Have you been illegally detained by the police? Maybe you’re not even sure how long you can be detained. Nebraska must treat criminal suspects in accordance with the rights granted by the US Constitution. Although Nebraska law can limit detention to a time period that is shorter than the period allowed under the Constitution, it cannot extend the time period beyond constitutional limits. How Long Can the Police Detain You After a Traffic Stop? To make a traffic stop, the Nebraska police must have a “reasonable suspicion” that you have committed a crime (with the exception of DUI roadblocks). Without

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What is the Lautenberg Amendment? The Lautenberg Amendment, also known as the Lautenberg Law, is a 1996 amendment to the federal Gun Control Act of 1968. The amendment prohibits people who have a domestic violence conviction from owning, possessing, or transferring firearms. This prohibition lasts a lifetime, and the penalty for violating the law is severe. The primary purpose of the Lautenberg Amendment is to discourage domestic violence by taking firearms out of abusers’ hands. Despite the good intentions of the law, it contains some surprising consequences that many people consider unfair. Who are “Prohibited Persons”? “Prohibited persons” are people

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If you’ve received a reckless driving charge in Nebraska, you may be wondering what to do next. While it may seem like you have no options, an attorney can help defend your rights.  At Petersen Criminal Defense Law, we have experience helping clients navigate their reckless driving charges. Give us a call today to discuss your case. Nebraska Reckless Driving Laws Nebraska law defines two types of reckless driving: reckless driving and willful reckless driving  First, Nebraska’s reckless driving law defines standard reckless driving as driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates indifference or wanton disregard for the

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Under Nebraska law, it is illegal to operate or be in the “actual physical control” of a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The blood alcohol limit for a driver is .08%. A DUI charge can have serious adverse consequences, including an increase in insurance rates, disqualification from certain jobs, or losing your driver license. As a result, a lot is at stake with a DUI conviction. You need a DUI attorney that is committed to your defense.  Petersen Criminal Defense Law can provide that to you. Many people want to know, How much does a

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Laws, Penalties, and Defenses Understanding Nebraska’s gun laws is tough. Handgun laws in Nebraska are a combination of state, local, and federal laws. As a result, the gun laws in Nebraska are a tangled web of prohibitions, exclusions, and exemptions. Every person must educate themselves about Nebraska gun laws if they wish to possess a firearm lawfully. Otherwise, you could find yourself facing serious charges. You will need representation from a tough, aggressive, and experienced Nebraska gun possession defense attorney if you face gun charges in Nebraska.  Nebraska Firearms Laws The right to possess a firearm in Nebraska stems from

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Car crashes are terrifying events. An individual’s fight-or-flight mechanism could cause them to become afraid and panic, even if they did not cause the collision. Panicking immediately after a crash often causes a person to flee, even if they know running from the crash is against the law.  Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious criminal offense in Omaha. The severity of the crime increases if a person died or sustained severe personal injuries in the accident. Detectives assigned to hit-and-run accidents in Omaha, NE, use sophisticated investigatory techniques to track down and charge anyone who fled the

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The United States Constitution affords you numerous rights, including the Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable search and seizures by law enforcement. This right extends to your person, house, and belongings, including your cell phone. Understandably, people want to know: Can police take your phone? In most cases, the answer is no. If you believe your phone was illegally seized, and that led to an arrest related to criminal activity, you might have the right to fight it. To learn more, contact an experienced Nebraska criminal defense lawyer. At Petersen Criminal Law, we receive a lot of questions

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