Criminal Defense Blog

Buzzed Driving DUI

4January
2017

Buzzed Driving is Still Drunk Driving

We all know there is a legal limit for blood alcohol, when it comes to drunk driving laws.  But many people do not realize that, even if your blood alcohol level is below the legal limit of .08%, you could still be charged with a DUI in Alabama. An officer can arrest you for DUI and cite you for being “under the influence” without a record of your actual blood alcohol content.

What is “buzzed” driving?

In Alabama, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) for being charged with a DUI depends on your age.  If you are under age 21, then the limit is .02%.  For everyone over age 21, the limit is .08%.  If you are a commercial driver, meaning you have a CDL, then the limit is .04%.  Generally speaking, buzzed driving is classified as any blood alcohol level between .01% to .07%.  Remember, regardless of whether you are under the legal limit, you can still be charged with a DUI in Alabama.

$3.8 million verdict in a “buzzed” driving case

A teenager in Geneva County was driving while buzzed when he ran a stop sign and crashed into another vehicle.  The two passengers in the car he hit were seriously injured, as well as the other teenage passenger in his car. Although his blood alcohol level at the tie was only .059%, he was still sued in civil court by each of the victims.  The jury ultimately awarded $3.8 million in damages to the three victims. The lesson that should be taken from that incident is that, even if you do not feel as though you are intoxicated, you may still be held liable if you cause an accident while buzzed.

If you have questions regarding DUI in Alabama, or any other criminal defense matters, please contact Ketcham Law for a consultation either online or by calling us at (205) 296-4233.

 

Posted in DUI |

Domestic Violence In Alabama

19December
2016

Understanding the Law in Alabama Regarding Domestic Violence

In Alabama, depending on the severity of the alleged action, domestic violence charges are generally misdemeanor charges.  Regardless, Alabama courts take domestic violence charges seriously and a conviction can have a substantial impact.  In most cases, evidence surrounding a domestic violence charge will come from the victim and the suspect, both of which telling their own version of what happened.  There may be other witnesses or past evidence of a history of violence or abuse that will be considered. If you are facing a domestic violence charge in Alabama, here is what you should know.

Classifications In Alabama

There are basically three classifications of domestic violence charges in Alabama, based on the severity of the alleged actions committed.  The purpose of Alabama’s domestic violence law is to protect a specific class of people: spouses (current or former), parents, children, household members and people with which the suspect has a romantic relationship.  The three categories are First, Second and Third Degree Domestic Violence.

First Degree Charge

As with other crimes in Alabama that are ranked by degree, a First Degree charge is the most serious.  A First Degree Domestic Violence charge involves a first degree assault charge.  This would include actions where “a person intends to cause serious physical injury to another person and does so using a dangerous or deadly object or weapon; when someone intends to disfigure another in a serious and permanent matter or attempts to destroy a physical aspect of another person; or commits any of these acts in the course of committing another serious crime such as arson and/or kidnapping.”

Second and Third Degree Charges

Similarly, a Second Degree Domestic Violence charge involves a second degree assault. This charge is considered a felony charge, bringing with it a possible sentence of a minimum of six months in jail with no early release. A Third Degree Domestic Violence charge is a misdemeanor offense, which is generally the most common domestic violence charge. Third Degree involves a person is found to have committed a third degree assault.

If you have questions regarding domestic violence, or any other criminal defense matters, please contact Ketcham Law for a consultation either online or by calling us at (205) 296-4233.

Posted in Domestic Violence |

Entrapment

5December
2016

When Does an Entrapment Defense Apply?

Entrapment is a term used frequently in movies and crime novels, but what does it really mean and how can it be used as a defense to a crime?  Entrapment is a real defense that can be raised in criminal cases where the suspect alleges he was persuaded by law enforcement officers to commit the crime with which he is charged. However, in order for an entrapment defense to be successful, the suspect must be able to prove that he did not have any previous intention or predisposition to commit that particular crime.  In other words, you must be able to show that you only committed the crime because of the encouragement of law enforcement or some other government officer.  This can be a hard defense to prove.  Here is what you need to know.

Determining predisposition to commit a crime

Determining whether a criminal defendant had a predisposition to commit a crime can be very tricky. Some of the common factors that are considered including the defendant’s character and reputation, whether the officer was responsible for initially introducing the defendant to the criminal activity, whether the alleged crime was committed for profit, whether the defendant was reluctant to commit the crime or be involved in some way, and the exact nature of the officer’s inducement.

