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,...
Criminal Defense
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....
Things that may work in your favor when facing a drug charge
With a drug charge hovering over your head, you understand that the potential consequences will have a drastic effect on your future. You wonder what you can do to put this situation in a more favorable light – especially to prosecutors and a judge. Understanding your...
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...
Storytelling as the foundation of your defense
You’ve been telling stories since you first learned how to talk. Stories are how we make sense of the world and the events around us. Everyone is accustomed to listening to stories, including judges, juries, and prosecutors. Instead of remembering unconnected and...
5 tips for participating in your own criminal defense
When you face criminal charges, it is your future that is on the line. The outcome of your case affects you and your family more than anyone else. Therefore, you deserve to have a say in your defense. A good defense attorney will work with you and educate you along...