A new analysis of federal arrest data found that arrests for low-level offenses increased in 2025 even as violent crime rates continued to fall nationwide. According to the report, arrests for vagrancy, marijuana possession, drug possession, and immigration violations all rose from the previous year, reversing trends that had accompanied criminal justice reforms in many jurisdictions. The sharpest increases were seen in vagrancy arrests, which rose 44%, and immigration-related arrests, which increased 188%. Drug possession arrests also climbed as several states rolled back decriminalization measures. California and Oregon, for example, reported significant increases following voter-approved and legislative changes that restored criminal penalties for certain drug offenses. Read on for more criminal law news.
Charges declined in fatal shooting of toddler. The Mississippi Attorney General's office has concluded that a police officer’s use of force in the fatal shooting of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley was justified, declining to pursue criminal charges in a case that has drawn significant public attention and criticism. The shooting occurred outside a Walmart in Senatobia after officers responded to a shoplifting call. Investigators said an adult suspect drove a vehicle toward officers during an attempted escape, prompting Officer Hunter Foster to fire into the vehicle. One of the rounds struck and killed Wiley, who was inside the car. Family members and their attorneys have disputed the official account, maintaining that officers were not in imminent danger when the shots were fired. An independent forensic review commissioned by the family likewise questioned whether the vehicle posed a threat at the time force was used. The decision not to prosecute has been met with criticism from the child’s family, community advocates, and civil rights attorneys, who have called for the release of body-camera footage. State officials have indicated that investigative records may be released once the broader inquiry is formally concluded.
State warns of unsafe conditions in county jail. WRAL reports State regulators have issued their third formal warning to the Vance County Sheriff’s Office in less than two years, alleging that safety and operational concerns continue to threaten inmates and staff at the Vance County Detention Center. In an October 2 letter, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services stated that jail leadership has failed to address longstanding concerns despite repeated directives and heightened scrutiny following the June escape of two inmates. According to the letter, the facility continues to struggle with inadequate staffing, overcrowding, physical plant and life-safety deficiencies, and incomplete recordkeeping. Officials also cited reports of successful and attempted escapes, allegations of physical and sexual assaults, and other critical incidents as evidence that conditions remain unsafe. As of early October, the jail housed 136 inmates while operating with 24 vacant staff positions. Representatives from the Governor’s Office, NCDHHS, and local prosecutors participated in discussions aimed at addressing both immediate safety concerns and long-term operational challenges. District Attorney Mike Waters said court operations have also been affected by staffing shortages, limited attorney access to detainees, transportation issues, and delays in evidence processing. County officials are renovating the existing jail while pursuing a new facility, but regulators emphasized that immediate improvements remain necessary to ensure the safe custody and welfare of those housed there.
Teen takeover ends Carolina Classic Fair early. The final night of the Carolina Classic Fair in Winston-Salem ended early when a series of fights prompted authorities to remove approximately 50 people and close the event. According to Winston-Salem police, the fights involving groups of unsupervised juveniles began around 6 p.m. and continued throughout the evening. Police reported that the disruptions were concentrated among large groups of youths and required a significant law-enforcement response. The incidents extended beyond the fairgrounds when officers were later dispatched to a nearby business on University Parkway, where an estimated 20 to 30 juveniles allegedly engaged in aggressive behavior and vandalized property after leaving the fair. Police Chief William Penn expressed disappointment that an event otherwise marked by strong attendance and positive community engagement concluded with disorderly conduct. He emphasized concerns about unsupervised juveniles engaging in fights, property damage, and other disruptive behavior. Authorities said all reported criminal incidents from the fair remain under investigation, and charges may be pursued as evidence is reviewed.
The latest in license plate readers. Earlier this week, my colleague Jeff Welty blogged about the first federal court ruling to find that the use of automatic license plate reader technology (in that case, by Flock) constituted a search under the Fourth Amendment. In that case, because there was no warrant and probable cause did not exist at the time, the evidence was suppressed. In related news, Engadget reports Mapquest (remember them?) is joining the conversation by providing an overlay in their navigation app that shows the location of known automatic license plate readers. It includes cameras produced by Flock, as well as Motorola Solutions (Vigilant), Genetec, Axis Communications, Axon, Leonardo (ELSAG), Neology, Rekor, PlateSmart, Ubicquia and Verkada. It is an optional feature that shows the devices alongside traffic conditions and incidents which can be turned on in the options menu.
