an attorney. If you are accused of a crime and law enforcement makes an attempt to search your home, do not allow them. All policemen need is your permission to search your home. If they play the “if you’re innocent, there’s nothing for you to hide” game, don’t fall for it. It is also possible to be

Eye-opening facts about shoplifting that everyone should know

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Shoplifting on the surface may look nothing more like a minor offense that could land someone in jail for a few days at most.   However, statistics show that shoplifting is anything but trivial , with it being one of the most common crimes in the United States. Image source: safesinternational.com Reports show that the damage done by shoplifting has gone over $30 billion.   This is the entire loss experienced by businesses that have fallen victim to shoplifting.   In fact, on an average, stores have reported that an average of 2.5 percent of their products are stolen.   A few businesses have even closed down after experiencing rampant shoplifting. Image source: pgsservices.ca It has been estimated the act has been committed between 300 to 400 million times a year, which would mean nearly a million times a day all over the country.   While this number might seem too big to comprehend, it should be noted that this includes incidents of objects taken by employees f

Know your rights: Is your workplace a safe place?

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Image source: 3480g.com You have the right to a safe workplace.   And if your workplace isn’t safe, you have the right to complain about it.   While some jobs may be more hazardous than others, it’s best that you make sure yours is as safe as possible.   Image source: huffingtonpost.com This is a very important public service reminder, especially for people who work in construction sites, where statistics have shown a rather high frequency of accidents.   What’s more disturbing about it is that in a survey conducted, one out of every five injuries in a construction workplace is fatal.   If you work in a construction site, be wary, and always inform your superiors if you see workplace hazards.   Since the main causes for injuries are falls, electrocution, falling debris, and being crushed by machines and fallen structures, be sure that your company employs all the measures it can to minimize these incidents. While offices may not be as dangerous as construction s