Violate a criminal statute in Alabama, and you can be charged under state or federal law. There are similarities in trying a case, whether state or federal law. Both involve a jury trial, evidence, depositions, and negotiating with the prosecutor for a reduced sentence. Proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt will be the prosecutor’sRead More
You may have seen this interrogation technique if you have ever watched an episode of television’s Law & Order. The alleged bad guy is in the police station, and cops have almost enough to charge him, but not quite enough. The subject is promised that he can go home if he reveals his role inRead More
You have just found out you are the subject of a federal criminal investigation. You will need the help of a skilled Alabama criminal attorney to help expertly navigate the road ahead. Now is not the time to hesitate and see what happens. You likely will be arrested, then indicted. Your attorney will help withRead More
Unfortunately, this happens far too often in the real world. Someone is arrested when information mistakenly names them as a suspect. Police and dispatchers are human, and they make mistakes. In some cases, the suspect’s name is mixed up with the witness’s name who called in the alleged crime. A police report written byRead More
The combination of drinking in a bar with a rowdy crowd heightened emotions, and a sporting event can elevate to anger for no reason at all. When that happens, ordinarily peaceful people can be pulled into an altercation, resulting in an assault, injury, or even death. Expect charges to be filed in the aftermath, evenRead More
Before a criminal trial takes place in Alabama, a series of events must first take place. If you have never been charged with a crime, this can be a frightening time that leaves you full of questions. First, you will be investigated. Whether the local sheriff or another state agency, investigations generally include issuing aRead More
A wrongful conviction means you may spend years behind bars for a crime you didn’t commit. The justice system is not perfect. According to the Equal Justice Initiative, more innocent people are in our prisons today than ever. Since 1989, the group says there have been 3,175 exonerations, absolving someone from blame through more reliableRead More
The police pull you over, and you can’t believe it. Why is this happening? What have you done wrong? In Alabama, police can search your person or vehicle if they reasonably suspect you may be involved in a crime or are about to do something criminal. This is highly subjective based on the officer’s perceptionsRead More
When you get behind the wheel in Alabama, you want to understand the road rules and how to react if you encounter law enforcement. It is far better to understand your rights in advance of this encounter.Criminal defense attorney Jason Darley has counseled countless individuals who’ve had their rights violated when they are behind theRead More
Unlike other countries, the U.S. Constitution contains specific language protecting all U.S. citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. A law enforcement officer must first obtain a search warrant, signed by a judge or magistrate, before entering your property to look for evidence of a crime. The officer can then search any personal property, homes, papers,Read More