The Stoves Law Firm Criminal Defense Blog

In Alabama, as in the rest of the United States, criminal defendants are protected by both state and federal laws from being punished twice for the same offense. This principle, known as double jeopardy, is rooted in the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states that no person shall “be subject for the same…

Navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system is never easy, and the rules change significantly depending on where you stand in the process. Before a conviction, defendants enjoy the full range of constitutional protections, including the presumption of innocence and the requirement that the prosecution prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. However, after a…

In Alabama, the laws governing criminal charges provide prosecutors with substantial advantages in pursuing convictions. The legal system often allows prosecutors to leverage these laws to their benefit, such as charging crimes in the alternative and amending charges mid-trial. Even when errors occur, the legal framework often affords prosecutors multiple opportunities to correct these mistakes,…

The legal landscape surrounding marijuana has been shifting dramatically across the United States. As more states legalize or decriminalize marijuana for medical and recreational use, the implications of these changes have rippled through legal systems nationwide. Alabama, while permitting certain legal marijuana products like hemp-derived items and medical marijuana under tightly controlled circumstances, maintains strict…

Alabama law divides criminal charges into several categories, ranging from minor infractions to serious felonies. With such variation in the severity of crimes, it is understandable that people wonder whether they need an attorney or if they can handle their case on their own. Some charges might seem straightforward and easily resolved, while others can…

Drug and alcohol laws across the United States vary widely, and Alabama stands out as one of the strictest states when it comes to drug-related offenses. While some states have moved toward legalization or decriminalization of marijuana and other substances, Alabama enforces severe penalties for the possession, use, or distribution of many drugs. Even minor…

Drug enforcement in Alabama is strict, with some of the harshest penalties in the United States. Crimes that might be handled administratively elsewhere are prosecuted as felonies here. Even minor drug charges can result in extreme penalties, sometimes with life-long consequences. However, these penalties are not always applied uniformly. Some individuals find themselves with severe…

Navigating Alabama’s marijuana laws can be a confusing and complex process, especially since there are multiple layers of laws that can come into play. Not only do you have to consider state laws, but federal and local regulations may also affect what is legal or illegal. It can be difficult to keep up with the…

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures, including searches of their bodily contents, without a warrant or probable cause. However, law enforcement has found workarounds, especially when it comes to policing DUI offenses. One such workaround is the use of implied consent laws. These laws state that by…

Alabama’s DUI laws are well-known for their strict enforcement, particularly concerning alcohol use. However, these laws also apply to a wide range of substances beyond alcohol. This includes illegal drugs, recreational substances, and even therapeutic or legally prescribed medications. Whether you’re taking a painkiller prescribed by your doctor, or an over-the-counter drug, if it impairs…