Memorial Day was first established as a national day of remembrance in 1868 several years after the end of the Civil War. Today it is still recognized as a day of respect for those who have died during the wars. Today, Memorial Day is still a national day of reverence, and has also become a…
Last week, the Daubert hearings at the Maricopa County Superior Court came to a close. A decision is expected to come down later this summer. Articles and Valley news coverage have been highlighting the significance of this case, and the serious effects caused by a police-run crime lab not attempting to repair its malfunctioning equipment….
In today’s world, nearly everything we use is influenced in one way or another by software. Smart phones are overtaking the cell phone market. Almost everybody in the family has a personal computer, or uses one at work. Cars have sophisticated touch screens, and there is now Wi-Fi atop Mount Everest. (No, seriously). While you don’t…
Have you ever heard of blood test results being contested in a DUI case? The Importance of a Blood Test One of the most important pieces of evidence in a DUI case is the blood test result. Once a subject’s blood is drawn, the sample is put into police custody. The blood in evidence is…
This past week, a crime lab in Ohio’s Canton-Stark County was fired for the second time in a year. Criminalist Michael Short was first fired in May 2012 for failing to note key evidence in a case. He was reinstated six months later by the investigating commission. Last week, Short was fired again for giving…
Break out the green beer, St. Patrick’s Day is here! This Sunday, March 17th marks the holiday celebrating the patron saint of Ireland. Celebrations and events are taking place all over the Valley (click here for a guide), and they will no doubt be lively, with music, food, dancing, prizes and giveaways. So get in…
As you know, the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is a time of celebration, festivities…and some of the nation’s strongest police DUI crackdown efforts. The reports are in for this year: the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety conducted nearly 82,000 stops on Arizona drivers, and reported 4,371 DUI arrests between November 24th…
Before we look to the promising year ahead, let’s take a few minutes to look back. A great deal has happened this past year. Let’s sum up the important key points. Holidays are notorious for DUI crackdown efforts. Although it is always wise to exercise caution by leaving the keys at home, designating a sober…
The University of Greece has recently published a report on thermal imaging of intoxication technology this year in the International Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics. It describes the new testing method, which uses various algorithms to scan images from thermal cameras for signs and symptoms of intoxication. This is simply astounding (and scary)….
Most of us are familiar with the landmark case Miranda v. Arizona. “Miranda” rights are read by a police officer to suspects in custody that they intend to question, and usually begin with “You have the right to remain silent…” (click link to read full Miranda warning). These warnings are a summary of our 5th and 6th Amendment rights, and are…
