1. Introduction

Welcome to True Crime Cases You Haven’t Heard. By using this website, listening to the podcast, or subscribing to emails, you’re agreeing to these Terms of Service.

I’ve tried to write this in plain English instead of dense legalese. The goal is clarity, not intimidation. If something isn’t clear, just ask.

The Deal: I provide free true crime content with documentary standards. You agree to use it responsibly and respectfully. That’s basically it.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using this website, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and the Privacy Policy. If you don’t agree, please don’t use the site.

Who Can Use This Site:

• You must be at least 13 years old
• If you’re under 18, you should have parental permission (this is true crime content)
• You must comply with all applicable laws in your jurisdiction

3. Permitted Use

You’re welcome to:

• Listen to podcast episodes on any platform
• Read content on this website
• Share links to episodes or articles on social media
• Subscribe to email updates
• Download case files I provide to subscribers
• Discuss cases respectfully in your own spaces

You agree NOT to:

• Republish, redistribute, or sell my podcast episodes or written content
• Remove copyright notices or attributions
• Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) to access the site
• Attempt to hack, disrupt, or overload the website
• Impersonate me or claim my work as your own
• Use the content for illegal purposes
• Harass, threaten, or doxx individuals mentioned in episodes

4. Intellectual Property Rights

What I Own: All podcast episodes, written content, website design, graphics, and original research are my intellectual property or used with permission. They’re protected by copyright law.

What You Can Do: You can link to content, quote brief excerpts with attribution (fair use), and share on social media. You cannot republish entire episodes, transcripts, or articles without permission.

Public Domain Content: Case files, court documents, and government records I share are often public domain. However, my original commentary, analysis, and compilation of those materials is protected.

Trademarks: “True Crime Cases You Haven’t Heard” and associated branding are my trademarks. Don’t use them to imply endorsement or affiliation without permission.

5. Content Disclaimers

5.1 Educational Purpose

This podcast and website provide educational and informational content only. Nothing here constitutes:

• Legal advice or counsel
• Professional investigative guidance
• Medical or psychological advice
• An invitation to conduct your own investigation
• Encouragement to contact anyone involved in cases

5.2 Accuracy and Completeness

I research cases thoroughly using primary sources, but I’m a journalist, not omniscient. While I strive for accuracy:

• Information is current as of the episode publication date
• Cases may have updates, appeals, or new developments after publication
• I rely on available public records, which may be incomplete
• Different sources sometimes conflict—I note this when possible

If you spot an error, please let me know and I’ll investigate and correct if warranted.

5.3 Opinions and Analysis

When I offer analysis or commentary, it’s my opinion based on available evidence. You’re free to disagree. I’m not the judge, jury, or detective—just a journalist sharing lesser-known cases.

6. User Conduct and Responsibility

Respect the People Involved: Every case involves real people—victims, families, accused individuals, witnesses. They deserve dignity and privacy.

Don’t Play Detective: Armchair investigation can cause real harm. Don’t contact people involved in cases, show up at locations, or harass anyone online. Leave investigation to professionals.

Presumption of Innocence: Remember that accused individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Avoid vigilante justice or mob mentality.

Sensitive Content: True crime involves violence, death, and tragedy. If you’re sensitive to such content, use discretion.

7. Third-Party Content and Links

This website may link to:

• Podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.)
• News sources and archival materials
• Court websites and public records databases
• Social media profiles

I’m not responsible for: The content, accuracy, or privacy practices of these third-party sites. When you click a link and leave this site, their terms and policies apply.

8. Email Communications

When you subscribe to email updates:

• You’ll receive episode notifications and occasional updates
• Frequency: No more than 1-2 emails per month (usually less)
• You can unsubscribe anytime with one click
• See the Privacy Policy for details on data handling

9. Limitation of Liability

Here’s the reality: I provide free content about true crime cases. While I do my best, things happen.

This website and content are provided “as is” without warranties of any kind. I make no guarantees about:

• Accuracy or completeness of information
• Availability of the website (servers go down, hosting issues happen)
• Freedom from errors or interruptions
• Security against all possible cyber threats

To the maximum extent permitted by law: True Crime Cases You Haven’t Heard and Steve Rhode are not liable for any damages arising from your use of this website or content, including but not limited to:

• Decisions made based on information in episodes
• Actions taken after listening to content
• Technical issues or data loss
• Emotional distress from sensitive content
• Third-party conduct or content

Translation: Use common sense. This is educational content, not professional advice. Your decisions are your responsibility.

10. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless True Crime Cases You Haven’t Heard and Steve Rhode from any claims, damages, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of anyone’s rights
• Your use or misuse of the website or content
• Your conduct related to cases or individuals discussed

In plain English: If you do something illegal or harmful and it blows back on me, you’re responsible, not me.

11. Changes to Content and Services

I reserve the right to:

• Modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the website or podcast
• Change episode schedules or content plans
• Update or remove content for accuracy or legal reasons
• Block users who violate these Terms

I’ll try to give notice when possible, but I’m not obligated to do so.

12. Changes to These Terms

I may update these Terms of Service to reflect:

• Changes in how the website operates
• New legal requirements
• Improvements or new features
• User feedback

When changes are made:

• The “Last Updated” date at the top will change
• Significant changes will be communicated to email subscribers
• Continued use of the site after changes means you accept them

13. Governing Law and Disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Dispute Resolution: If we have a disagreement, let’s try to work it out like adults:

1. Informal Resolution: Contact me directly and we’ll try to resolve it
2. Mediation: If that fails, we’ll try mediation before litigation
3. Legal Action: Any legal claims must be filed in the courts of [Your County], [Your State]

Limitation Period: Any claims must be brought within one (1) year of the issue arising.

14. Severability

If any part of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the rest still applies. Think of it like a contract with a bad clause—you don’t throw out the whole thing.

15. Entire Agreement

These Terms of Service, together with the Privacy Policy and Content Disclaimer, constitute the entire agreement between you and True Crime Cases You Haven’t Heard regarding use of this website.

16. Contact Information

Questions about these Terms? Concerns about content? Just want to clarify something?

Contact me: Use the contact form on this website

I’ll respond to legitimate inquiries as quickly as possible, typically within 3-5 business days.

17. Acknowledgment

By using this website, you acknowledge that:

• You’ve read and understood these Terms of Service
• You agree to be bound by them
• You understand this is educational content, not professional advice
• You’ll use the site and content responsibly
• True crime content can be disturbing and you’re choosing to engage with it