Criminal Defense

It was two years ago that a bystander recorded George Floyd's murder at the hands of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The incident sparked national outrage and led to mass protests across the country. Since then, more people than ever before take out their phones when they see an arrest or interaction with police that looks like it could escalate. One such individual is YouTuber Albert Jerome Bustillos — also known as "Stray Dog the Exposer," who labels himself a citizen journalist and often records police interactions with the public. Bustillos ended up in handcuffs in 2019, however, when he recorded Carlsbad, New Mexico, police officers who were attempting to calm down a woman who was mentally distressed on a public street.

America's roads and highways are becoming ever more dangerous places. Death rates are escalating at frightening levels, largely due to reckless driving. So is road rage and, perhaps unsurprisingly, deadly road rage involving guns.

Once again, Minneapolis streets are filled with protesters over the killing of a Black man by police. Less than two years ago, police practices there came under heavy attack after an officer killed George Floyd by pinning him to the asphalt with his knee. This time, the issue is the department's extensive use of "no-knock" warrants of the type that resulted in the Feb. 2 shooting death of Amir Locke, an innocent 22-year-old Black man.

Most criminal cases are resolved by plea bargains. In a plea bargain, a defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for concessions from prosecutors when it comes to sentencing. Courts also often encourage plea deals because they reduce backlogs, and judges typically abide by the deals. But not always.

The COVID-19 pandemic has prodded Americans to discover new outdoor activities that don't involve crowds. Many of these activities focus on exercise, like hiking and biking. But Americans have also rediscovered the joys of the good, old-fashioned afternoon drive. And as they motor along, they've rediscovered other good, old-fashioned things — like abandoned buildings.

Buying a firearm from a pawnshop can be a cost-effective way to purchase a gun for hunting, home protection, or to add to your personal collection. But there are some things that you should know before you purchase from a pawnbroker. Below, you will find everything that you will need to know before you decide to buy a gun from a pawnshop.