Proving entrapment can be tough

It can be difficult to prove an innocent mind before the officer’s alleged introduction of the idea to commit a crime.  The defendant must be able to show that he was not already willing and able to commit the crime on his own.  Establishing the officer’s inducement is not always easy, either.  The fact that an officer solicits a defendant to do something illegal is not enough.  For example, just because an undercover officer asks if you can supply him with some cocaine, does not alone constitute entrapment.  There needs to be evidence of aggressive pressuring or coercion to commit a crime, or negotiating or blackmailing a defendant into committing a crime.

If you have questions regarding the entrapment defenses, or any other criminal defense matters, please contact Ketcham Law for a consultation by calling us at (205) 296-4233.

Posted in Uncategorized |

When a Judge’s Articulated Personal Bias Leads to Resentencing

30November
2016

As a vital component of the criminal trial process, sentencing requires fairness, impartiality and sound reasoning by the judge who imposes the sentence.  When that process is impeded by personal bias, the result is often unsettling.  As one recent case demonstrates, a judge’s apparent personal bias may require resentencing, even when the sentence falls within the sentencing guidelines.

A case involving federal judge Rudolph T. Randa

In a recent federal case out of the Eastern District of Wisconsin, a convicted drug dealer received an 84 month sentence, which was ultimately vacated, requiring him to be resentenced.  The defendant, Billy J. Robinson, Jr. pled guilty to charges that he was part of heroin trafficking ring transporting drugs from Illinois to Wisconsin.  U.S. District Court Judge Randa accepted his guilty plea and sentenced him to 84 months on Robinson.  Even when a federal judges imposes a sentence within the federal sentencing guidelines, they are still required to explain reasoning for the sentence they impose.

In this particular case, the judge’s explanation demonstrated a strong personal bias, which led him to berate the defendant and essentially blame him for problems the judge perceived to exist in the community as a whole.  Unfortunate for the defendant, Judge Randa was from the same neighborhood in Milwaukee in which Robinson admitted to distributing heroin. Before imposing the sentence on Robinson, Judge Randa began discussing the “old neighborhood” and how it had become ravaged by drugs.  In his discussion, however, the judge demonstrated an apparent grudge he personally held against the Defendant.

The Seventh Circuit was troubled by the Judge’s rant

The Seventh Circuit found the judge’s comments “troubling because they could be ‘understood as a personal grudge that the judge bore against [Robinson] for dealing drugs in his old neighborhood. They appear to attribute ‘issues of broad local [and] national … scope’—changing crime rates—to Robinson’s crime, when these issues at best ‘only tangentially relate to his underlying conduct. Robinson was not charged with a violent crime or a crime involving a firearm, nor did his criminal history include any such crimes.”  It appeared that the judge inserted a personal bias into the sentencing proceedings, thereby destroying even an appearance of impartiality.  Ultimately, the Seventh Circuit vacated Robinson’s sentence and sent the case back to Judge Randa for resentencing.

If you have questions regarding sentencing, or any other criminal defense matters, please contact Ketcham Law for a consultation by calling us at (205) 296-4233.

Posted in Uncategorized |

Immigration Status and An Arrest

22November
2016

How an Immigration Hold may Affect your Criminal Case

The number of criminal defense matters that now involve some type of immigration issue have seen an increase in recent years.  If you have a criminal matter and need legal assistance, and you also anticipate immigration issues arising as well, it is important to discuss those issues with your criminal defense attorney early on.  Here are some things to consider.

What it means to be placed on an Immigration Hold

A common issue that arises in state law criminal defense matters involving foreign nationals is the immigration hold.  An immigration hold is placed on those who have been accused of a crime and held in jail.  When a foreign national is being held in state or federal custody, they will likely be placed on so-called “immigration hold.”  This hold instructs the jail to not release the person, but instead to transfer them to federal custody at the end of the jail term. When the Department of Homeland Security places this type of hold on someone, state law enforcement agencies are obligated to comply.

Return to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement

If you have been placed on immigration hold that means, after you go through the state court criminal proceedings, you will be placed in custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  This is true, regardless of whether you are convicted, acquitted, or the case is dismissed.  ICE is the part of the federal government which handles immigration enforcement. Once in their custody, you could be tried by an immigration court and involuntarily deported.  Depending on the circumstances, you could be voluntarily deported or permitted to stay in the United States.

The primary reasons for immigration holds

There are three common reasons foreign nationals who find themselves in jail might be placed on immigration hold. If you are undocumented (or suspected of being undocumented) or otherwise illegally present in the U.S. you may be placed on hold.  If you have committed a crime that would make you deportable from the United States you may be placed on hold, even if you have a visa.  Another common reason is having a prior or pending order of removal on your immigration record.

