Little Rock Legal Issues Blog

Prenuptial agreements, once associated primarily with the rich and famous, have gained in popularity with couples of modest means as well as those who have considerable assets.

Some people are afraid that a prenup speaks to the end of a marriage that has not yet begun. However, many couples realize that signing this kind of agreement is a smart way to plan for their shared future.

As an Arkansas moviegoer and TV watcher, you probably hear some version of the Miranda warning in every “cop show” you see. But have you ever considered that the Miranda warning is one of your most important protections if you find yourself in a situation where law enforcement officers attempt to question you about a criminal matter?

Basically, the Miranda warning, which emanated from the landmark 1966 U.S. Supreme Court holding in Miranda v. Arizona, consists of the following four parts:

1. You have the right to remain silent.
2. The prosecution can and will use anything you say in a court of law.
3. You have the right to an attorney.
4. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one for you.

After a criminal conviction, a person may be prepared to appeal. In fact, he or she may be ready with new evidence of innocence or new ways to present old evidence. However, the legal system makes it difficult to appeal on the basis of innocence.

What is much more likely to succeed is an appeal on a basis such as technical error. For example, someone could present evidence that police mishandled the case by forcing confessions. Perhaps he or she could argue that the defense attorney was asleep for most of the trial, or that prosecutors concealed evidence. But an argument of innocence is unlikely to get far.

If an Alabama judge or jury convicts you of committing a drug-related offense, the severity of your penalties will likely vary based on factors such as the details of your crime and whether you have ever offended before. In some cases, you may receive an offer to participate in drug court as an alternative to serving time behind bars. Drug courts are closely supervised programs that seek to not only help keep you out of the state’s prison system but to also help you beat your drug addiction.

Drug courts have proven benefits not only for you, the addict and offender, but also for your surrounding community. To be more specific, drug courts may: