Confessions, Trials, and Fiction
A writer this week asked about the use of confessions in the criminal trial process. A character in the writer’s plot has signed a confession admitting facts necessary for conviction of a crime. The writer …
Murder, Manslaughter, or Homicide – What is the difference?
A writer last week asked about the difference between homicide, murder, and manslaughter for a manuscript-in-progress. While these three terms are related, they are not interchangeable. Subtle distinctions exist between the terms that writers should …
Murder, Manslaughter, or Homicide – What is the difference? Read More
Sex, Lies And Cyber Exploitation — The Revenge Porn Plot
Characters do the darndest things, especially when there is an emotional break-up involved. Which is why Bruce from Northern California had a question about revenge porn. Is it illegal? Just to be clear, that is a character …
Sex, Lies And Cyber Exploitation — The Revenge Porn Plot Read More
Search and Seizure and Plots – A Few Tips For Writers (Part 2)
Last week, I covered the basics of search and seizure, the warrant requirement, and limitations imposed by the 4th Amendment. Today’s article explores warrantless search and seizures with examples to consider when developing your plot. As …
Search and Seizure and Plots – A Few Tips For Writers (Part 2) Read More
Search and Seizure and Plots – A Few Tips For Writers (Part 1)
Recently I received a question from a writer about police search and seizure. It is a common subject in the headlines. Usually these news stories and commentaries cover an illegal search and seizure by police …
Search and Seizure and Plots – A Few Tips For Writers (Part 1) Read More
Six Common Misconceptions About Criminal Cases
Last week I was talking to a writer friend about Miranda warnings for an episode of a crime series. We smoothed over a minor misconception, one of many misconceptions about criminal cases that, as an …