The Sanders Law Firm, PLLCThe Sanders Law Firm, PLLC2026-11-08T15:49:30Zhttps://www.sandersfirmpllc.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1404053/2023/08/cropped-Sanders-Firm-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of The Sanders Firm PLLC<![CDATA[Does the law require drivers to submit to field sobriety tests?]]>https://www.sandersfirmpllc.com/?p=473412026-11-08T15:49:30Z2026-11-08T15:49:30ZRoadside testing is often voluntary
Most drivers have gone years without reviewing the laws related to DWI allegations. As such, they may misremember the details of the law.
For example, there is an implied consent law that mandates submission to testing. However, implied consent rules only take effect after an arrest. Even when implied consent rules apply, they only mandate submission to chemical testing, not field sobriety testing.
Drivers do not have an obligation to complete any of the field sobriety tests that a police officer wants to administer. Many people submit to the tests expecting to pass and then end up providing police officers with the probable cause they require to arrest them and demand a chemical test. Motorists have the right to politely decline field sobriety tests and refuse to answer any invasive questions during a traffic stop.
Knowing about the rules that govern DWI cases can help motorists navigate traffic stops and begin planning a response to pending charges. The guidance of a lawyer is invaluable to those facing DWI allegations accordingly.
]]>On Behalf of The Sanders Firm PLLC<![CDATA[How a phone call home can complicate criminal charges]]>https://www.sandersfirmpllc.com/?p=473392026-10-21T17:08:35Z2026-10-21T17:08:35ZMany people are familiar with the Miranda warning. They understand that they have the right to remain silent when police officers question them. They may also recognize that they need to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after an arrest.
Despite attempting to assert their rights, many people make mistakes when they are in state custody. For example, they may share information with others that can potentially strengthen the state's case. What people do after an arrest can have profound implications for the criminal charges they may face in the future.
Anyone in a state facility can testify later
Contrary to what people sometimes assume, police officers are not the only ones who can share details with the courts about a person's time in jail or a holding facility. Other people in state detention can become jailhouse informants.They may offer to testify in exchange for lenient treatment by the courts. Therefore, any casual conversations with other people while in state custody can end up giving the state evidence to use in a criminal case.Additionally, phone calls to friends or family are also potential sources of evidence for the state. With exceptions for phone calls made to a criminal defense attorney, most phone calls by those in state custody are subject to recording.Not only can state employees monitor calls, but they can also record conversations and use what people say as evidence if the case goes to trial. Avoiding any conversations that address pending charges and could strengthen the state's case is critical for those in state custody.Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible after an arrest can help people understand their rights. A lawyer can help people avoid mistakes that can limit their criminal defense options after an arrest.]]>On Behalf of The Sanders Firm PLLC<![CDATA[Are firearm suppressors or silencers legal in Arkansas?]]>https://www.sandersfirmpllc.com/?p=473372026-10-11T23:42:13Z2026-10-11T23:42:13ZYes, Arkansas allows suppressor use and ownership
Some states require licenses or impose other restrictions on the acquisition and use of suppressors. Arkansas does not currently have any state regulations that limit the lawful purchase or use of a suppressor.
Instead, the primary bureaucratic restriction on silence or use in Arkansas historically came from federal regulations. Those acquiring silencers once needed to follow federal procedures for a permit, but the tax stamp that previously imposed a financial obligation on those seeking a federal permit is no longer an issue.
Suppressors are unlikely to cause any kind of criminal charge for owners in Arkansas, provided that they can legally possess the firearm that they suppress. However, there are still other ways to violate the law with a firearm, and Arkansas residents risk fines, jail time and future firearm ownership restrictions if they do not respond assertively to firearm-related charges.
For those trying to avoid firearms charges, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations is key. Those accused of breaking firearm laws, possibly by failing to obtain necessary permits, often need support as they respond to their pending weapons charges, and that’s okay. Personalized legal guidance is always available.]]>On Behalf of The Sanders Firm PLLC<![CDATA[What justifies public intoxication charges in Faulkner County?]]>https://www.sandersfirmpllc.com/?p=473352026-10-03T01:05:30Z2026-10-03T01:05:30ZThere are many different ways that people can break the law with alcohol. Over-consumption, drinking before driving and misconduct while under the influence can all lead to criminal charges.
In some cases, people may also face criminal allegations related to intoxication in public. Public intoxication is a form of disorderly conduct that can result in criminal prosecution, especially in dry counties like Faulkner. While people in Faulkner County can’t buy alcohol at local stores or restaurants, they can buy it elsewhere to consume in a private location or return to Faulkner County under the influence after an outing to businesses with alcohol licenses elsewhere. Those accused of public intoxication need to know what specific details about the circumstances justify criminal prosecution. Understanding the law can help defendants evaluate different defense strategies.
