One of many drones flying over a field.

Drones Used in Commission of Crimes Also Used to Solve Them

By Joel Hancock
Founder

Even though they have only been widely available to the general public for about five years, drones have already undoubtedly made a mark on society. Drones, unmanned, remotely-flow aerial vehicles, have been registered about 1.5 million times in the U.S., accounting for both commercial and recreational uses. This doesn’t even include those that have been homemade and remain unregistered. 

Drones Harnessed for ‘Evil’

Unfortunately, as with many other fascinating inventions, drones are often used to commit criminal acts. This is because they are only vaguely regulated by the states and may not be intercepted by law enforcement, despite what they are being used for, as federal law currently restricts it. In 2015, U.S. Border Control in California caught a drone trying to smuggle 28 pounds of heroin across the border. 

The good news is that drones can often provide a lot of forensic information when captured. (Drone forensics, the specialty of looking at drones to gauge criminal evidence and crimes, has started to grow.) The bad news is that drones can be quite difficult for law enforcement to get their hands on. In fact, no matter the qualifications of the drone forensics specialists, some drones, when homemade, are unable to be identified. 

Drones Harnessed for ‘Good’

Although worrisome, drones are not only used to commit criminal acts; they are often leveraged by law enforcement in order to warn the public and to catch suspected criminals. Cheaper than helicopters, and sometimes equipped with thermal imaging and/or loudspeakers, drones can be used for everything from locating a dangerous wild animal to announcing to neighborhood children to go inside immediately when a suspect is on the loose in their community. 

More and more drones are now used at accident and crime scenes in order to capture and preserve important evidence such as measurements and pictures. This evidence can then later be applied in civil or criminal court. The reason for this usage has to do with the ability of drones to make it much quicker to blocked off roads or areas and their less obstructed aerial views. 

Hancock Law Firm Helps Those Who Have Been Accused of a Crime in North Carolina

If you or a loved one has been accused of a criminal act in North Carolina, it should be taken very seriously. The impact of a criminal conviction can continue to impact you for the rest of your life. That’s why it is so important to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney. It is important to ensure that you have someone with your best interest at heart to help you. At Hancock Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the significance of such a situation and will fight to have your charge reduced or even eliminated. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!

About the Author
Joel Hancock is a native of Carteret County, NC. He devotes 100% of his practice to defending those accused of traffic infractions, DWI, misdemeanors, and felonies in Carteret County, NC.