The Stoves Law Firm Criminal Defense Blog

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…

Facing domestic violence accusations in Alabama can be an extremely serious and emotionally charged situation. These charges can emerge from various scenarios and carry severe consequences, such as imprisonment, fines, loss of child custody, and significant damage to personal and professional reputations. Understanding the legal framework and developing effective defense strategies is crucial to anyone…

It is common for prosecutors in Alabama to seek as many charges as possible based on a single criminal incident. This practice may sometimes result in a defendant being convicted of multiple crimes for just one act. While this approach may appear to serve justice, it can also come into conflict with constitutional protections against…

Criminal justice experts agree that a competent criminal defense attorney not only provides legal representation to their clients but also plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the defendant’s rights during trial. One of the critical duties of trial attorneys is to object to unlawful or unfair tactics employed by the prosecution. Failing to object at…

If you’ve been arrested for a crime in Alabama, one of your biggest concerns might be the evidence the prosecution has against you. However, not all evidence collected by the police is admissible in court. Sometimes, it can be excluded, or “suppressed,” which means it cannot be used against you during your trial. But when…