By issuing the bench warrant "under advisement," the judge is effectively saying, "Your failure to appear is noted, and a warrant is justified. However, I will not make it active at this time." Instead, the judge will set a new court date. The BWUA acts as a powerful incentive to ensure attendance.
Defining Legal Possession of Guns or Drugs
Drug Trafficking - The Presumption of a Greater Crime
A significant misperception exists surrounding the criminal charge of drug trafficking in Oklahoma. The critical element that escalates a charge from simple possession to the much more severe offense of trafficking is not proof of sale, distribution, or transportation. It is purely the weight of the substance found in a person's possession.
Objection Hearsay! What Does that Mean?
At its core, the rule against hearsay is designed to ensure that evidence presented in court is reliable, credible, and can be tested for its truthfulness. Ultimately, the hearsay rule and its exceptions represent a careful balancing act. The goal is to filter out unreliable gossip and second-hand accounts while still allowing for the admission of evidence that, despite being hearsay, carries strong indicators of trustworthiness.