Little Rock Arkansas Criminal Defense Blog

Unlawful computerized communications and white collar crime

On behalf of Law Firm posted in White Collar Crime on Wednesday, October 31, 2018.

People in Arkansas and across the nation often say things online they would otherwise not say in person. They might be under the impression that it is harmless and that no criminal charges are possible if they have neither the intent nor the means to carry out what they have said. However, if the target of that statement is negatively impacted by those online statements, then it can lead to white collar crime charges for violating unlawful computerized communications.

While this might not sound serious, the charges are legitimate and can result in real penalties. Therefore, it is important to understand the critical nature of having a strong legal defense experienced in helping those accused of these violations. If a person is accused of unlawful computerized communications, it means that those communications, made via computer, are alleged to have been intimidating, threatening, abusing, or harassing.

Never take your defense against drug charges lightly

On behalf of Law Firm on Saturday, October 27, 2018.

These days, facing drug charges can result in serious consequences and significant jail time, even for relatively small violations. While cultural attitudes around recreational drug use continue to shift, the laws that govern the land are still much more strict than the court of public opinion. This often leads to surprisingly harsh punishment.

Due to the risk of severe legal punishment, it is never wise to forego a strong legal defense any time you face drug charges. If you think that the charges are not that serious, you may want to re-examine just how many areas of personal liberty, future opportunity and financial burden a drug conviction can impact.

Arkansas woman charged with DWI, job threatened

On behalf of Law Firm posted in DWI on Thursday, October 25, 2018.

To illustrate how anyone can be accused of driving while intoxicated under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even those who have a job with a mandate to help those who are abusing these substances can be charged with drunk or high driving. While the background surrounding an arrest will not necessarily enhance or make matters worse in a legal sense, it can negatively impact one's professional career. This can make it even more important to have legal assistance to defend against DWI allegations.

A 26-year-old woman who is employed as a substance abuse counselor may need such assistance after she was arrested for DWI. The incident occurred in the evening shortly after 9 p.m. when law enforcement was contacted about a driver whose vehicle was being operated in an erratic manner. When the traffic stop was made, the driver told officers that she felt as if she was drifting and, in retrospect, should have pulled over. The woman was given field sobriety tests and allegedly did poorly on them. She admitted to taking two anti-seizure medications before getting behind the wheel, but she did not register as having alcohol in her system when she was breathalyzed. The woman was arrested and is on leave from her job while the case is dealt with.

Apparent mistaken call to 911 sparks drug crimes arrest

On behalf of Law Firm posted in Drug Crimes on Thursday, October 18, 2018.

Drug arrests can come about in a variety of different situations in Arkansas, with some of them being unusual. Not all cases stem from a conventional traffic stop or a long-term investigation by multiple agencies. Regardless of the way an arrest was made and the charges that end up being filed, it is imperative for those dealing with allegations of drug crimes to be aware of their rights. Since a conviction can result in incarceration, large fines, and the long-term negative implications that accompany a drug conviction, having legal assistance is a must.

This may be the case for three people who were arrested after they were believed to have made a call to 911 by accident and discussed drugs and drug deals while the 911 operator overheard them. At around 10 p.m., the dispatcher received the call from a phone number that belonged to a 54-year-old man. The man was heard discussing stealing things from establishments and buying methamphetamine. After tracing the call, law enforcement located a vehicle with two people inside - a 28-year-old woman and a 43-year-old woman. The man then went to the passenger side and was believed to have put something under the car.

What should I know about white collar crime related to email?

On behalf of Law Firm posted in White Collar Crime on Thursday, October 11, 2018.

The exponential increase in computer use in Arkansas, across the nation and around the world has resulted in people being accused of white collar crime related to it. One issue is when there are attempts to steal money and property via email. This can result in serious charges with hefty penalties should there be a conviction. For those who are alleged to have taken part in email-related crimes, knowing the details of the crime itself, the law, and what sparked an arrest is an integral part of lodging a defense.

When there is an email crime, the person will be alleged to have concocted or executed a scheme in attempting to illegally acquire property or defraud another if he or she: transmitted or caused to be transmitted the email to one or more recipients who were not aware of getting the email or consented to it. It must have forged data, information, images and more that is: located in the header, the subject line, or has routing instructions; or has a description or identification of the sender, its source, where it originated, or the path the transmission took.

Arkansas man faces drug crimes for marijuana bushes at home

On behalf of Law Firm posted in Drug Crimes on Thursday, October 4, 2018.

Although the nationwide debate as to whether marijuana should be legal or not removed a big chunk of the stigma associated with crimes related to the drug, it remains illegal in Arkansas except for medical purposes. Since that is the case, people are still facing drug crimes for involvement in marijuana. Regardless of the drug being treated more liberally in the U.S., it can result in jail time, fines and other penalties for those who sell and possess it. It is important not to forget that when there is an arrest and to have legal help to prepare a defense.

