State laws regarding marijuana products are getting complicated. Some states allow marijuana use for medical purposes. Other states allow it for both medical and recreational purposes. Meanwhile, the federal government doesn’t technically allow marijuana use for any...
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Criminal Law
Understanding Alabama’s Good Samaritan overdose law
When most people see a friend or even someone they barely know appearing to overdose, their first instinct is typically to call 911. Unfortunately, that instinct may be quickly overridden by a fear that such a call will bring police and possible arrest. That’s why...
2 things to remember about plea deals
If you’ve been arrested for a crime, don’t be surprised if the prosecution eventually offers you a plea deal. It’s estimated that 98% of all federal cases end in plea bargains, and the number isn’t likely much different for state-level cases. When going to trial...
New Alabama law cracks down on fentanyl trafficking
Fentanyl is an extremely powerful synthetic opioid. Like other opioids, it has a legitimate medical use as a pain reliever, although it is highly addictive. In the hands of non-medical professionals, however, it can be –- and often is -- deadly. It’s estimated that it...
A felony arrest can have a major impact on the rest of your life
It is certainly true that people who are facing felony allegations are going to be worried about the sentences that they could get. For instance, you may be told to pay tens of thousands of dollars in fines for some drug offenses. You could also be worried about...
Can the police charge you over someone else’s drugs in your car?
When an Alabama police officer pulls you over, they may have already witnessed something that allows them to issue a traffic citation. They may also hope to spot evidence of a more serious criminal infraction so that they can arrest you and charge you with a crime. ...
What are the consequences of jumping bail?
Except for grievous crimes, most accused persons may be granted bail to stay out of prison during the trial period. However, if you are out on bail, it helps to appreciate that your freedom is subject to honoring your bail conditions. One of these is usually the...
How a theft charge could land you on the new elder abuse registry
This month, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed “Shirley’s Law,” which creates the first elder abuse registry in the country. The law has been championed by a woman whose mother’s caretaker forged her name on checks. She says that her mission is now to have a nationwide...
How seriously should you take stalking charges in Alabama?
The act of stalking has the potential to harm people in several ways. For example, it places them in a state of prolonged fear for their lives. It can also disrupt their daily lives and, in some situations, lead to violence. Due to the potential for harm that...
Four ways you can attack witness credibility
In all criminal prosecutions, attorneys for the state do their best to persuade the judge and jury that their witness’s testimony should be given more weight than the defense’s witnesses, and therefore conviction is appropriate. Sure, in many cases there’s physical...