Horne & Slaton, PLLC

08/27/2026

Can the police legally track your phone's location if you're near a crime scene? A landmark Supreme Court ruling says geofence warrants are a Fourth Amendment search requiring strict privacy protections. Learn more about the limits being placed on digital surveillance here.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/29/supreme-court-geofence-warrants-case-decision #:~:text=Mon%2029%20Jun%202026%2011.23%20EDT%20First,view%20their%20use%20as%20an%20unconstitutional%20dragnet.

Law enforcement’s use of warrants sweeping smartphone location data requires privacy protections, court rules

08/25/2026

Evidence obtained through an illegal search or seizure can often be excluded from trial under the Fourth Amendment. Knowing your privacy rights and how officers must follow constitutional limits is key when building a defense. https://www.justia.com/criminal/procedure/search-and-seizure-rules/

08/22/2026

Adoption laws can be complex and vary quite a bit from state to state. Different states have their own specific rules regarding background checks, financial stability, and personal history requirements for prospective parents. Being unprepared for the court-ordered investigation process can often lead to unexpected delays and complications.

Learn more about how adoption laws work: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/adoption?

08/20/2026

Every day, mobile apps track and store sensitive location data that shows where you go and when. The Constitution protects against unreasonable searches, but courts are currently deciding how far law enforcement can go when requesting this digital data. Understanding how your personal information is stored and shared helps you better recognize your privacy rights in the digital age.

How far can law enforcement go in asking digital companies to turn over data about their customers without violating the Fourth Amendment? This basic question of balancing privacy and public safety interests in the digital age will soon be considered at the Supreme Court, with potentially major impl...

08/18/2026

Ever wonder how the IRS decides to launch a criminal tax investigation? From initial fraud detection to Department of Justice referrals, understanding the process is critical. Read the official IRS breakdown of how criminal cases move forward.

The process on how a IRS criminal investigation is initiated is very complex. After all the evidence is gathered and analyzed, and reviewed by numerous officials, the evidence to referred to the United States Attorneys Office or the Department of Justice and recommended for prosecution.

08/15/2026

Child support orders aren't set in stone, but they don't update automatically. Whether due to a job change, deployment, or disability, requesting a modification requires showing a substantial change in circumstances to the issuing court. Read our guide to learn more.

https://www.findlaw.com/family/child-support/child-support-modification.html

08/13/2026

Under the Sixth Amendment, anyone accused of a crime has a constitutional right to know the exact charges against them. While officers are not always required to explain the reason for an arrest on the spot, formal notice must be provided during your first court appearance. Understanding this right helps ensure that you can build a fair defense and protect your constitutional safeguards.

https://govfacts.org/rights-freedoms/criminal-justice-rights/rights-when-arrested/your-right-to-know-criminal-charges-when-police-must-tell-you-what-youre-arrested-for/

08/11/2026

The bail system serves as a financial guarantee that a defendant will return for scheduled court appearances, allowing individuals to remain free while awaiting trial. Partnering with a skilled criminal defense attorney helps navigate complex court schedules, establish reasonable bail terms, and secure a prompt release.

We hope you'll never need to know the ins-and-outs of getting out of jail. Bail allows people to leave jail and continue their lives while awaiting trial. How does the bail system work?

08/08/2026

Navigating tax rules after a divorce or legal separation requires carefully updating your filing status, adjusting tax withholdings, and managing complex asset or retirement transfers. Partnering with an experienced family law attorney ensures you avoid costly filing mistakes, remain compliant with IRS guidelines, and maximize eligible deductions or dependent credits. https://www.irs.gov/individuals/filing-taxes-after-divorce-or-separation

08/06/2026

Receiving a citation or a ticket both mean you must address a violation, but they carry different consequences. While traffic tickets usually involve paying a simple fine, legal citations often require a mandatory court appearance. Knowing which one you received helps ensure you protect your rights and follow the required steps.

Learn how a citation and a ticket are the same thing, the types of citations, what to do if you get a citation or ticket and how it affects your insurance.