What We Actually Know — and Don’t Know — About the Death of Renee Good The death of Renee Good has ignited a familiar firestorm on social media. Self-appointed “use of force experts” have flooded timelines with absolute conclusions—declaring either that law enforcement acted lawfully or that this was a cold-blooded murder. I have readContinue reading “Addressing the Minneapolis OIS: Why “I Don’t Know” Is the Only Honest Answer Right Now”
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Reasonableness in Real Time: Understanding Use of Force Beyond the Headlines
Law enforcement use of force is one of the most scrutinized issues in modern policing.Public debate often moves faster than the law, and officers are frequently judged in real time through news clips, social media commentary, and incomplete video footage. In many cases, the “court of public opinion” reaches a verdict long before investigators, prosecutors,Continue reading “Reasonableness in Real Time: Understanding Use of Force Beyond the Headlines”
Blaming Foster Care Doesn’t Work
Another issue that comes up often in dependency cases is parents blaming foster care for their child’s behavior. It’s common to hear: “My child didn’t act this way before they were in foster care.” While there may be some truth that foster care itself can be a difficult adjustment, the reality is this: the reason theContinue reading “Blaming Foster Care Doesn’t Work”
Substance Switching in Dependency Cases
One common issue we see in dependency cases is parents switching from one substance to another instead of actually addressing the root problem. This kind of “substance swapping” doesn’t fool the court. Judges and DHR want to see real progress—not just replacing one drug with another. If a parent has a drug problem, the expectation is not justContinue reading “Substance Switching in Dependency Cases”
Understanding Juvenile Dependency Cases in Elmore County
Juvenile dependency cases in Elmore County (and throughout Alabama) can be overwhelming for parents, relatives, and anyone else who suddenly finds themselves in the middle of the process. These cases move quickly, and the language the court uses can be confusing. This post will break down what “dependency” means, how these cases are started, andContinue reading “Understanding Juvenile Dependency Cases in Elmore County”
Due Process Rights of Alabama Sheriff’s Deputies in Employment Matters
In Alabama, the legal protections and employment rights of sheriff’s deputies differ significantly from those of municipal police officers or state troopers. This difference is rooted in the unique constitutional and statutory framework governing sheriffs and their deputies. Sheriffs as Constitutional Officers The Alabama Constitution provides that each county shall have a sheriff. Because of thisContinue reading “Due Process Rights of Alabama Sheriff’s Deputies in Employment Matters”
Representing Those Who Protect Us: Civil Representation for Law Enforcement
Let’s get something straight — being a law enforcement officer in today’s world isn’t for the faint of heart. Officers are expected to make split-second decisions, often with limited information, and yet they’re held to a standard that leaves zero room for human error. It’s a job with high stakes and even higher scrutiny —Continue reading “Representing Those Who Protect Us: Civil Representation for Law Enforcement”
Can they do that? Probably not. Things that shouldn’t be in contracts.
Let’s start with the most important rule: always read the contract. Seriously — always. There are generally three types of contracts: those for the sale of goods, those for services, and mixed contracts that involve both. Why does this matter? Because sales of goods fall under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), while services and mixed contracts are governed by the more unpredictable realm of common law — which, despite itsContinue reading “Can they do that? Probably not. Things that shouldn’t be in contracts.”
Rule 32 Petitions: Good, Bad, or Just Plain Ugly?
I am frequently asked whether I file Rule 32 petitions. Well, like most other questions, the answer is — “it depends.” What Is a Rule 32 Petition in Alabama? One of the most common questions I get is: “What exactly is a Rule 32 petition?” In short, it’s a petition for post-conviction relief filed under Rule 32 of the AlabamaContinue reading “Rule 32 Petitions: Good, Bad, or Just Plain Ugly?”
Wait… What? Jail in Prison?
If that confused you, you’re not alone. A lot of people don’t know the difference between jail and prison — and even fewer have heard the phrase “in jail while in prison.” Let’s break it down. Jail vs. Prison: What’s the Difference? Jails are located in each county and are typically used to detain individuals whoContinue reading “Wait… What? Jail in Prison?”
Hayden Glass Sizemore 