London Law Office P.C., L.L.O. About London Law Office | Criminal Law Firm | Lincoln Nebraska2026-08-28T05:01:06Zhttps://www.londonlawofficene.com/feed/atom/WordPressOn Behalf of London Law Office P.C., L.L.O.<![CDATA[Can you be charged for drugs in a borrowed car?]]>https://www.londonlawofficene.com/?p=478312026-08-25T09:55:13Z2026-08-28T05:01:06ZBorrowing a friend’s car can seem like a simple favor. But what happens when police stop the car and find drugs inside? You may worry that the drugs automatically become your legal problem because you were driving. In Nebraska, however, simply being in a vehicle where police find drugs does not automatically prove drug possession. The facts connecting you to the drugs can matter.
When can a borrowed car lead to drug charges?
Nebraska law recognizes both actual and constructive possession. Actual possession means having the drugs on your person. Constructive possession can involve knowing that drugs are present and having control over them.This distinction can matter when you borrow someone else’s vehicle. For example, police might find a bag of suspected drugs under a seat, inside the glove box or in the trunk. The fact that you drove the car does not, by itself, show that you knew about the drugs or controlled them.Nebraska courts have also said that mere presence where drugs are found does not establish constructive possession. Prosecutors may need evidence that links you to the substance.
Whether you had control over the area where police found them
Whether other people had access to the vehicle
Whether statements or conduct may link you to the drugs
For example, a passenger’s mere presence in a vehicle with drugs does not establish joint possession under Nebraska law. Courts may consider additional circumstances that affirmatively connect an occupant to the substance.Legal assistance can help by examining the evidence and assessing whether it actually connects you to the drugs rather than relying only on your presence in the vehicle.
The car’s ownership is not the whole story
Borrowing a vehicle does not automatically shield you from a drug charge. However, it also does not automatically make you responsible for everything inside it. The location of the drugs, who had access to the vehicle and what evidence shows about your knowledge and control can all matter.If you face a Nebraska drug charge after police find drugs in a borrowed car, examining those details may help clarify what the state must prove in the case.]]>On Behalf of London Law Office P.C., L.L.O.<![CDATA[What happens if you refuse a vehicle search?]]>https://www.londonlawofficene.com/?p=478302026-08-21T11:05:20Z2026-08-21T11:05:20ZDo you have the right to refuse?
You can refuse consent when an officer requests to search your car. The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. Refusing consent does not by itself give law enforcement permission to search, although officers may still search if they have another lawful basis.
What can officers do after a refusal?
Officers may still search your vehicle if they have probable cause. This standard requires specific facts suggesting evidence of a crime exists in the car. Observable contraband, the smell of illegal substances or visible weapons may help establish probable cause, depending on the totality of the circumstances and the applicable state law.
Law enforcement can also call a K-9 unit to the scene. Courts often allow drug-sniffing dogs during lawful traffic stops if the sniff does not unreasonably extend the stop and otherwise complies with applicable law. A positive alert from the dog may then provide the probable cause officers need to proceed with a search.
What are the practical consequences?
Refusing consent typically will not result in arrest or added charges. Officers must follow legal procedures regardless of your decision. Remaining calm and respectful helps prevent escalation during the encounter.
Understanding your rights under criminal law allows you to make informed choices during traffic stops. Courts may challenge evidence obtained through an illegal search later. Documenting the encounter and noting what the officer said can strengthen your position if charges follow.
Know your rights during traffic stops
Refusing a vehicle search is your legal right. Speaking with a skilled attorney could help clarify your options if law enforcement searched your car or filed charges after a traffic stop.
]]>On Behalf of London Law Office P.C., L.L.O.<![CDATA[How your footwear affects field sobriety test performance]]>https://www.londonlawofficene.com/?p=478292026-08-13T14:14:44Z2026-08-18T14:11:22ZUnderstanding common field sobriety tests
Officers may use standardized tests to look for signs of impairment. The walk-and-turn test requires you to take nine heel-to-toe steps along a straight line, turn and take nine steps back. The one-leg stand requires you to balance on one foot while following instructions. Both tests require balance, coordination and attention.
Because these tests involve physical tasks, outside factors can affect how you perform them. Your footwear is one factor that may matter. So can the surface where you perform the test, weather conditions, physical limitations and other circumstances.
