During the seven years that Yolanda Baker and Terrence Barnett dated, their relationship became increasingly more violent over time. She would often be seen in public with bruises on her body or her hair pulled out. Even though Baker filed a restraining order against him, they two reconciled within a year. Shortly after the two made up, Baker went missing from her Northeast Washington DC home on August 1st, 1999, and has not been seen since. Law enforcement officials declared her officially dead last year, and accused Barnett, 45, of DC murder charges for his alleged involvement in her death.

Cold cases in general present a problem to prosecutors, but DC murder cases without a body are even more difficult to charge. Since the 1980s, this is only the fourth no-body murder trial that Washington DC’s U.S. Attorney’s office has tried. Barnett’s DC murder lawyer insisted that Barnett is innocent, explaining to the jury that not only was there no evidence of Baker’s death, but there were also no eyewitnesses that link Barnett to her disappearance or death. Additionally, Barnett’s defense counsel reminded the jury that law enforcement officials questioned Barnett in the days following her disappearance, and released him.

Nonetheless, it took the DC Superior Court jury three days of deliberation before they finally announced their verdict on Tuesday: Barnett was found guilty of second-degree DC murder charges. Although he was originally charged with first-degree DC murder charges, the jury could not find sufficient evidence to prove that the homicide was premeditated. He is set to be sentenced on June 18th by Washington DC Judge Michael L. Rankin.

Facing murder charges is a difficult and overwhelming process, regardless of the defendant’s relation with the victim in question. As seen by the example of Terrence Barnett, conviction of DC murder charges will have life-changing consequences, including jail time. To prevent your personal liberties and freedoms from being taken away, it is essential to contact an experienced DC homicide lawyer immediately. Doing so can not only provide the best legal advice and legal representation, but also help ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

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Narrated by a local criminal lawyer, the film displays a number of hypothetical situations in which ordinary people who have not committed any illegal act do not even have an opportunity to request a lawyer before they unintentionally waive their rights. One scene depicts a college student who was pulled over by law enforcement officials for “illegal lane changes,” who allowed the police to search his car in order to prove that he was not a gun runner. In another scenario, an elderly woman allows two officers to search her home to complete a ”safety check.” However, she was quickly placed in handcuffs when police found a small bag of marijuana stashed in the couch.  According the the narrator, “The police are trained in techniques to get you to waive your constitutional rights. Even the nicest cop will use your mistakes against you.” Therefore, knowing your rights is essential to prevent the conviction of unnecessary and inappropriate DC criminal charges.

Here are some helpful tips to protect your personal freedoms and liberties in the event of a confrontation with law enforcement officials:

1. Always stay clam and collected–but above all else, always treat the police officer with respect.
2. Exercise your right to remain silent, as it is the best way to preserve your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
3. You may refuse any searches of your body or personal property if police officers do not have a warrant. Simply say: “I do not consent to searches.”
4. Don’t be tricked by false promises or threats made to you by police.
5. Always ask the attending officer if you will be detained or if you are free to leave. In order to detain you against your will, they must have probable cause that an illegal act was committed. Likewise, do not do anything to give the police probable cause to detain you unnecessarily.
6. Running away is considered probable cause for detainment and could land you in actual trouble.
7. Be an attentive witness to the situation, so that if police misconduct occurs, you may report it.
8. Without a court-signed search warrant, do not allow any government official inside your home.

Following these simple, but important tips can help protect your constitutional rights that many people unknowingly waive during police encounters. If confronted by police officers for a crime you did not commit, it is important to immediately seek the legal advice and legal representation of an experienced and hard-working DC criminal attorney. Doing so can help ensure the most successful outcome for your case.

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In a memo released Tuesday from the District’s U.S. Attorney Office, DC prosecutors have stated that they were seeking six months jail time, and three months suspension for the basketball player. Assistant United States Attorney, Christopher Kavanaugh, described Arenas as a thuggish instigator who not only tried to pressure his teammate to cover-up the allegations, but also as someone who had little remorse for what the have done. Additionally, they want Arenas to receive three years probation and over three hundred hours of community service for the DC gun charges.

However, many debate whether the prosecution’s description of Arenas as well as the recommended punishment is appropriate. According to his DC criminal attorney, the basketball player is a peaceful man who participated in a “misguided prank” and had no intention of being violent. Arenas has already received severe punishments from the National Basketball Association for his involvement in the DC gun violation, including a fifty game suspension and a $7 million fine. Therefore, the defense argued that he was deserving of an extended probation period and community service–not a half a year of jail time.

Arenas will be seen by the DC Superior Court and Judge Robert E. Morin on March 26th for sentencing.

Being accused of DC gun charges is an overwhelming and difficult process for anyone to go through, regardless of celebrity status. Conviction of criminal charges in Washington DC could have life-changing consequences, including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. For the best protection of your personal liberties and freedoms, it is essential to contact a hard-working and experienced DC gun lawyer for assistance. Doing so can provide the best legal advice and legal representation, as well as help ensure the most successful outcome for your case.

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