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Potential Punishments and Fines for Criminal Offenses in Alabama

September 8, 2016 | Skier & Associates

Having criminal charges brought against you, regardless of how serious the charge, is always a stressful and confusing situation. Among your first questions should be “what is the potential punishment if I am found guilty of this offense?”

This guide will be an introduction to Alabama’s laws regarding sentencing. In Alabama, criminal offenses are divided into two categories: Misdemeanors and Felonies. There are different levels of Misdemeanors and Felonies, depending on the conduct involved.

SENTENCES OF IMPRISONMENT FOR MISDEMEANORS & VIOLATIONS – Code of Alabama Section 13A-5-7 Continue reading ›

ALABAMA LAWS – THEFT OF PROPERTY

August 21, 2016 | Skier & Associates

Are you or is someone you care about charged with Theft of Property in an Alabama court? If so, you are likely wondering what the charge means and what potential punishment might happen if there is a conviction.

As always, it is best to consult with a lawyer specializing in this area before making any decisions or determinations about your case. At Skier & Associates we are available to discuss your case, offer advice on your best course of action, and discuss representation when your case goes to court.

There are four different levels, or degrees, of Theft of Property in Alabama. What level is alleged against a person is usually determined by the value of the property involved.

GENERAL DEFINITION OF THEFT – Code of Alabama Section 13A-8-2 Continue reading ›

Marijuana to remain a Schedule I controlled substance. Why?

August 18, 2016 | Skier & Associates

The Drug Enforcement Administration has, against all common sense and public opinion, decided that marijuana will remain on the list of Schedule I controlled substances. Schedule I is defined as a substance that is “highly addictive and without medical benefit.” This is a particularly bad decision not only for the thousands of Americans incarcerated for possessing or distributing this drug, it puts tens of thousands of people further away from useful and sometimes life-changing known medical uses of this substance. Continue reading ›

Pardons and Gun Rights

July 28, 2016 | Skier & Associates

One of the most common questions I am asked is the effect of a felony pardon on a person’s ability to possess a firearm. The answer is a bit more complex than one might think at first glance.

The Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles has the authority in our state to issue pardons and restore “civil rights.” These rights include the right to vote, the right to hold public office, and of course the right to possess a firearm.

Alabama’s Crisis of Leadership

June 10, 2016 | Skier & Associates

The State of Alabama is in crisis. Our Speaker of the State House of Representatives, our Governor, and our Chief Justice of the Supreme Court all are hamstrung by accusations of impropriety, abuse of their authority, and failure to execute their office in accordance with their oath. Each is finding out what life is like on the wrong end of allegations. Meanwhile in the US District Court, the Middle District of Alabama is in the midst of a judicial emergency, having lost one District Judge to resignation and another to senior status. The presiding judge is handling the workload that previously was divided among 3 judges. Where and when can we expect relief?

Alabama Needs to Address Serious Problems Within Its Prison System

March 21, 2016 | Skier & Associates

The State of Alabama incarcerates nearly 26,000 inmates in a system designed to hold 13,000. The system is staffed at a 60.4% level.[1] This combination is a recipe for disaster and will ulitmately have an adverse affect on the community at large in more ways than one. The stated Department of Corrections goal of “rehabilitation” has become a cruel joke at the expense of us all. Meanwhile, our legislature passes more and more laws requiring incarceration and takes discretion away from judges. Continue reading ›

The Apple case, Privacy in Our Devices, and Law Enforcement

March 7, 2016 | Skier & Associates

Everyone seems to be talking about Apple and their refusal to comply with a court’s order that they “unlock” a phone that might contain evidence related to a violent attack in California. The case brings up serious Fourth Amendment concerns. Continue reading ›

Andrew Skier again quoted in Montgomery Advertiser

February 18, 2016 | Skier & Associates

Andrew Skier was again quoted in the Montgomery Advertiser after receiving a positive result on behalf of a client. The client was potentially facing a designation as a sex offender, which would mean a lifetime of adherence to strict rules and supervision (Alabama has the toughest sex offender laws in the nation.)

Because of Mr. Skier’s work on the case, the judge found that the client was ineligible to be classified as a sex offender.

We are proud of the work we do on behalf of clients and love when the local media recognizes these efforts.

Andrew Skier to testify before Ad Hoc Committee to Review the Criminal Justice Act

January 31, 2016 | Skier & Associates

Andrew M. Skier, founder and lead trial counsel of Skier & Associates, has been invited by Committee Chair, Hon. Judge Kathleen Cardone, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, to testify before her Ad Hoc Committee to Review the Criminal Justice Act.

The purpose of this committee is to evaluate the effectiveness of current policies and governance structures and their impact on the appointment and compensation of counsel, quality of legal representation, program administration, and adequacy of funding.

As a Nation, Are We Becoming More Aware of Issues Related to Criminal Law?

January 27, 2016 | Skier & Associates

It seems to me that, on the whole, the American Public is becoming more aware of, sensitive to, and more thoughtful regarding how we as a society view criminal trials and the criminal justice system in general. I can’t help but believe this is a good thing, as more people become aware of the inherent problems and injustices faced by the accused, and especially the poor accused, on a daily basis.

In recent weeks, “Making a Murderer,” which chronicles the prosecution of felony cases and highlights weaknesses in the system, became a runaway sensation. The podcast “Serial,” which chronicles another problematic murder case which to that point had received little or no media attention has also been immensely popular.