Why high heels make tests harder
High heels can make balance-based tests more difficult. The raised heel can change how your foot contacts the ground and may make it harder to stay steady. Stilettos and platform shoes may create additional challenges.
If you are wearing high heels during a traffic stop, you may ask whether you can remove them before performing a test. Whether an officer permits you to remove your shoes can depend on the circumstances. If your footwear affects your ability to complete a test, you may want to make the officer aware of the issue.
Other problematic footwear types
High heels are not the only footwear that may affect test performance. Flip-flops and loose sandals can provide less support and may move or slip while you walk. Boots with thick soles can change how your feet contact the ground. Shoes with unusual tread may also feel different on certain surfaces.
New shoes may cause problems if you are not used to wearing them. Worn shoes with uneven soles or poor tread can also affect your footing. Athletic shoes usually provide good support, but shoes that are too large, loose or poorly fitted may still make some tasks more difficult.
Your rights during roadside testing
Your physical condition and the conditions around you may affect how you perform field sobriety tests. Officers may consider factors such as the testing surface, weather and physical limitations when evaluating your performance. Footwear can be another relevant factor.
If your shoes make a test more difficult, you may want to explain the issue before or during the test. You can also make a note of the footwear you were wearing and any other conditions that affected your performance. These details may be useful when reviewing the circumstances of a traffic stop.
What to keep in mind
Footwear can affect balance and coordination during field sobriety tests. High heels, loose sandals, poorly fitted shoes and worn footwear may make some tasks more difficult. That does not necessarily mean poor performance resulted from impairment.
If you are involved in a traffic stop that includes field sobriety testing, consider the conditions surrounding the tests, including the shoes you were wearing, the surface where you performed them and any physical limitations you had at the time. These details can provide important context when evaluating what happened during the stop.]]>On Behalf of London Law Office P.C., L.L.O.<![CDATA[Can the police search your vehicle without a warrant in Nebraska?]]>https://www.londonlawofficene.com/?p=478282026-08-06T11:52:20Z2026-08-06T11:52:20ZWhat does the law say?
Understanding the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is the starting point for knowing your rights during a police encounter. This amendment generally protects you against unreasonable searches and seizures without a warrant. Nevertheless, officers might be able to search a vehicle without one under several well-established exceptions, including:
They have probable cause to believe that the vehicle contains contraband or evidence of a crime
You have given them consent
Officers have impounded your vehicle (they may conduct only a routine inventory search)
If they want to search the vehicle without your consent, do not resist them. In most cases, you can ask the court to suppress evidence they found in your vehicle without a warrant, consent or probable cause.
The plain view doctrine
When an officer pulls over your vehicle for a traffic violation and the officer spots a controlled substance inside the vehicle in plain sight, they may arrest you and conduct a search as permitted by law. In another circumstance, if you are arrested for a different offense, officers may search you and your immediate surroundings for evidence of that crime.
What to do if you're facing charges
Determining whether officers had genuine probable cause or exceeded their authority requires a meticulous review of the events. An attorney experienced in criminal defense can examine body camera footage, challenge unlawfully obtained evidence and build a strong defense strategy to protect your rights in court.]]>On Behalf of London Law Office P.C., L.L.O.<![CDATA[Where can you live during divorce?]]>https://www.londonlawofficene.com/?p=478272026-07-20T20:16:16Z2026-07-20T20:16:16ZAfter the initial divorce conversation, one of the immediate matters spouses discuss is living arrangements. If this is the position you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse are in, it’s vital to be informed. You want to choose a living arrangement that is safe and protects your interests.
Common solutions that spouses usually choose include:
Remaining in the marital home
When the environment is safe, spouses often agree to remain in the marital home until the divorce is finalized. This is a cost-effective option because you don’t have to move to a new house right away. Besides, if you have kids, it maintains stability.However, you should set ground rules to enjoy these benefits. These include:
Having separate living spaces
Respecting each other’s personal spaces
Agreeing on how you will use communal areas
Dividing household chores and expenses
Talking to your children about the divorce and the new living arrangement
Creating a temporary parenting plan
While remaining in the family home can be beneficial, it can increase the risk of conflicts. So, you need to be extra careful.
Renting a temporary house
Renting a fully furnished short-term rental is another option when going through a divorce. It provides immediate physical separation, allowing you to start getting used to your new life. Ensure you prepare financially for the move. And if you have children, find a rental that accommodates your temporary parenting schedule. For example, an apartment that’s near the family home and your kids’ school.
