If a police officer tries to pull you over, refusing to stop and making them chase you is never a good idea. Unfortunately, too many people do that. Oftentimes, it’s because they know they’ve done something that will get them arrested or at least believe police want...
Criminal Defense
Can store security detain you in Alabama?
Generally speaking, one private citizen cannot legally detain another against their will without being guilty of false imprisonment – but there are some exceptions to the rule. One of these exceptions is called “shopkeeper’s privilege,” and that allows peace...
More Alabama drivers can face felony charges for evading police
Seeing a police car behind you with its lights and sirens on can be stressful experience – particularly if the officers inside are indicating that you, not another motorist, should pull over. If you’ve done something wrong that’s more serious than a traffic violation,...
The police may be able to read your private messages
If you send a private message on Facebook or another social media site, who do you assume can read that message? If it’s between you and another individual, you probably believe that no one else will ever see it. You may also have sent the message to a group, meaning...
What you should know about Alabama’s overdose immunity law
With the number and availability of lethal drugs increasing in this country, fatal overdoses are more likely than ever. Minutes can make a difference between life and death. That’s why most states, including Alabama, have enacted “Good Samaritan” laws throughout the...
Important points to know about invoking Miranda rights
Miranda rights are an essential element of the American legal system. They ensure that individuals know their constitutional rights during an encounter with law enforcement. This awareness is crucial because it helps prevent self-incrimination and guarantees the right...
How a holiday gathering can turn into a criminal charge
The holidays are full of festive occasions: family get-togethers, office parties and university students coming home for a break. Most of these times will be spent in good cheer with laughter and swapping stories. But whenever large groups of people are gathered in...
The issue with geofence warrants
Technology can be both a force for progress and a reason for concern. Privacy concerns in this new digital connectivity age can be troubling for Alabama residents. One area of special concern lately is the concept of a geofence warrant. A geofence warrant allows the...
Does an eyewitness actually remember what happened?
In many criminal cases, an eyewitness will be brought in to testify about what occurred. They may claim that they saw an assault take place, that they witnessed someone robbing a retail location, that they saw a drug deal occur or something else of this nature. They...
Proving entrapment can be challenging
Alabama residents who are arrested after buying or selling drugs from an undercover police officer or police informant often mount defenses based on entrapment, but juries rarely find these arguments persuasive. This is because prosecutors know what entrapment is, and...