A Little Rock man was arrested because there were three large marijuana plants at his home. Law enforcement went to the residence and discovered the bushes of marijuana. There was also a location for it to dry and be stored. The man also had numerous firearms. As they collected the marijuana, it came to more than 100 pounds once it was tallied up. The man resides near a drug-free zone, so he faces charges related to that. He is also facing allegations of possessing drug paraphernalia, the weapons and the marijuana. He is charged with manufacturing more than 100 pounds of the drug.

Man arrested for drug crimes related to steroids

On behalf of Law Firm posted in Drug Crimes on Friday, September 28, 2018.

In Arkansas, alleged drug crimes and arrests can come in many ways. While they will often be perceived as having to do with street drugs like heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and even marijuana, other drugs can lead to an arrest. Some of these are prescription drug crimes. Others are related to performance enhancement. That includes steroids. Because in many circles, steroids are not viewed as a major problem, people might think they will not face hefty punishments if they are arrested and charged with acts related to them. They are wrong. When a person is arrested for steroids, having legal help is just as crucial as it is for street drugs.

A man who received a package of steroids was placed under arrest for drug crimes. The shipment came from China and was stopped by law enforcement before it reached the man's house. After investigating the man, they found steroids in his home and arrested him. According to him, he did not intend to sell the drugs in Arkansas, but was going to ship them elsewhere in the U.S. Initially, he stated that the package law enforcement intercepted was not his as it was addressed to another person. They got a search warrant and opened the package. It was marked oatmeal and rice, but contained steroids.

A DUI checkpoint can stress you out and lead to mistakes

On behalf of Law Firm on Wednesday, September 26, 2018.

You're driving down the road, not expecting to run into any trouble, when you suddenly see a DUI checkpoint ahead. Maybe you have had too much to drink. Or maybe you consumed one alcoholic beverage in the last couple of hours. Regardless, the stress is sure to overcome you as you wait your turn.

Here are five DUI checkpoint mistakes you must avoid:

Making an illegal U-turn: You're so set on the idea that talking to an officer will result in trouble that you look for any way out. Soon enough, you decide to make a U-turn and drive in the opposite direction. You're permitted to turn around, but you must do so within the limits of the law.
Talking back to the officer: Even if you feel like the officer is treating you poorly, it's best to go with the flow with the idea of making your way through the checkpoint without trouble.
Erratic driving: You don't want to start and stop quickly, drift out of your lane of travel or do anything else that makes you appear intoxicated. Any form of erratic driving is likely to make you stick out like a sore thumb, and that's not what you need at a DUI checkpoint.
Leaving alcohol in plain view: Even if it's a closed bottle of alcohol, you don't want it sitting on your passenger seat. This gives authorities the impression that you've been drinking, thus causing them to dig around even more.
Complaining about your legal rights: "You don't have the right to stop my vehicle." "You can't talk to me like that." "I don't have to listen to anything you're saying right now." All of these complaints only make things worse for you. DUI checkpoints are 100 percent legal, so don't lecture the officer.

Arkansas teacher arrested for DWI is no longer teaching

On behalf of Law Firm posted in DWI on Friday, September 21, 2018.

When there is an arrest for driving while intoxicated in Arkansas, the penalties that the person will face are significant in a legal context. What might not be considered when dealing with the accusations is the impact it will have on the personal and professional life. Since the act of DWI is taken so seriously in the state, law enforcement is vigilant in its attempts to stop and arrest drivers who are under the influence. When an arrest is made, the combination of the allegations and the perception in the community can hinder a person's life. A legal defense is critical to avoid the numerous legal and personal ramifications.

A teacher who was arrested for DWI is no longer teaching in her school district. The woman, 34, had taught language arts. She was stopped in the early morning hours and arrested on multiple charges including DWI, not having proof of insurance, making an improper U-turn, driving left of the center line, and careless driving. The spokesperson for the school district subsequently stated that the woman was no longer teaching. She was released from jail in the mid-afternoon and has a hearing scheduled for late-October.

What if an underage person commits refusal in a DWI case?

On behalf of Law Firm posted in DWI on Friday, September 14, 2018.

Law enforcement in Arkansas keeps a close watch on the road to look for drivers who might be driving while intoxicated. The dangers of DWI are well-known and it is understandable that the law seeks to tamp down on this activity. The laws and penalties related to a DWI conviction are serious for everyone whether they are young or old. Of notable risk for making mistakes on the road are people under age 21. Being arrested and charged with DWI when underage carries with it certain penalties that can cause problems for a younger person.

One issue they might have can come about even if they were not under the influence is refusing to submit to a chemical test. Understanding the law related to underage refusal is the first step toward crafting a defense. When an underage person is suspected of DWI and asked to take a chemical test, a refusal will not prevent the requirement to take it. It will still be given to the person; the driver's license, permit or other document giving the person the legal ability to drive will be taken by the officer; the officer will give the person a temporary driving permit.