Former Delivery Driver Sexually Abused Pets on his Route

James Darland Mug Shot

Arizona authorities arrested James Allen Darland last week for conspiracy to commit bestiality after he solicited undercover detectives posing as farmers to have sexual contact with their farm animals. Interrogation revealed that he was a former UPS delivery driver, and he admitted that during his days as a driver, he would have sex with the pets of the clients on his route. Authorities also seized his pet dog, as he admitted to having sex with it, as well.

It doesn’t say why officers initiated this undercover operation, but it certainly appears that their concerns were warranted. Eww.

It’s Hard Out Here For Lawyers

In case anyone needing reminding, this suit alleging that Arizona deputies beat a lawyer who was trying to comfort his client is shocking. I wish it would go to trial, but these things generally resolve before that level. Still, it’s a reminder of all the things that attorneys are up against.

http://reason.com/blog/2013/06/21/sheriffs-deputies-beat-and-jail-attorney?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews

Miranda Arrest Remembered 50 Years Later

Yesterday marked the 50th anniversary of the arrest of Ernesto Miranda in Phoenix, whose appeal of his conviction was the named case that we refer to when we talk about people being informed of their right to remain silent and to have an attorney: being read their Miranda rights. The Supreme Court created a format that would make it easy for law enforcement to follow and create a bright-line rule to determine if a person’s statements would be admissible against them. Law Enforcement officers are required to inform suspects of their rights if they are going to interrogate them after arrest. The case remains one of the most important landmarks for the protection of individual rights in our nation’s history.

I add that the Miranda rights do not have to be read after every arrest. In Florida, cops actually don’t have to tell people what they are being arrested for at that time. Miranda readings are only required if the cops interrogate someone after arresting them. I am adding this because that’s one of the most common misconceptions defense attorneys see among accused people, generally. It’s also fascinating to learn that the decision didn’t help Miranda, anyway. He was given a new trial without his confession being entered, and he was convicted anyway.

http://nation.time.com/2013/03/13/phoenix-police-mark-50-years-since-miranda-arrest/