If you have questions regarding immigration holds, or any other criminal defense matters, please contact Ketcham Law for a consultation by calling us at (205) 296

Posted in Uncategorized |

Police Searching Cell Phones: Legal or Not?

31October
2016

Before a police officer can search a suspect’s cell phone, they typically need a search warrant or probable cause.  Since most people use their phones to document and communicate various aspects of their daily activities, and their lives in general, privacy becomes an issue.  A common legal issue that arises, especially when someone is suspected of a crime, is whether the police officer automatically has probable cause to search a cell phone for evidence of the crime, or whether there must a more specific connection between the suspected crime and the phone.

State laws widely differ on this issue

As with nearly all criminal laws, each state has its own statutory laws, as well as its court-established case law that governs searches and seizures and probable cause.  On the specific issue of when a cell phone can be searched without a prior search warrant being obtained, the law varies as well.

A specific “nexus” may be required

For example, in Massachusetts, a specific “nexus” is required. Specifically, the Massachusetts Supreme Court determined that even in cases where there is probable cause to suspect someone of a crime, police are not allowed to seize or search his or her cellular telephone to look for evidence unless they have information establishing that specific evidence is likely to be found there.  Many other courts have ruled that the mere fact that a suspect owns a cell phone doesn’t provide probable cause to search the phone.

But what constituted a sufficient “nexus?”

An Arkansas court found a sufficient nexus between a suspect’s cell phone and a homicide based on the fact that the suspect was in possession of the phone on the day of the shooting; he was “working with at least one other person when the homicide was committed”; and a confidential informant provided information suggesting the defendant’s involvement in the homicide on the day it was committed. Through this evidence, the court inferred that the phone had been used to communicate with others regarding the shooting.

The state of the law in Alabama

In Gracie v. State, the Court of Criminal held that the State is not required to first obtain a search warrant before conducting a search of a cell phone seized pursuant to a warrantless search. The Court reasoned that, because the cell phone was immediately associated with the arrestee’s person, police officers have the authority to search its contents.

If you have questions regarding warrants, probable cause, or any other criminal defense matters, please contact Ketcham Law for a consultation by calling us at (205) 296-4233.

Posted in Uncategorized |

Alabama’s Criminal Sentencing Guidelines

24October
2016

Alabama made some significant changes to its criminal sentencing guidelines a few years ago, in an effort to address the overpopulated prison system.  For one thing, Alabama’s habitual offender laws, which historically led to long sentences after two or more prior felonies, will no longer mean nonviolent offenders will automatically spend decades in prison.

The presumptive nature of the new guidelines

The guidelines are considered to be “presumptive” which means they should be applied unless compelling reasons are found to deviate from them.  Regardless, because Alabama has the most overcrowded prison system in the country, something has to be done. Also, the goal of the sentencing commission was to eliminate as much unnecessary disparity in sentencing and provide more uniformity statewide.

Sentencing worksheets: the pros and cons

One of the key differences in the new guidelines is that judges in most cases are expected to use a predetermined worksheet to guide their decisions about whether prison will be ordered and, if so, how long the sentence will be.  Prosecutors and judges are not all happy about this aspect of the guidelines because they feel it removes the court’s discretion. However, judges are allowed to deviate from the guidelines if they can show a compelling reason to do so.

How the worksheets work

The worksheets which outline the defendant’s criminal history and prior sentences are generally to be filled out by prosecutors meaning more work for them.  These tally sheets record the defendant’s prior offenses, the nature of those offenses and prior sentences and then assigns points for the current offense and adds in any additional offenses to determine a length of sentence. Basically, more convictions lead to more points which equates to more jail time.

If you have questions regarding sentencing guidelines, or any other criminal defense matters, please contact Ketcham Law for a consultation by calling us at (205) 296-4233.

Posted in Uncategorized |

Trafficking vs. Distribution

17October
2016

Is There a Difference Between Trafficking and Distribution?

A common question clients have is what is the difference between drug trafficking and drug distribution?  Basically, drug distribution refers to the selling, delivering, or providing of a controlled substances illegally. This charge is often used if someone tries to sell drugs to an undercover officer. Drug “trafficking,” on the other hand, generally refers to the illegal sale and/or distribution of a controlled substance. Put another way, distribution involves the movement of drugs and trafficking is determined by the weight of the drugs – no movement is required.

