As the debate over gun control continues to rage in the United States, citizens who own guns struggle to keep up with the changing political landscape, and changing laws. The questions are endless. Who can purchase firearms? What type can be purchased? Can I carry a concealed firearm? For many people, the most important questions are those related to the use of deadly force. An Omaha criminal lawyer explains when you can use deadly force to protect yourself in Nebraska. Nebraska’s Self Defense Statute Because of the way in which our country is structured, each individual state governs the use

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One of the most important rights you have as an accused in a criminal prosecution is your right to a trial by jury, guaranteed to you in the 6th Amendment to the U.S Constitution. Like all of your rights, your right to a trial by jury is your right to exercise or to waive. If you decide to exercise your right to a trial by jury, part of the jury trial process will include questioning prospective jurors, formally known as “voir dire.”  To help you better understand what happens during a jury trial, an Omaha criminal defense lawyer at Petersen

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Omaha marijuana defense attorney Tom Petersen explains that the Nebraska Supreme Court recently upheld a lower court’s ruling that allowed the warrantless search of a vehicle which ultimately resulted in the discovery and seizure of methamphetamine. At issue was whether the legalization of marijuana in nearby Colorado should change the standards for conducting such a search in Nebraska. State v. Seckinger  involved a 2017 traffic stop in Gering, Nebraska which was initiated by a Nebraska State Trooper after the trooper watched a vehicle accelerate into an intersection in front of her and nearly cause an accident. When the trooper approached

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If you have no previous experience with the criminal justice system, finding yourself under arrest and accused of committing a crime is a fairly frightening place to be. The most important step you can take when in that position is to make an appointment for a consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.  Even that, however, can be an intimidating prospect if you have never before needed the services of a criminal defense lawyer. To help put you at ease, the criminal defense lawyers at Petersen Law Office discuss how to prepare for your consultation with a defense attorney. Preparing

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Over the last two decades, the United States – and much of the rest of the world – has become dependent on computers in all facets of daily life. The internet has become our information highway. The ubiquitous nature of computers has certainly enriched our lives; however, it has also led to a whole new type of criminal. “Computer crimes” is the fastest growing category of crimes in the U.S. Consequently, the laws are changing so fast that even the perpetrators may not know that what they are doing is illegal. An Omaha internet crime attorney at Petersen Law Office

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If you find yourself a defendant in a criminal prosecution, you are undoubtedly worried about how your case will turn out. The best thing you can do to ensure a positive outcome is to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney. If you have never before needed a criminal defense attorney, however, you may unsure how your relationship with your attorney is supposed to work. You may also be hesitant to confide in your attorney. Considering the important role your attorney will play in the outcome of your case, having a good working relationship with him/her is crucial.

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As a defendant in a criminal prosecution, you will need to make a number of important decisions over the course of your case. One of the most important of those decisions will come about if the prosecutor offers you a plea agreement. At that point, you will need to decide if you want to consider taking a plea agreement at all and, if so, if the agreement offered to you is acceptable. Of course, you should never accept a plea agreement without consulting with your own defense attorney; however, an Omaha defense attorney offers some guidance for those faced with

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If you were recently arrested and charged with committing a crime, you will have a make a number of important questions in the weeks and months ahead. Many of those decisions will potentially have a direct impact on the rest o your life. Among the most important decisions you will need to make at some point is whether or not to take your case to trial. It is certainly not a decision to be made lightly, nor is it a decision you should make without consulting an experienced Omaha criminal attorney. There are, however, some factors you may wish to

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No one actually plans on being arrested. Even career criminals count on their luck and cunning to prevent an arrest. It could happen though. Whether it’s because your luck has run out or because you are the victim of mistaken identity, you could find yourself in handcuffs one day with a police officer reading you your rights. If that day does ever come to pass, being prepared and knowing what to do next could be the difference between a conviction and an acquittal. With that in mind, a Nebraska criminal defense attorney has prepared the following “10 Steps to Take

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If you have been accused of committing a criminal offense, one of the most important decisions you will make over the course of the prosecution of your case is whether to let a jury decide your fate or not. Given the importance of this decision, it should only be made after a lengthy consultation with your criminal defense attorney. In the meantime, however, it may help to learn more about what happens at a jury trial. Toward that end, the Omaha criminal defense lawyers at Petersen Criminal Defense Law explain the jury selection process. Your Right to a Trial by

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