Alabama's New Gun Law: Fully Loaded Iron Bowl

Alabama's new gun law, set to take effect on August 1, will make carrying a gun a lot easier.  This is a polarizing issue.  Regardless, the change is inevitable now.

http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/07/six_things_to_know_about_alaba.html#incart_2box

The new law, in essence, allows the normal citizen who possesses a concealed weapon permit to take guns into places they've never been - sporting events, schools, work, so on.  Is this a good idea?  We'll find out soon.  I can't imagine having fans armed at the Iron Bowl will ever end well.

Charged with a Crime: Fingerprints, Mugshot, and DNA?

With the recent decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, law enforcement may now acquire a DNA sample without a warrant from those individuals charged with a serious crime.  Though the Court was sharply divided on the issue (as is typical), this particular issue created some strange bedfellows among the justices.  Regardless, the question remains whether such a decision constitutes an added layer of identification for law enforcement or an intrusion into that which makes us each unique.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/03/supreme-court-dna-samples_n_3378379.html

Many critics lament that there is nothing to stop the expansion of such a gathering program.  While such expansion remains to be seen, the fact-of-the-matter is that DNA sampling is sure to be a ubiquitous practice from this point forward.

Edward Snowden, the Constitution, and "Big Brother": What Does It All Mean?

Recent revelations provided courtesy of a brave/crazy NSA contracted employee have shed light on what many of us have suspected for some time -- secret government programs, devoid of accountability, and, at least on the surface, potentially violating the Constitutional rights of U.S. citizens.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/10/us/snowden-leaker-reaction/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Leaks such as this invoke comparisons to a Jason Bourne movie or Jack Clancy novel.  And, there are debates on all sides as to the legality of the program, the morality of the unchecked observation, and whether the ends do, in fact, justify the means.  Regardless of where you stand, incidences such as this one remind me of how valuable our Constitution truly is.

Child Custody and the Working Mom: Preparing for Divorce

The world has changed -- for the better -- in the last fifty years, and women are now a more pronounced presence in the professional work force.  While much work remains to be done towards achieving full equality, I see many divorces involving spouses balancing their careers and their children.  Oftentimes, the wife is both a professional and a caregiver.  In these types of situations, preparing for a divorce in advance is vital:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-helfend-meyer/child-custody-and-the-wor_b_3369173.html

Great advice in this piece.  The trend in Alabama has been towards one parent having primary physical custody and the other having visitation.  This fact only stresses the importance of the advice in this article.  If you're in need of a child custody lawyer, don't hesitate to call.

State of Florida v. Zimmerman: Criminal Defense Strategy

Regardless of whether you believe George Zimmerman murdered Trayvon Martin or acted in self-defense, a trial looms on the horizon.  And, twelve Floridians will be saddled with the responsibility of deciding the former's innocence or guilt.  A case with such monumental media exposure undoubtedly requires creative and nuanced legal strategy -- from both sides.  The defense's posturing continued today via Mr. Zimmerman's criminal lawyer:

http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/23/justice/florida-zimmerman-defense/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

The members of the jury will not assume their duty without some knowledge of this case.  It is vital for both sides to present their story in the media, without the hindrance of the rules of evidence.  Pictures, texts, and phone calls, which are likely inadmissible at trial, can be planted in the minds of potential jurors now.  As the adage says: "You can't unring the bell."  Once a future juror sees or hears these pictures and texts, it's difficult to forget them, regardless of how a Judge may instruct.

Choose an Attorney Based on Personality? Yes!

If those in need of the services of an attorney knew how much the personality and conflict-resolution skill of an attorney play into the outcome and expense of the client's case, the practice and business of law would be completely different.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-baer/the-personality-and-philo_b_3246689.html?utm_hp_ref=divorce&ir=Divorce

This is a very insightful article by Mark Baer.  And, I'd advise every person searching for a lawyer to read it. 

I strive to create and nourish healthy relationships with other attorneys.  Why?  Because great relationships with other attorney's help keep me sane and undoubtedly serve the best interests of my client.  I am not hired to perpetuate ongoing personal conflicts with other attorneys.  I am hired to pursue the goals of my clients as quickly and efficiently as possible.  That's only possible if I and the other attorney understand our roles and respect one another's obligations and responsibilities.  It isn't always possible, but, when it is, it makes a world of difference.

Divorce and Mediation: Facts v. Myths

Mediation is required in every divorce case filed in Morgan County.  So, it is important that the parties in the case understand what mediation is and how it works.  Though I always apprise my clients of what to expect, this article provides some useful information to those who haven't consulted a lawyer yet:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/diane-l-danois-jd/mediation-myths-and-misunderstandings_b_3137489.html?utm_hp_ref=divorce&ir=Divorce

I would add that generally most participants in a mediation have an attorney with them.  And, no one does mediation before filing for divorce -- though it is certainly possible to do so.