If you’ve been watching the news at all recently, you’re aware that a whole new modern wrinkle has been added to the world of criminal activity and the sort of criminal defense that Greeley, CO sees: The video footage from smartphones, surveillance cameras, and even police cruisers.
The occasional security camera footage has been part of criminal investigations for decades, of course, but up until recently footage of crimes, especially crimes on the street, have been relatively rare. More importantly, video footage that captured criminal activity usually went directly to law enforcement, and was only viewed by those involved in the case, including the accused and their attorneys.
Today, the difference is that you never know when you are being recorded. Both criminals, innocent bystanders, and the police themselves are slowly coming to realize this. You may think you can commit a small, victimless crime without reprisal, but if you are being filmed somehow you won’t be able to use “I didn’t realize I was being observed” as an excuse.
A few quick tips for the modern age:
• It is legal in general to film people in public places without their consent.
• It is legal to film the police.
Be smart and always assume you are being observed. But if you are filmed breaking the law, contact one of the lawyers skilled in criminal defense that Greeley, CO offers, and make certain that the first thing you tell them is that you have been recorded committing – or appearing to commit a crime. You will have to either prove that the footage lies, or that the appearance of criminal activity is an illusion of sorts, or else you will have a hard time escaping punishment. Either way, a good, experienced lawyer will be your best bet.