Facing arrest for obstruction of justice can feel arbitrary and unfair. This is especially the case if you believe the arrest to be unlawful. Getting the charge to go away requires proving that no obstruction exists. A brief overview of this aspect of the law can help make this happen. Defining obstruction of justice Begin by learning how the law defines obstruction of justice. Generally, the indictment applies when someone faces accusations of deliberately hindering an investigation or the prosecution of a crime. This could include lying to law enforcement, destroying evidence or interfering ..read more

If you face charges of possession or intent to traffic following a traffic stop, you may wonder whether law enforcement has a legal right to search your vehicle. Evidence from searches without a legal pretense cannot stand up in court. Cops do not always have the right to search a vehicle during a routine stop. In cases of probable cause In Arkansas, police officers can search your vehicle without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe it contains evidence of a crime. Probable cause can come from observations such as the smell of drugs, visible contraband or suspicious behavior by th ..read more

In Arkansas, there are specific laws that dictate when police officers can enter your home. Depending on the situation, you can even refuse to let them in. Before the police show up at your door, it is good to have a clear understanding of when they can legally enter and search your home. Consent One way that police can enter your home is with your consent. If you voluntarily allow them to come in, they do not need a warrant or any other justification. It is important to remember that you have the right to refuse consent to a police search of your home. Wellness check Law enforcement may go in ..read more

Responsible gun owners should understand the relevant laws in Arkansas. Violating weapon regulations can result in serious penalties. Familiarize yourself with the state gun laws if you have or may purchase a firearm. Open and concealed carry laws Arkansas allows individuals to carry firearms without a permit. You can conceal your firearm or carry it openly at many public locations. Exceptions include government buildings, schools, places of worship and private property with posted signs prohibiting weapons. You can avoid legal penalties by understanding where you can carry your firearm. Firea ..read more

A serious white-collar crime, embezzlement stands out as a betrayal of trust that occurs within an organization. This deceptive act involves the misappropriation or theft of funds by an employee, for personal gain. Defining embezzlement The U.S. Department of Justice defines embezzlement as a breach of trust that often takes place within a company or organization, making it particularly insidious. Embezzlement involves individuals such as financial managers or employees with access to company finances. The nature of embezzlement One distinguishing feature of embezzlement is its subtle and cove ..read more

Today’s felony offenders encounter collateral consequences. These are repercussions that extend beyond the court-imposed sentence. These consequences have a notable impact on an individual’s ability to reintegrate into society. Understanding the many challenges that follow a felony conviction is important for fostering a more comprehensive approach to criminal justice. Employment challenges Felony offenders face barriers when seeking jobs due to the stigma associated with criminal records. Many employers hesitate to hire those with felonies. This can limit opportunities for rehabilitation and ..read more

Many people use the terms forgery and counterfeiting interchangeably. If you are facing charges of one or the other, it is important to know the differences between them. Forgery and counterfeiting both have the potential to be federal crimes but they carry distinct legal meanings. Forgery Forgery entails the creation or alteration of documents with the intent to deceive. Common examples include falsifying signatures, altering checks or fabricating legal documents. It is a federal offense under the United States Code, Title 18, Section 471. Those found guilty of forgery may face severe consequ ..read more

Conspiracy to distribute refers to an agreement between two or more individuals to distribute a controlled substance. This charge does not require the actual distribution of the substance, but merely the intent to do so. The more you understand about conspiracy charges, the easier it is to defend yourself. The elements of conspiracy to distribute The law requires three elements to prove conspiracy to distribute. An agreement must exist between two or more individuals. The individuals involved intended to distribute a controlled substance. At least one individual involved committed an act to fu ..read more

White-collar crimes encompass a range of nonviolent, financially motivated offenses. They can include mail fraud, Medicare fraud, tax fraud and money laundering. In Arkansas, the grand jury plays an important role when it comes to felony charges. Unlike a trial jury, which determines guilt or innocence in a criminal case, a grand jury decides whether there is enough evidence to formally charge an individual with a felony. Formation and composition Citizens from the community make up the members of grand juries in Arkansas. These grand jurors come from a pool of eligible individuals. The grand ..read more

Arkansas law establishes many different types of assault. The specific actions and circumstances significantly affect the legal consequences for these offenses. Review the categories of assault and potential penalties if you or a loved one faces this type of charge. Simple assault Simple assault is the least severe form of assault in Arkansas. It involves intentionally causing another person to fear imminent physical harm. A conviction for simple assault is generally a misdemeanor. Penalties may include fines and possible jail time, typically for a short duration. Aggravated assault This more ..read more