Buying a home
If you are thinking of buying a new home, obtain as much information as possible. Although you can legally do so, it can complicate property division, as Nebraska is an equitable distribution state.Choosing where to live during divorce requires making informed decisions. Learn more about the benefits and risks of all potential options. ]]>On Behalf of London Law Office P.C., L.L.O.<![CDATA[Virtual visitation in complex custody cases]]>https://www.londonlawofficene.com/?p=478262026-07-07T06:19:03Z2026-07-07T06:19:03ZThere are many different types of custody arrangements after a couple gets divorced. Shared custody is very common, where the couple makes custody exchanges, but sole custody is also possible.
In some cases, when one parent has sole physical custody, the other will still have visitation rights. They are still given a chance to meet with the child or spend time together. Visitation can be allowed independently, but some situations also use supervised visitation, meaning that another adult has to be present.In very complicated cases where it is difficult for one parent to see the child consistently, virtual visitation may also be used. This can have some specific benefits, especially for parents who are a significant physical distance from their children.
Travel and employment obligations
For example, say that one parent wants to be involved in the child's life, but realistically, they have a hectic travel schedule. Perhaps they are a professional athlete, an entertainer or a high-level business executive who works with companies all over the world.Making normal physical custody exchanges may be difficult because this parent is often out of the state or out of the country. But if they have virtual visitation rights, they can still set up a schedule to communicate with the child. This is often done through online services like Skype or FaceTime, allowing the parent and the child to still have a “face-to-face” conversation, even when they are in two completely different locations.
Your custody rights
In all of these areas, whether discussing custody rights directly or visitation rights, it is crucial that you know exactly where you stand. While going through the divorce process and addressing a child custody order, it can be helpful to work with an experienced attorney.
]]>On Behalf of London Law Office P.C., L.L.O.<![CDATA[Drugged driving charges must be taken seriously]]>https://www.londonlawofficene.com/?p=478242026-06-26T08:49:45Z2026-06-26T08:49:45ZWhen most people think about impaired driving charges, their thoughts automatically turn to alcohol. But alcohol isn’t the only impairing substance that can negatively impact how a person operates a vehicle. Drugged driving is another possibility, and it’s one that’s much more complicated than drunk driving when it comes to criminal charges.
Drugged driving involves a person driving a vehicle while they’re under the influence of illegal substances, prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications. Even if the medication was lawfully prescribed to the driver, it can still lead to criminal charges.
Why are drugged driving cases challenging?
Drugged driving cases are complex because drug impairment is much more difficult to measure than alcohol. Some substances remain in the body long after the effects have faded. Other substances will affect people differently, depending on the dosage, tolerance, timing, medical condition or fatigue.
What types of evidence are present in drugged driving cases?
The prosecution relies on a variety of evidence in drugged driving cases. These commonly include field sobriety tests, the officers' observation of driving behavior, the driver’s statements, chemical test results and items found in the vehicle. Each of those might be something the defense strategy can call into question, depending on the circumstances. For example, if the driver had an illegal substance show up on a chemical test, that doesn’t mean they’re impaired by it. Some drugs stay in a person’s system for days after the impairing effects abate. So, a person who did drugs on Saturday and is pulled over on Thursday may still have the drugs in their system, but the drugs aren’t likely causing any impairment. Building a defense on a drugged driving charge can be just as complex as the prosecution’s case. It may be beneficial for anyone facing these charges to work with someone who’s familiar with drugged driving charges.
]]>On Behalf of London Law Office P.C., L.L.O.<![CDATA[Missed a court date in Nebraska? Here’s what may happen next]]>https://www.londonlawofficene.com/?p=478232026-06-23T09:30:18Z2026-06-23T09:30:18ZA judge may authorize your arrest
In many cases, the court can issue a bench warrant that allows law enforcement to take you into custody if you do not appear for a scheduled hearing.
Once there is a warrant, it may remain active until you address it through the court. As a result, you could face arrest during a routine traffic stop or another interaction with police. Even when a missed hearing stems from an honest mistake, the court will generally expect you to take prompt action to correct the problem.
