Violent Crimes

Violent Crime Attorneys in Birmingham

Experienced & Successful Criminal Defense

Violent offenses in Alabama can mean serious penalties for those convicted. Class A felonies such as murder, first-degree domestic violence, and armed robbery are punishable by 10 years to life in prison – and in the case of capital murder, the prosecution can seek the death penalty. Even misdemeanor simple assault can mean up to a year of incarceration. In addition, violent crime convictions often limit professional and social opportunities, and even accusations can lead to public stigma. Those accused of these serious crimes need a Birmingham criminal defense attorney who understands the law’s complexities and will fight on their behalf.

At Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., we have decades of courtroom experience and will aggressively advocate for your rights. When you choose our firm, you get an entire team that will immediately commit to getting the best possible outcome for your case. We are the only law firm in the country to get three death row inmates exonerated through new trials, and you can count on us for your defense.

Domestic violence carries very harsh penalties. If you are facing these charges, schedule a case evaluation today to discuss your discuss options.

Vigorous Defense against Violent Crime Charges

We know your reputation, future, and potentially your life are on the line. Our team of Birmingham violent crime lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case, including evidence, witness testimony, police procedure, and mitigating circumstances to build the best possible defense. Our Alabama criminal defense law firm has a history of successful defenses for those accused of or charged with a violent crime in Birmingham.

Our successful violent crime cases have included:

  • Assault and battery
  • Domestic violence
  • Armed robbery
  • Sexual assault
  • Reckless endangerment
  • Kidnapping
  • Carjacking
  • Homicide (murder, capital murder, manslaughter)

State of Alabama vs. Demetrius Watson

The case of State of Alabama vs. Watson speaks to our past work. Mr. Watson was charged with murder even though it was clear he had acted in self-defense. We filed a Motion to Dismiss and were granted a “Stand Your Ground” hearing where we successfully presented evidence to demonstrate Mr. Watson was justified in his actions. After the Motion to Dismiss was granted, the state appealed the decision to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals and then to the Alabama Supreme Court.

Birmingham Domestic Violence Lawyer

Our Birmingham criminal defense attorneys represented Mr. Watson throughout the process, and both appeals courts eventually upheld the trial court’s decision. We provide this type of nuanced and dedicated defense to every client, and you can depend on our counsel in this difficult time. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other violent crime lawyers in Birmingham.

Contact Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. today at (205) 900-7714 to schedule a FREE in-person case evaluation with an experienced criminal defense attorney you can trust.

  • Potential Reckless Murder
  • Death Penalty

    Notice of Order- 01-CC-1983-003916.00

  • Murder

    State v. F.P.

  • White-Collar Crime & Elder Financial Abuse

    State v. L.A.

  • Distribution of a Controlled Substance

    State v. R.G.

Clients Share Their Experiences

Read How We Have Helped Others
  • I am extremely thankful for everything you and your team did for me.

    “Mr. Hanle: I am extremely thankful for everything you and your team did for me. Thanks to you I will be able to raise my children and take care of my parents without having to disappear on them for many years! You definitely lived up to the Super Lawyers title that you carry. You will always be in my prayers, and I am forever thankful for your services to my family and me.”

  • Where I perceived a threat, Richard saw opportunity.

    “We were a part of a team 20 years ago that represented Gary Drinkard in a capital retrial...There was a body wire worn by the snitch, but the contents of the tape were inaudible. Two weeks before the retrial, we received a call from prosecutors that [a company] had successfully enhanced the audio...My immediate reaction was terror...Wise Richard Jaffe told me to take a deep breath and that he had a feeling that the tape was going to help us...[T]he enhanced tape picked up enough of the conversation to show that Gary Drinkard was not confessing...Gary was acquitted in one hour. Where I perceived a threat, Richard saw opportunity.

  • I would recommend using them to anyone that needs some hardcore lawyers.

    “Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, PC is the best in the state of Alabama. They were very attentive and available to answer any questions my wife and I had. My case was not an easy case to handle - I had no evidence to prove my innocence. Mr. Jaffe and Mr. Whisonant came through for my family and me. I would recommend using them to anyone that needs some hardcore lawyers.”