You’ve probably seen law enforcement officers on TV grab and leave with a piece of evidence they found “in plain view” while talking with a suspect at their home or workplace. Officers generally don’t need a warrant to seize items found in plain view, and the...
Criminal Defense
Should you take a plea or go to trial in your criminal case?
If you are facing a felony conviction for your charges, at some point in the adjudication process, your criminal defense attorney may be approached by the prosecution to negotiate a plea bargain. Your attorney is duty-bound to present this information to you, but...
Can you be wrongfully accused of a crime?
Being accused of a crime is a serious matter. The psychological anguish that comes with being arrested and arraigned for trial can greatly disrupt your life. The pain becomes unbearable when the accusation is false. A wrongful accusation can impact your job, family...
Why eyewitness testimony isn’t reliable
Courtroom TV dramas often put a lot of emphasis on eyewitness testimony. One minute, the prosecution is losing the case. The next minute, everything turns around thanks to an important eyewitness. While the thought of an eyewitness saving the day is exciting on a tv...
What rights do you have when you are arrested?
Being arrested is scary for most people. If you’ve never been in this situation before, you may wonder what rights you have. Do you have to consent to everything the police request? Understanding your rights will help you know how to handle the situation when you are...
3 behaviors that can lead to manslaughter charges in Arkansas
If the state believes that you played a role in someone else's death, you can face serious criminal charges. Sometimes, an individual faces allegations of capital murder, a crime that can carry the death penalty or life-long incarceration. Other scenarios might lead...
Remember that an arrest is not a conviction
If you get arrested on charges that you don't believe are accurate, it can be very frustrating. It can also be very stressful if these are serious charges. For example, perhaps you were out with a group of people when someone assaulted one member of that group. You...
Is there a duty to retreat in Arkansas self-defense cases?
Some people choose to become violent, and other people only resort to violence to protect themselves, their property or other people. When someone attacks another person or threatens them, they can face assault charges or worse, depending on what occurs. The person...
The police may lie to you – and that’s legally allowable
If you're facing criminal charges, the police may try to interrogate you. You do have a right to remain silent, so you don't have to answer their questions and you can ask to see your lawyer. But they still may try to talk to you, at least until you invoke this right....
Can I get parole?
When a court hands you a sentence, there is a chance you will not have to serve all of it. If you succeed in applying for parole, you may get out early. The problem is, Arkansas seems to prefer to keep people in prison. A recent report graded Arkansas parole...