In the past there have been numerous cases on privacy and what the government/court system considers over stepping ones bounds when doing an investigation. Currently there is a case in Colorado Springs in which Ramona Fricosu is accused of a mortgage scam. Law enforcement found a laptop in her home while doing a search which has encrypted data on it. Since the law enforcement agents at the labs working the case are having trouble cracking the encryption key on the laptop they are offering Romona a deal to just give them the key so they can see the data on the laptop. Obviously at this point Ramona along with here attorney has refused this request. So the question arises, just how far is too far when investigating someone? What constitutes a breach of ones right to the Fifth Amendment?
Ramona’s attorney makes a very good point that, yes, the Fifth Amendment protects a person from divulging such information. So, will the courts rule in favor of the prosecution and force Ramona to give this information out? No one knows for sure at this point. One thing is for sure, this is just one more base to cover in an ever changing society of technology.
Above is a picture of Attorney Phil Dubois, Ramona’s attorney, whom specializes in Criminal Defense and Internet Law.
If you’re interested in reading more about this case and how it could affect your rights click here.