Alabama Pardon and Expungements Blog

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 Attend National Conference of CJA Panel Representatives in San Francisco CA

February 12, 2016 | Skier & Associates

Andrew Skier, founder and chief trial counsel of Skier & Associates will attend the National Conference of Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel District Representatives March 4-5 in San Francisco, CA. This will mark the fifth year that Mr. Skier will represent Alabama’s Middle Judicial District at this national gathering.

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.

US Supreme Court Strikes Down Alabama’s Capital Sentencing Scheme

January 14, 2016 | Skier & Associates

We wrote in March, 2015 about the possibility of the US Supreme Court reviewing the concept of Judicial Override in Capital Murder cases. This scheme allows a judge to “override” a jury and sentence a defendant to death despite the jury’s recommendation. This week, the US Supreme Court ruled in Hurst v. Florida that this sentencing structure violates the 6^th Amendment to the Constitution.

This is good news.

Importance of Knowing Immigration Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

January 14, 2016 | Skier & Associates

I have recently been involved in a case in Federal Court in which my client (a licensed professional) may be subject to removal (deportation) from the United States because of his guilty plea to a felony charge. This case is made even more tragic because my client, a citizen of Mexico, has been a permanent resident of the US since age 5.

Andrew Skier selected to sit on Board of Directors of Federal Defender Organization

December 14, 2015 | Skier & Associates

Andrew M. Skier, founder and chief trial counsel of Andrew M. Skier & Associates, has been selected to be a member of the board of Directors for the Federal Public Defender Organization serving the Middle Judicial District of Alabama. This is the organization that oversees and administers the Federal Defender Office for the District.

“Criminal Justice Reform” – Is Relief Coming?

December 9, 2015 | Skier & Associates

There have been encouraging signs of change coming in the area of Criminal Justice Reform lately, both in Alabama and in the Federal courts. Leaders in both areas have apparently come to the reasonable conclusion that the current system is untenable and unsustainable in the long term. Have we seen the beginning of a thaw in tough mandatory sentences?

Video Technology and Law Enforcement or Domestic Relations

September 22, 2015 | Skier & Associates

I am a supporter of equipping law enforcement officers with video cameras, either on their bodies (body-cam) or vehicles (dash-cam) or ideally both. Most law enforcement folks I have spoken with agree with me. There is no better way to find out the truth of a situation than to have actual video evidence, and not to have to rely on a “he said; she said” scenario.

The Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles — Preparing and presenting at the hearing (Part 3)

June 8, 2015 | Skier & Associates

After a long wait, the hearing date is finally here! What should you expect as you prepare for and appear at the parole or pardon hearing?

The Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles has very strict rules for how they conduct a hearing, and it is important to be familiar with these rules.

The Board opens their doors at 7:30 AM every day that hearings are held. Those appearing on behalf of an applicant for either parole or a pardon fill out a form and are directed to one waiting room, while those representing victims or others protesting a parole or pardon are directed to another.