Crime Goes Up When the Weather Does

Crime goes up when the weather does. Every year without fail. This week I covered national legal headlines before getting into what Alabama families need to know heading into summer: domestic violence, DHR investigations, and why criminal defense requires independent investigation.ON THE NATIONAL FRONT: The Biden interview tapes are at the center of a lawsuit. The Supreme Court ruled the First Step Act does not apply retroactively to prior sentences. A retired Air Force pilot faces six to eight years for providing unauthorized flight training to Chinese military personnel. Matthew Perry's personal assistant was sentenced to 41 months in federal court. And more than 90 federal judges now require enhanced security after a wave of threats, swatting calls, and intimidation targeting the judiciary.IN ALABAMA: Barry Moore leads the Senate runoff 53-36. The redistricting fight is at the Supreme Court and I'm not sure the August primaries happen on schedule. Three lawsuits are now pending against the Central Alabama Water Board. And Columbiana just signed a $1.1 billion data center deal after publicly saying they'd put hard limits on them.ON CRIMINAL DEFENSE: I had two new cases this week that prove why you can't accept the government's version of events without your own investigation. One needed a crime scene reconstruction expert. The other needed independent forensic analysis of a cell phone. In both cases we got it. If you're not asking for independent evaluation of the evidence, you are not giving your client a proper defense.ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Calls triple in the summer. A conviction can cost you your job, your firearm rights, your professional license, and your custody arrangement. Prosecutors can move forward even when the alleged victim doesn't want to participate. Get legal help early.ON DHR: Alabama has no minimum age law for leaving a child home alone. Think carefully before calling DHR on a neighbor unless there is a genuine safety concern. Once that investigation opens, it doesn't stay contained. And if a caseworker shows up at your door without a search warrant, you are not required to let them in or answer questions without a lawyer.Joe Ingram Law: (205) 825-5297 | joeingramlaw.comSend us your fan mail! We'd love to hear from you!