Specifics about drug distribution

Essentially, if law enforcement catches you attempting to move drugs in any manner, you could face distribution charges.  What some people don’t realize is that you don’t have to be caught in the act of actually exchange money for drugs in order to be charged with distribution.  In fact, if you are found carrying a large quantity of drugs or a substantial amount of cash, you could be charged with possession with the intent to distribute.

Federal laws on drug trafficking are comprehensive

Under federal law, drug trafficking charges can include charges for manufacturing, distributing, as well as possession with the intent to distribute.  It all depends on the amount or weight of the drugs found. Drug trafficking charges do not necessarily involve crossing state or national borders, contrary to what many believe.  Yet, when drugs are moved across borders, it is more likely that federal law enforcement will get involved.

Ultimately, if you are facing any type of drug charges, you need to seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney.  You could be facing serious jail time. If you have questions regarding drug trafficking or distribution, or any other criminal defense matters, please contact Ketcham Law for a consultation by calling us at (205) 296-4233.

Posted in Drug Possession, Drug Trafficking, Marijuana Offenses |

Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (UPOCS)

6October
2016

It is basically understood that owning or possessing a controlled substance without justification or permission, can be a crime in Alabama – specifically, unlawful possession of a controlled substance. This crime is typically when an individual is found with marijuana cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycontin or other narcotics.  What some people forget is that prescription medications can also qualify as controlled substances.  So, if you have possession of a prescribed narcotic without a valid prescription or justification for having it, you could be charged will illegal possession.

3 Forms of illegal drug possession

A drug possession charge in Alabama can be more complicated than you think.  There are many nuances that most people are unfamiliar with.  It is not as simple as having drugs in your possession.  So, if you are facing a drug possession charge, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney representing you. One key element that must be shown is possession.  There are 3 ways to analyze this element.

Knowing possession of a controlled substance

In order to be guilty of the crime of unlawful possession a controlled substance, the person must knowingly and intentionally have control of the controlled drug. This means that a prosecutor only needs to show that the accused knew the drugs were present and intended to use or control them. On the other hand, it is not necessary to show that the accused knew it was a controlled substance or that having it was illegal in that particular situation.

Actual or constructive possession of a controlled substance

The term “possession” technically means that a person has personal and physical control over the controlled substance. That “possession” can be actual or constructive, which can mean that the drug is on their person (i.e., in their pocket) or in the trunk of their car or hidden in their apartment.

Shared possession of a controlled substance

Unlawful possession over a controlled substance does not have to belong solely to the accused.  Put another way, you can still be convicted of possessing a controlled substance if it can be shown the accused had at least partial control over the drug. A most common example is when two roommates share an apartment in which the police found the illegal drugs. Yet, more must be shown than merely that the two roommates lived in the same home.  Instead, each defendant must have had control over the drugs or made incriminating statements about them.

If you have questions regarding possession controlled substances, or any other criminal defense matters, please contact Ketcham Law for a consultation by calling us at (205) 296-4233.

Posted in Drug Possession, Marijuana Offenses |

Do I Need A Criminal Defense Lawyer?

30September
2016

Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer

In order to have a balanced and fair justice system, defense attorneys are a necessity.  Their goal is to aid in keeping innocent people from going to jail, but more importantly, to safeguard the constitutional protections of the accused, making sure that due process of the law is provided before a person’s freedom is taken away.

The goal of criminal defense

You know the rule: “innocent until proven guilty.”  Essentially, this means that everyone is entitled to certain legal protections, even those who have been accused of committing a crime.  Law enforcement certainly has substantial resources at its disposal, as do criminal prosecutors.  Likewise, every individual who is charged with a crime has the right to a proper criminal defense.  The area of criminal defense law governs the legal protections of those individuals.  Without these protections, there would be no balance of power within the justice system.

A defense lawyer has certain duties to the client

Be assured that just treatment for a criminal defendant will depend as much on the skill of the defense attorney, as it will on the protections provided by the law.  The defense attorney has a duty to understand and properly utilize the applicable constitutional guarantees, to the advantage of his or her client.  It is the job of the prosecutor to present evidence to support the charges against the criminal defendant.  The defense attorney has the duty of ensuring that the evidence presented was obtained in compliance with the various laws and rules of court.  Criminal defendants also have a right to a public trial, and in many cases, the right to have their guilt or innocence decided by a jury. The constitution also provides the right to confront adverse witnesses, and to subpoena the appearance of favorable witnesses, as well.

If you have questions regarding the role of criminal lawyers, or any other criminal defense matters, please contact Ketcham Law for a consultation by calling us at (205) 296-4233.

Posted in Uncategorized |