You are here:

Crime & Law Enforcement Issues & Death Penalty/Questions Answered by Expert Luis Alas

SubjectDate Asked
Fraud by my own attorneys?1/22/2012
  Q: Alas, Please help me. I hired a divorce attorney in 2010, after my husband changed the locks on our ...
  A: Carrie, First off, I must start by stating, I write from a law enforcement perspective and I am not ...
more police/less crime?1/16/2012
  Q: Alas, Do you believe that more Police Officers effect a cities crime rate and do you have any facts ...
  A: Nick, I do believe that police presence does effect crime... This was proven in many municipalities ...
misdemeanor1/5/2012
  Q: I was recently pulled over by undercover narcotics while smoking marijuana in my car in an empty lot ...
  A: Alex, First off I must tell you, I am not an attorney and write from a law enforcement perpective. ...
What happens if a person walk in the FBI office and gives them the12/6/2011
  Q: What happens if a person walk in the FBI office and gives them the location of a US Navy airplane ...
  A: It truly wouyld depend on the situation around the aircraft going missing. Also, what type of ...
What happens if the FBI revives a video tape of a person confessing to a series crime?11/26/2011
  Q: What happens if the FBI revives a video tape of a person confessing to a series crime? This ...
  A: That is simple, First if it was recorded it means that the recording comes from a source, i.e. ...
What happens if the FBI revives a video tape of a person confessing to a series crime?11/24/2011
  Q: What happens if the FBI revives a video tape of a person confessing to a series crime? This ...
  A: Esteemed writer, I am not sure where you line of questioning is as you questions appear to have a ...
What would happen if the FBI located a mother who is wanted11/24/2011
  Q: What would happen if the FBI located a mother who is wanted for parental abduction but she refuses ...
  A: Again as I previously stated your questions come in parts and as such becomes difficult to note your ...
crooked nyc cop that got arrested for robbing drug dealers11/11/2011
  Q: Ok in may 2010 a nypd cop by the name of Emmanuel Tavarez was arrested in Deer park long island on ...
  A: John, These unfortunately do happen and it is sad. The factor of whether Mr. Tavarez has turned ...
What would law enforcement do when a9/19/2011
  Q: What would law enforcement do when a person walks in the local police present/FBI office and advice ...
  A: This is a very slippery slope you are asking. Depending on the judge tha 1- signs the warrant' and ...
What would law enforcement do when a9/18/2011
  Q: What would law enforcement do when a person walks in the local police present/FBI office and advice ...
  A: I write as retired law enforcement as such note that I am not an attorney, nor do represent myself ...
red light9/14/2011
  Q: can you please resend your reply to this email. I put the wrong email in the first time and didn't ...
  A: Ed, The best thing that I can recommend (please remember I am not an attorney) is to set a court ...
red light9/14/2011
  Q: can you please resend your reply to this email. I put the wrong email in the first time and didn't ...
  A: In Florida red lights citations are equivalent to parking citations, meaning they are code ...
red light camera defense9/9/2011
  Q: I received a red light camera violation in the mail in pasco county fl. I was not driving the car ...
  A: Sorry for the delay in gettign back to you, but have been away for little bit. Currently in the ...
Gun question7/21/2011
  Q: Luis, I am not sure if you can answer this or not, but my son who is 8 years old has a friend also 8 ...
  A: Cynthia, I have been truly thinking hard on how to answer this and there are many ways to view ...
electronic surveillance6/27/2011
  Q: Can the police use electronic surveillance for a misdameanor traffic offence, if the person was not ...
  A: Diane, Yes police can use video surveillance for any number of aspects including; running tags for ...
consentual sex in texas5/25/2011
  Q: i am 39 years old. theres a 17 year old female that has the hots for me. i DO like her, but its not ...
  A: Larry, Wow, you do have a bit of a predicament on your hands. I wish there was a simple answer, but ...
Changing a Court Date5/24/2011
  Q: I am a college student (19y/o) and was arrested for unlawful possession of alcohol in New Hampshire ...
  A: Rick, It is possible but you need to either contact your attorney or rep through legal aide if you ...
Stopping Gas Stealing?5/20/2011
  Q: THE SCENARIO: A & B live on street X. A & B would NEVER trust C, D, E, or F (with VERY GOOD REASON)! ...
  A: Amanda, As always please understand I am not an attorney and write as a former law enforcement ...
Hypothetical case under UCMJ3/31/2011
  Q: and thank you for being willing to answer questions. If, when you look at this question, you decide ...
