Most states have DUI laws that allow for different levels of punishment depending on whether an offense is someone’s first, second or third offense. Alabama is stringent when it comes to its laws addressing repeated violations. While DUIs are common and often...
Criminal Defense
Prescription drug crimes on the rise
Crimes involving the illegal use of prescription drugs are rising across the United States. Some of these are for drugs approved by the FDA and available for medical use. Doctors often write prescription drugs for legitimate reasons, for a specific purpose, and they...
Illegal search and seizure — understanding your rights
The Constitution's Bill of Rights is the foundation of our civil liberties as Americans. One of the key amendments included in the Bill of Rights is the Fourth, which states in part: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects,...
5 Common mistakes people make when talking to police
Facing arrest can be an intimidating process. Whether you were pulled over while driving or there was a misunderstanding at home, it can be a stressful situation. It is very common to panic during police questioning. It can seem like a difficult line to both be polite...
What is an illegal search and seizure?
Illegal search and seizure typically occurs when police enter or take someone's property without a warrant. However, that doesn't mean police always need a warrant to conduct these operations. This can make it difficult to know when they're legal and when they're not....
Meaningful cross-examination
What do you imagine successful criminal defense attorneys do at trial that makes them so effective? Do they calmly dismantle every witness like Perry Mason? Do they win the case at the last minute with a “gotcha!” moment like Ben Matlock? Do they resort to sleazy and...
Being a participant in your own defense
Alabama's criminal code is complicated. When you are dealing with federal charges, things get even more confusing for those who do not deal with the law regularly. This is one of the reasons you need a defense attorney after you have been arrested. Your lawyer's...
Why some witnesses are unreliable in criminal cases
Witnesses are key contributors to jury or court trials, providing testimony that may lead to the conviction or acquittal of a defendant. They are often considered reliable but some witnesses do not measure up. Their reliability is in question due to many factors such...
When criminal evidence is interpreted differently
When you watch the latest episode of NCIS or Forensic Files, solving the crime at the center of the episode’s storyline will include gathering and evaluating evidence. The investigators may find fingerprints, DNA samples or try to determine what blood spatter near the...
Credibility of new law enforcement tactics under question
From Sherlock Holmes to CSI, detective stories and police procedurals have long been wildly popular, and with good reason. They showcase seemingly superhuman powers of observation, psychological insight and the ability to see through lies and find objective truth. We...