Your release status could be affected
Missing a hearing can change how long you remain out of custody while your case moves forward. If you are currently on bond or subject to other release conditions, the court may decide that there is no more assurance that you will return for future proceedings. You could face stricter requirements or encounter more difficulty obtaining release later in the case.
Additional legal consequences may follow
Failing to appear can create challenges beyond your initial charges. The missed appearance may affect how the case proceeds and the court may impose additional penalties. In Nebraska, missing a required appearance carries separate legal consequences, especially if you do not comply with a citation or fail to appear after release from custody.
Although the outcome depends on the facts of your case, addressing the issue quickly often gives you a better opportunity to move forward and avoid further issues.
Take action before the problem grows
If you realize you missed a court date, find out whether the court has taken any action and seek legal guidance as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand where your case stands, explain your options and help you take the next steps toward resolving the matter with as little disruption as possible.]]>On Behalf of London Law Office P.C., L.L.O.<![CDATA[The true cost of a DUI]]>https://www.londonlawofficene.com/?p=478222026-06-13T17:45:17Z2026-06-13T17:45:17ZIf more people realized the true cost of a DUI conviction, there’d likely be fewer drivers who plead guilty as charged. As many find out to their dismay, the total cost of a DUI goes far beyond any immediate fees, fines and legal expenses.Here are some of those extra costs that everybody should understand:
Increased insurance premiums
Insurers consider those with a recent DUI conviction to be a greater risk, and anyone with more than one DUI conviction to be an even greater risk. One report found that “the average car insurance rate rises to $3,286, which is an increase of $1,226” after a DUI. Further DUI will see further rises. The increased policy premiums will continue for several years, too.
A possible career barrier
Some professionals are required to report DUIs to licensing boards, which can discipline them for their behavior, affecting their careers. Certain employers, too, may terminate the employment of someone with a DUI conviction – or refuse to hire them. They can be wary because they view getting a DUI as proof of poor judgment or an issue of moral concern, or simply not an image their company wants to present.
Increased transport costs
Not everyone has access to frequent and reliable public transport. A license suspension can leave you needing to pay for taxis or ride-sharing services for nights out, hospital visits and more -- things that you might normally use the car for at a relatively low cost.If you face a DUI charge, it is important to remember that not all charges are correct or lead to a conviction. With appropriate legal guidance, you may be able to mount a defense that spares you from the financial costs a conviction would bring.]]>On Behalf of London Law Office P.C., L.L.O.<![CDATA[Constitutional rights and vehicle searches: What to know]]>https://www.londonlawofficene.com/?p=478212026-06-03T17:46:02Z2026-06-03T17:46:02ZTraffic stops sometimes result in police searching a person’s car or other vehicle and finding evidence of an offense far more serious than speeding or cruising through a stop sign – like illegal drugs or weapons or stolen property, for example.
People often question whether officers had a legal right to search their vehicle without a search warrant. The laws around search and seizure may seem unclear compared to those around searches of homes and other property.
The U.S. Constitution and later SCOTUS rulings
The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution clearly protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures. However, the Founding Fathers couldn’t have envisioned the vehicles in which most Americans now spend a good deal of their time, so there’s no mention of them.That’s why searches of vehicles have been addressed in subsequent court rulings. The U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) has ruled that police aren’t required to obtain a warrant before searching a vehicle that’s been pulled over because a driver could potentially drive off at any time. People also have a lower expectation of privacy in a vehicle on the road than they have in their home.
The Nebraska Constitution
While the U.S. Constitution doesn’t cover vehicle searches, the Nebraska Constitution does. Under “Search and Seizure,” it states in part, “The requirement of ready mobility for the automobile exception to the warrant requirement of this provision is met whenever a vehicle that is not located on private property is capable or apparently capable of being driven on the roads or highways.”
Not all searches – or traffic stops – are legal
This certainly doesn’t mean that every police vehicle search is legal. Law enforcement officers can’t just pull someone over and start rummaging through their car for no reason. First, they must have reasonable suspicion that someone has committed a traffic violation or crime to pull them over. Then, they must have probable cause to believe the vehicle contains evidence of a crime to search it without a warrant. Note that something in “plain view” can be seized without a warrant.This can be a lot to remember in the middle of a traffic stop followed by a vehicle search and an arrest. However, it’s critical to ensure that any evidence being used against you was legally obtained. That’s one reason that getting legal guidance as soon as possible can make all the difference.]]>