  A: Julian, Ok there are a few things that you need to understand... Military members will not just be ...
Terrorist Threats3/10/2011
  Q: Approximately 6 months ago I asked you a question about confidential informants. Now, I'd like to ...
  A: I am not familiar with the exact laws specific to California but I will give you some basic ...
Would the FBI in the United States contact the Greek consulate in this case, yes or no?2/21/2011
  Q: Would the FBI in the United States contact the Greek consulate in this case, yes or no? An ...
  A: NO! The FBI in most cases would not be even notified by local police as the individual has a US ...
Charging Someone with Telephone Misuse2/8/2011
  Q: Two weeks ago I called the police on my now ex-boyfriend. I broke up with him and let my anger get ...
  A: Maria, Before I can answer that, are you within the United States? I ask because the laws vary ...
U.S Marshal1/22/2011
  Q: I have a boyfriend who is now a inmate at a jail in Ohio..I've called different numbers to find out ...
  A: Ciara, There could be many reasons the US Marshals have a hold on him, but the main thing to know ...
Would the FBI investigate any complained that are made against12/31/2010
  Q: Would the FBI investigate any complained that are made against local, state and Federal law ...
  A: The FBI may investigate if it is a case of corruption, even though usually these cases are usually ...
Can a US citizen always report to a US embassy or consulate abroad12/27/2010
  Q: Can a US citizen always report to a US embassy or consulate abroad a crime (possible violation of US ...
  A: A US citizen always has access to the consulate or embassy in any country. Though your question is a ...
fraud12/5/2010
  Q: Ok so.. me and my mother had agreement that she would charge her credit card over the phone for me ...
  A: Samantha, Let me first start off by saying, I write through a law enforcement perspective and ...
Criminal trespassing10/12/2010
  Q: My questions are about trespassing and how it goes to felony trespassing.I'm involved in protests ...
  A: Lisa, First, as I always inform I am not an attorney and write through a law enforcement ...
Is he in the wrong?10/9/2010
  Q: Im a 17 year old female, I will be 18 in less than a week. My 12th grade English teacher , who i ...
  A: First I must let you know I write from a law enforcement perspective and am not an attorney, but was ...
third grade felony10/2/2010
  Q: What does a 3rd grade felony mean and what could the repercussions be if convicted? ANSWER: Susan, ...
  A: Susan, Unfortunately, this a question outside of my scope as this varies from state to state and I ...
neighbors9/30/2010
  Q: I believe my neighbors are throwing trash over the fence and into my yard. Specifically I have ...
  A: Liedtke, This is a matter that you are going to have to contact your local police. Unfortunately ...
third grade felony9/29/2010
  Q: What does a 3rd grade felony mean and what could the repercussions be if convicted?
  A: Susan, In most states felonies are crimes punishable by a jail sentence. These felonies are usually ...
Employment (FBI Criminal Profiling) for people with a criminal history?9/28/2010
  Q: I have a classmate that has had the dream of being the person who works with a team to figure out ...
  A: Vanessa, This is a common question. Many people and even TV makes out that criminals sometimes make ...
Police Informants....9/28/2010
  Q: I am curious as to what it would take for a civilian to obtain documented proof that an individual ...
  A: Vanessa, The paperwork that you are talking about is one that many gangs produce from their own ...
subpoena9/27/2010
  Q: I know you can not issue individual legal advice so I will make this more of a general question. ...
  A: I do understand that you would like to drop all charges in regards to this and as I must state, I ...
Police Informants....9/7/2010
  Q: I am curious as to what it would take for a civilian to obtain documented proof that an individual ...
  A: If I get the question you are trying to find out how to get verifiable documentation on a police ...
right to information8/7/2010
  Q: I donated blood to united blood services. I now wish to know the outcome of the tests they performed ...
  A: Sandra, I am sorry for the delay in response... To attain your information, send a certified, ...
filing charges7/31/2010
  Q: I am having some trouble with how to go about filing charges or even if I can. Just today my vehicle ...
  A: First of all let me start by saying sorry to hear what you are going through. Now, to the issue at ...
Will the United States Attorney confirm whether something is illegal under federal law7/6/2010
  Q: Will the United States Attorney confirm whether something is illegal under federal law, if a person ...
