Newsletters

CRIMINAL INSTRUMENTS & TOOLS

A person commits an offense if he or she possesses criminal instruments or tools with the intent to use the criminal instruments or tools in the commission of a crime. A person also commits the offense of criminal instruments and tools if he or she manufactures, sells, or adapts criminal instruments or tools, with the intent to use, to aid in the use, or to permit another person to use the criminal instruments or tools in the commission of a crime.

RIOT, OBSTRUCTION, AND DISRUPTION

A person commits the offense of riot when he or she, along with an assembly of a certain number of persons, creates an immediate danger of injury to property or to other persons or when he or she substantially interferes or obstructs law enforcement or other government functions or services.

ABUSE OF PUBLIC OFFICE & MISUSE OF OFFICIAL INFORMATION

A public servant commits the offense of abuse of public office when he or she intentionally or knowingly and with the intent to obtain a personal benefit violates a law regarding his or her office or misuses government property, services, personnel, or anything of value, which has come into his or her possession by virtue of his or her office or employment. The word "misuse" means to deal with property contrary to any agreement, any contract, or any law.

Surveillance Changes under the PATRIOT Act

The PATRIOT Act provides federal and international agencies with the ability to track and intercept oral, written, and electronic communications.

SOLICITATION

A person commits the offense of solicitation if he or she, with the intent that a capital or a first degree felony be committed, requests, commands, or attempts to induce another person to commit the felony or to make the other person a party to the felony.