Nareissa Smith, Esq.
Nareissa Smith is a lawyer, former law professor, and freelance journalist. Her areas of legal expertise are the U.S. Constitution (particularly the Commerce Clause, the First Amendment, and the Fourteenth Amendment), criminal law, and criminal procedure.
Latest Articles
Voting Rights for Unhoused Citizens: Registering and Casting Your Ballot
In theory, any U.S. citizen over 18 who meets their state’s legal requirements can vote. No state has a law that says unhoused people cannot vote, so the lack of a permanent address should not keep anyone from voting. However, the theory and the reality are quite different. Sadly, many… Read More
What Are the 12 Reproductive Rights?
The U.S. Constitution and federal law guarantee many reproductive freedoms. But you might be surprised to learn that international law also provides reproductive rights. This article will discuss the 12 reproductive rights recognized by international law and how they might help U.S. citizens. However, domestic and international laws regarding reproductive… Read More
Police Misconduct and Excessive Force: Legal Remedies
Excessive force, also known as police brutality, is a serious civil rights violation. Unfortunately, it’s also quite common. In a recent survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice, over 40 percent of victims of police misconduct reported that officers used or threatened to use force against them. If the… Read More
Police Misconduct and False Arrest: Legal Considerations
An arrest occurs when a person with legal authority restricts another person’s freedom of movement, typically leading to criminal charges. Most arrests are valid. But what should you do if you are the victim of a false arrest? This article explains how you can use a civil lawsuit to get… Read More
Police Misconduct Settlements vs. Trials: Pros and Cons
A police officer violated your rights during a traffic stop. You file a grievance with the local police accountability review board. You’re prepared to go all the way to trial. But then, a lawyer for the police department offers you a settlement. Should you take it? The decision to settle… Read More
Family Law and Indigenous Peoples’ Rights
Life changes like marriage, adoption, and divorce often create legal issues. However, different laws may apply when one of the people involved is Native American. It may involve a complex mix of state, federal, and tribal laws. This article explains some of the ways that Indigenous law affects family law cases. This… Read More
Police Body Cameras: Rights and Accountability
Years ago, when someone sued the police for violating their rights, it was their word versus the officer’s. But today, thanks to modern technology, getting video footage of police misconduct is much easier. Bodycams, also referred to as body-worn cameras (BWCs) or wearable cameras, are small devices attached to a… Read More
How To Choose the Right Attorney for Civil Police Misconduct Cases
You strongly suspect that a police officer violated your rights during a traffic stop. You know you need legal advice but are unsure where to begin. Police misconduct is an unfortunate reality, but there are steps victims can take to ensure that bad actors within law enforcement are held accountable. This… Read More
Compensation for Police Misconduct Victims
When police misconduct causes physical injury, property damage, or worse, you have rights. Filing a lawsuit is one way to assert those rights and hold officers accountable for their bad behavior. This article explains the basics of getting compensation for police misconduct. Suing an officer or police department can be… Read More
Filing a Complaint Against Police Misconduct
The law and the public hold police officers to a high standard of behavior. Unfortunately, some officers’ conduct falls far below acceptable standards. The process of holding these officers accountable begins with filing a complaint.This article answers many frequently asked questions about filing police misconduct complaints. Because police misconduct raises… Read More