  A: Rigo, This is very complex question with no clear answer. Mainly being, though a driver may not ...
Will the United States Attorney confirm whether something is illegal under federal law7/3/2010
  Q: Will the United States Attorney confirm whether something is illegal under federal law, if a person ...
  A: In short yes the US Attorney's office can provide this information, as can an attorney within the ...
court question7/1/2010
  Q: my son is on probation and in febuary he was arrested on 5 different charges.he first went to court ...
  A: Please let me first say I wrote on the perspective of law enforcement and am not an attorney but ...
traffic6/25/2010
  Q: when a peace officer makes a stop is it true that the officer has a device so that he or she can ...
  A: Curtis, This is partially true. Many police departments have started using dash cams with audio ...
Married to an illegal in the United States6/6/2010
  Q: A friend of mine is married to an illegal alien from Mexico and has a child with her in the United ...
  A: In essence that is correct. In fact in the past several states have been known at protective states ...
Married to an illegal in the United States6/6/2010
  Q: A friend of mine is married to an illegal alien from Mexico and has a child with her in the United ...
  A: Though I am not an attorney and I write from a law enforcement perspective, I am familiar with these ...
FBI Tips?5/21/2010
  Q: I have a crime to report to the FBI, but I'm a little intimidated, and feel I may not be taken ...
  A: Yes if that doesn't work contact your local police. But, don't take their lack of response as not ...
FBI Tips?5/21/2010
  Q: I have a crime to report to the FBI, but I'm a little intimidated, and feel I may not be taken ...
  A: The easiest and simplest way is to call your local field office and speak to the duty agent. They ...
FBI question5/5/2010
  Q: I'm a screenwriter trying to write an accurate depiction of the brave and talented investigators of ...
  A: You obviously have some insight to the job already. Out of all the agencies with Criminal ...
jail4/24/2010
  Q: why do we get handcuffed, fingerprinted, picture taken, personal belongings taken, shackled, given a ...
  A: Everything you have mentioned actually has a purpose, please allow me to explain. I will answer in ...
Police violation4/19/2010
  Q: I have a question that has been bugging me for a while and it came into my head today. My backyard ...
  A: Doug, There is something called imminent threat which bypasses the need for a warrant. If there is ...
What would they do?4/15/2010
  Q: I have a relatively simple question for you. I'm a novelist, and am working on a scene where my ...
  A: Dave, Its very simple, upon arriving at the police station an attorney identifies themselves to the ...
Minors4/9/2010
  Q: If your 23 but your hanging out with a 16 year old but you took them across state lines can you get ...
  A: Brittany, As I always state in all of my answers, I am not an attorney and answer only on a law ...
What would happen when the FBI is informed that4/8/2010
  Q: What would happen when the immigration and naturalization is informed that an illegal alien mother ...
  A: It seems that these may be either homework questions or something as your questions usually follow a ...
What would happen when the FBI is informed that4/8/2010
  Q: What would happen when the FBI is informed that, a US born duel Mexican/US national has enter the ...
  A: Unless there is some proof of this happening, i.e. surveillance tapes or some other form this is ...
stolen gun3/31/2010
  Q: I bought a storage room at auction a few years ago that contained 4 guns. I sold the 3 rifle type ...
  A: As I always state, I write from a law enforcement as I am not an attorney. I understand that you ...
How would this work with the FBI and law enforcement3/27/2010
  Q: How would this work with the FBI and law enforcement? The FBI wants to question a material witness ...
  A: Info, There are a few things that you should understand. 1- The only time information on a case is ...
Is this correct, yes or no3/26/2010
  Q: Is this correct, yes or no? When the police in the United States arrest somebody, and he ...
  A: Anyone has a right to an attorney to be present when being questioned whether or not they are a ...
defense of duress3/26/2010
  Q: If an officer arrested a male defendant for armed bank robbery, and the defendant agreed to speak ...
  A: As I always state I am writing from a law enforcement perspective and not as an attorney. For there ...
Is this correct, yes or no3/24/2010
  Q: Is this correct, yes or no? When the police in the United States arrest somebody, and he ...
  A: This is correct. If a suspect states he wants an attorney present then at that point questioning ...
Would the FBI, Michigan state police, or Detroit police willing to travel to Belgium3/19/2010