Impairment alone isn't criminal
Contrary to what many people assume, public intoxication charges are not just the result of someone appearing mildly inebriated in public. Instead, the person accused of public intoxication must generally become a nuisance or menace to others.Maybe they engage in behavior that seems likely to cause substantial property damage. Perhaps they're aggressive or inappropriate behavior makes them a significant nuisance to others. In cases where the conduct of an impaired individual disrupts the public peace, police officers can arrest them for their conduct.Fighting public intoxication charges requires an understanding of the law and a careful evaluation of the situation. Working with a lawyer who has experience navigating alcohol-related disorderly conduct charges in Faulkner County can help people avoid long-term consequences for drinking at a social gathering or restaurant in another county.]]>On Behalf of The Sanders Firm PLLC<![CDATA[3 legal rights during a traffic stop]]>https://www.sandersfirmpllc.com/?p=473132026-09-16T13:10:13Z2026-09-16T13:10:13Zprotects drivers during traffic stops in three key ways.
1. Right to remain silent
The Fifth Amendment protects people from self-incriminating comments. This means that drivers have the right to remain silent if the police ask them questions during a traffic stop. However, if a driver chooses to answer questions during a traffic stop, their comments could be used against them.
For example, a police officer may ask a driver if they have been drinking. If a driver mentions that they were drinking, this evidence could be used to charge them with drunk driving. Instead, the driver could plead the Fifth and refuse to answer questions beyond basics such as stating their name if asked.
2. Right against unreasonable searches
Under the Fourth Amendment, people have the right against unreasonable searches. Physical evidence the police collect during investigations can be used to charge people for crimes. If the police ask to search a car during a traffic stop, a driver can usually refuse.
The police can lawfully search a vehicle for certain reasons, such as if they have probable cause, a warrant or if they made a lawful arrest. However, if the police do not have permission and violate the driver’s legal rights, evidence may not be used in court.
3. Right to record
The First Amendment allows people to record police interactions. Recording a traffic stop helps to ensure that police officers are held accountable for misconduct and protects the driver’s rights. However, drivers must not interfere with a police officer’s duties when recording a traffic stop.
Professional legal guidance can help if you are facing criminal charges after a traffic stop. Seeking support can help you to determine whether your rights have been violated, and how to proceed accordingly.]]>On Behalf of The Sanders Firm PLLC<![CDATA[Breath test calibration issues can help challenge evidence]]>https://www.sandersfirmpllc.com/?p=473072026-08-24T16:28:16Z2026-08-24T16:28:16ZWhen someone is arrested on DWI charges, the police will gather evidence to support this claim. This can start with the officer’s testimony of driving behaviors they observed, for example, or whether or not they smelled alcohol on the person’s breath. The officer needs to establish reasonable suspicion for the initial traffic stop.
But one of the main forms of evidence that officers will gather comes from giving that driver a breath test. This test can establish their blood alcohol concentration (BAC). If they have exceeded the legal limit, then the court can presume that they were impaired. Though there are lower limits for underage drivers and commercial drivers, the majority of drivers have a legal limit of 0.08%.
Are the results accurate?
Even when someone fails this breath test, such as an adult driver who has a BAC of 0.09%, there may be ways for them to challenge that evidence.One potential issue is if the breath test was not calibrated and maintained by the police department. Periodic calibration is necessary to ensure accuracy. If the department neglected the test and never performed this calibration, then the results could be off.This is especially important in a situation where the person is close to that legal limit, as in the example above. Even if the breath test is slightly off, they may not have actually exceeded the limit. When using this type of evidence against a person who is facing jail time, fines and a license suspension, it is crucial to establish that the evidence itself is accurate and trustworthy.
DWI defense options
This is just one example of how a person can challenge breath test results and defend themselves against DWI charges. Those facing criminal charges must know exactly what legal steps to take.]]>On Behalf of The Sanders Firm PLLC<![CDATA[Does a prescription always protect against drug charges?]]>https://www.sandersfirmpllc.com/?p=473052026-08-16T00:12:10Z2026-08-16T00:12:10ZThe details matter in a drug case
Numerous details influence whether or not having a prescription could be part of a defendant's strategy. First and foremost, timing is a critical factor. If an individual did not have a valid prescription at the time of their arrest but has since sought a prescription from a healthcare provider, the prescription they have may do little to convince the state that the charges brought are inappropriate and unnecessary.
The type of medication and how often people abuse it are also important considerations. Drugs with lower schedule numbers, including Schedule I and Schedule II drugs, tend to carry the most serious criminal charges and penalties. The amount of the drug found by police officers and the criminal record of the person accused can also influence how the state handles drug charges in a prescription medication case.