  Q: Would the FBI, Michigan state police, or Detroit police willing to travel to Belgium to questions a ...
  A: As far as Michigan State Police or Detroit Police traveling to question the individual, it truly ...
What would happen when the FBI wants to question a suspect3/19/2010
  Q: What would happen when the FBI wants to question a suspect, and his lawyers say that they want to ...
  A: I am all for helping but these hypothetical questions are constantly changing. To be of assistance I ...
What would happen if a duel US Belgium national commits a3/19/2010
  Q: What would happen if a duel US Belgium national commits a murder, in the United States, and he flees ...
  A: This is a complex issue due to the dual citizenship. The question now becomes where the individual ...
What would happen when in the law enforcement do an investigation and discovered that3/19/2010
  Q: What would happen when in the law enforcement do an investigation and discovered that, a US national ...
  A: This scenario seems a bit odd, if the Belgian authorities have no suspect how would they know to ...
What would happen when in the law enforcement do an investigation and discovered that3/19/2010
  Q: What would happen when in the law enforcement do an investigation and discovered that, a US national ...
  A: I hope I understand your question correctly; If a US national commits murder in Belgium? OK, in this ...
neighbor surveillance3/17/2010
  Q: I live in Tallahassee Fl and have recently had some major problems with my neighbors across the ...
  A: First thing I always state in my answers is that I am not an attorney and write from a law ...
I'M BEING SUED BY A DRUG DEALER FOR INVASION OF PRIVACY!3/12/2010
  Q: My next door neighbor is involved in illicit activities and his "associates" have attempted to get ...
  A: I am sorry that you are going through this. Let me start by saying that I write through a law ...
ignorance of law3/10/2010
  Q: ANSWER: Hamad, In the US ignorance of the law is not accepted to avoid prosecution, but it may be ...
  A: Hamad, No, you are partially right on the aspect of intent. The difference when dealing with the ...
Police Procedures regarding Missing Teens3/10/2010
  Q: I am working on a novel which opens when a divorced couple realizes their 14-year-old son has ...
  A: Though dialing 911 is the first step most would take, there are some factors that are taken into ...
swearing/cursing in public3/2/2010
  Q: im in canada but at least i can get a general idea if i ask you, is swearing at someone or calling ...
  A: Peter, Very interesting question. This is one that officers use quite a bit to add charges. In the ...
ignorance of law3/1/2010
  Q: Hi I am wondering in the usa does ignorance of law ever get accepted as an excuse and if not then ...
  A: Hamad, In the US ignorance of the law is not accepted to avoid prosecution, but it may be taken ...
Are they any Statue of Limmitations on a DWI?2/27/2010
  Q: My husband was pulled over for a DWI in 2004. He was not given a court date and after two motnhs he ...
  A: Tanya, As I always state at the beginning of all my counsels, I am not an attorney and my ...
Understanding the Law2/20/2010
  Q: I want to learn about is United States law; e.g., what the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, Issues ...
  A: Jeff, First and foremost I want to applaud you for this interest. If more citizens in this country ...
Consequences2/17/2010
  Q: If someone had gotten two tickets at two different times for dui, they have not been paid due to ...
  A: Jackie, As I always state I write from a law enforcement perspective as I am not an attorney. ...
getting my court date moved to a earlier date2/5/2010
  Q: i hope you can answer this question.....ok i was charged with assault by strangulation and my lawyer ...
  A: Dylan, I am not an attorney and speak from a law enforcement perspective. My recommendation is that ...
is it trespassing?1/13/2010
  Q: i took my sister into the office of my work that said employees only to talk to my manager. I ...
  A: As I state in all of my answers, my answer is based on a law enforcement view and I am not an ...
Bench Warrant1/11/2010
  Q: I'm applying for a position in the public school system in Pennsylvania and one of the requirements ...
  A: As I always explain, I am not an attorney and my view is that of law enforcement and on this issue I ...
Dwi record1/9/2010
  Q: My new husband has a cdl liscense. He got a dwi three years ago. It never showed up on his record ...
  A: As always, please remember my writing is based on a law enforcement perspective and not as an ...
Mail fraud?12/18/2009
  Q: My exhusband still lives in the house we shared up until 4 years ago. Last year my tax return was ...
  A: As I state in all my replies, please remember my answer is based on a law enforcement prespective ...
warrant question12/16/2009
  Q: My boyfriend recently turned himself in for a bench warrant. Since he turned himself in the judge ...
  A: As I always state at the beginning of my answers I am writing as a retired law enforcement officer ...
Capital Punishment12/2/2009
  Q: I am a C.U.P (cerificate in university preperation) student currently studying at the University of ...
  A: I believe I answered your questions. I do not have an issue with a death sentence for crimes that ...
Capital Punishment12/1/2009
  Q: I am a C.U.P (cerificate in university preperation) student currently studying at the University of ...
  A: Though I am in essence pro "Capital Punishment" I do believe this type of sentence needs to bare a ...
Surveillance Camera11/18/2009
  Q: My situation is I have a semi attached house in NY. My neighbor has video surveillance cameras. My ...
  A: This is a situation that you may need to contact your State Attorney's Office and attain some ...
stalking/ filing false report11/12/2009
  Q: My husband and I decided to separate 2 months ago. I thought that we were going to try to work ...
  A: Joan, First off thank you for providing all the details, it truly makes it easier to give you a ...
DUI Excessive11/2/2009
  Q: my son was trying for a tempory license 5 months after a DUI/Excessive charge he was told the ...
  A: Kate, As always, my explanation is from a law enforcement view and I am not an attorney. Depending ...
giving wrong social security number11/1/2009
  Q: I have a friend that was driving on a suspended license and had two kids in the car. She was pulled ...
  A: As I always state, please remember I am not an attorney or judge and am writing through a law ...
credit card fraud10/13/2009
  Q: my cousin stole 2 credit cards and money. she is 20 years old. she stole a credit card from her ...
  A: PLEASE NOTE, I NEED TO MAKE THIS CLEAR. I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY AND SPEAK/WRITE ON THE LAW ENFORCEMENT ...
credit card fraud10/13/2009
  Q: my cousin stole 2 credit cards and money. she is 20 years old. she stole a credit card from her ...
  A: Ok, she does have an attorney, it is just a public defender. Also, this means they are not trying ...
credit card fraud10/13/2009
  Q: my cousin stole 2 credit cards and money. she is 20 years old. she stole a credit card from her ...
  A: Ok, just to ensure you understand, I look at this as a law enforcement investigator and what the ...
ethic10/12/2009
  Q: There is a well-known minor criminal in your district.Everyone is aware that he is engaged in ...
  A: Though I am not on an attorney or judge, and my position has been one of bringing individuals to be ...
ethic10/12/2009
  Q: There is a well-known minor criminal in your district.Everyone is aware that he is engaged in ...
  A: Here in the US it the lines are very straight forward, anyone who is a victim of a crime is treated ...
dropping a charge10/10/2009
  Q: why would a case be dropped before going in front of a judge?
  A: There are several reasons a case may be dropped. The list below are but a few of the most common ...
Probabtion and another offense10/9/2009
  Q: My 23 year old niece is on 3 years probabtion rather than jail for being part of a robbery (I think ...
  A: Follow-Up: I want to thank you for the high ratings you gave me. I believe there was a typo on the ...

All Questions in This Category

Crime & Law Enforcement Issues & Death Penalty

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Luis Alas

Top Expert on this page

Expertise

I am a retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer with 20 years in a combination of military security, police investigations and criminal investigations. I worked with several agencies through my tenure but my last five years were with the Federal Air Marshal Service. Currently I am a VP of a electronics security manufacturer providing leadership and client consulting specifically in the area of video surveillance.

Experience

1988-1996 USAF Security Specialist Nuclear Security and Security Police Investigations 1996-2001 Department of Veteran Affairs Police Department Miami Fl. 2001-2008 Federal Air Marshal Service

Organizations
FLEOA Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Security Police Association

Publications
Demand Studios - E-How Online Associated Content Security Distributors Magazine Various White Papers

Education/Credentials
USAF Security Police Academy USDVA Police Academy DHS Security Specialist/General Investigator AA Criminal Justice City Colleges of Chicago BA Criminal Justice University of Maryland MA Criminal Justice Management Trinity University & College

Past/Present Clients
Bryant Security Departamento Nacional de Investigaciones (Domincan Republic) LSG Government Contractor

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.