Those accused of an offense involving a prescribed drug may need help learning about the law, evaluating the state's case and preparing a response, and that’s okay. Legal support can help those accused of drug offenses minimize the lasting consequences of their charges.]]>On Behalf of The Sanders Firm PLLC<![CDATA[Can college students carry firearms on campus in Arkansas?]]>https://www.sandersfirmpllc.com/?p=473032026-07-31T10:12:57Z2026-07-31T10:12:57ZCampus rules and criminal laws can overlap
Carrying a firearm on campus in Arkansas is allowed under specific legal requirements. Open carry is not allowed on public campus grounds. In many cases, a person should meet additional licensing requirements before carrying a concealed handgun on campus, and some locations still remain off limits. Firearms also cannot be stored in residence halls or other university facilities. Firearms also cannot be stored in residence halls or other university facilities. Violating any of these rules can draw the attention of both university officials and law enforcement.
Common mistakes that can lead to criminal charges
Many campus weapon cases start with an honest mistake, such as:
Bringing a firearm into a residence hall or another prohibited location
Leaving a firearm where campus rules prohibit storage
Assuming permitless carry applies on campus
Carrying without meeting Arkansas’ campus carry requirements
Even if the person did not intend to break the law, officers might still investigate if a crime took place. The circumstances surrounding the incident often matter.
One incident might trigger two separate proceedings
A campus firearm violation can lead to both a university disciplinary process and a criminal case. These are separate proceedings with different rules and possible outcomes. A student may face suspension or expulsion through the school's conduct process while prosecutors decide whether to file criminal charges under Arkansas law. One outcome does not automatically determine the other. Understanding that distinction is important before responding to questions from school officials or law enforcement.
Know the consequences before carrying
Students should review both Arkansas firearm law as well as their college’s firearm policies before bringing a gun onto campus. Taking the time to understand the rules can help prevent criminal charges, university discipline and unnecessary harm to future education or employment opportunities.]]>On Behalf of The Sanders Firm PLLC<![CDATA[3 DWI myths to be wary of]]>https://www.sandersfirmpllc.com/?p=473012026-07-23T01:53:29Z2026-07-23T01:53:29Z1. You can drink right up to the blood alcohol limit
People often believe they or a friend will be fine as long as they do not pass a certain number of drinks. Rather than just stop at one drink, they will try and push it to the limit, so they drink as much as they can without risking arrest.
First, it is important to remember that any quantity of alcohol will negatively affect a person’s driving. Second, the police can still arrest someone for drunk driving even if they are under the limit based on what they saw. Finally, there is no way to know for certain how much alcohol will put a person over the legal limit.
2. You can cheat a breathalyzer test
Some people drive after drinking in the belief that they have a sure-fire tactic to trick the police breath or urine test. One example is sucking on a penny or mints before taking a breath test. That will almost certainly fail, and lead to a driver who is over the limit being arrested.
3. You should just accept a DWI charge
People often believe that they are charged with DWI, they may as well just accept it. They don’t understand the defense options that may be available and may not understand the seriousness of the consequences they could face.
No matter how you ended up facing a DWI charge, it’s wise to seek legal guidance to examine what options you have.]]>On Behalf of The Sanders Firm PLLC<![CDATA[How witness testimony can affect your case]]>https://www.sandersfirmpllc.com/?p=472972026-07-10T15:27:43Z2026-07-10T15:27:43ZPolice procedurals and crime dramas on television have many people believing that a prosecutor needs physical evidence, such as DNA, fingerprints or surveillance video, to win a case. While such evidence can be important, many criminal cases also depend heavily on witness testimony.
But witnesses aren't always neutral observers. Personal biases, emotions and faded memories can influence what someone believes they saw or heard. Knowing the issues with witness testimony can help you better understand the importance of a strong defense.
Why witness testimony matters
In many criminal cases, there may be little or no physical evidence connecting the defendant to the alleged offense. Therefore, prosecutors may need to rely on witness accounts to establish what happened and who was involved.A witness's testimony may help establish:
The identity of the alleged offender
The intent or state of mind of the accused
Whether a crime actually occurred
A timeline of events
However, witnesses can make mistakes, even ones with supposedly excellent memories. Research has shown that human memory doesn't work like a video recording. Instead,memories can change over time and can be influenced by stress, fear, poor lighting, distance, conversations with others or leading questions.Credibility is often a key issue with witness testimony. Jurors consider many things when deciding if they believe a witness, including:
Whether the witness has given consistent statements
Whether the witness account conflicts with the physical evidence
Any possible bias or personal interest in the outcome
When a witness changes their story multiple times, or their testimony doesn't match the physical evidence, the jurors may find them unbelievable.If you've been arrested or charged with a crime, witness testimony may play a major role in your case. You want to work with someone who can review the evidence, investigate witness statements, identify inconsistencies and prepare an effective defense.
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