If you’ve been charged with a crime in Alabama, your future could be at risk. Criminal charges can lead to serious consequences like jail time, fines, and a criminal record. But it’s not too late to fight back with the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
At Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., we have 100 years of combined experience defending clients against all kinds of criminal charges. We know how the legal system works in Alabama, and we will do everything we can to help you get the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact our Alabama criminal defense lawyers today at (205) 930-9800 for a free consultation. We can review the facts of your case and offer initial legal advice when you speak with us.
How Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. Can Help You Fight Criminal Charges in Alabama
Getting arrested is stressful, and navigating the legal system can be confusing. Our experienced Alabama criminal defense attorneys can make sure your rights are protected and help guide you through the process.
The prosecution already believes you’re guilty, but we know how they operate – and we will fight tirelessly for you every step of the way. Our attorneys understand criminal defense law in the state of Alabama as well as anyone. More specifically, we will:
- Investigate your case: We’ll look closely at the evidence against you, talk to witnesses, and gather information that can help your defense.
- Build a strong defense: Based on the facts of your case, we’ll create a defense strategy that gives you the best chance of winning or reducing your charges.
- Negotiate with prosecutors: Sometimes, if we can’t get your charges dismissed, we can work out a deal to lower your charges or reduce your sentence.
- Represent you in court: If your case goes to trial, we’ll be there to defend you and present your case to the judge and jury.
Our goal is to protect your rights and get you the best outcome possible, whether that’s a dismissal, reduced charges, or a not-guilty verdict.
We Handle All Types of Criminal Cases in Alabama
Our criminal defense team in Alabama is equipped to handle a wide range of cases, from minor infractions to serious felony charges. Some of the types of cases we handle include:
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence charges can arise from disputes between family members, intimate partners, or household members. These charges can carry severe penalties, including jail time, fines, and restraining orders.
Alabama law takes domestic violence seriously, and a conviction can also impact your rights to child custody and visitation. Our attorneys can help defend you against these charges and work to protect your rights and reputation.
Drug Crimes
Drug-related charges in Alabama range from possession of a controlled substance to trafficking large quantities of illegal drugs. The penalties for drug crimes depend on the type of drug involved, the quantity, and whether there are allegations of intent to distribute.
We will work to challenge the evidence against you, such as questioning the legality of the search or seizure that led to your arrest and explore all available defenses.
DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
A DUI conviction in Alabama can result in harsh penalties, including fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education classes, and jail time. Repeat offenders face even more severe consequences.
Our lawyers are experienced in defending DUI cases and will explore all options, including whether the traffic stop was lawful and whether proper procedures were followed during field sobriety and breathalyzer tests.
Federal Crimes
Federal crimes are offenses that violate federal laws and are prosecuted in federal court. These crimes can include drug trafficking, fraud, white-collar crimes, and more. Federal cases are handled by federal agencies, such as the FBI or DEA, and are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys.
Federal criminal charges carry harsh penalties, and it’s essential to have an experienced defense attorney who understands the federal court system.
Sex Crimes
Sex crime charges, such as sexual assault, rape, child pornography, and solicitation, can lead to devastating consequences. A conviction can result in lengthy prison sentences, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and permanent damage to your reputation.
Our attorneys will carefully investigate your case, challenge the evidence against you, and fight for your rights in court.
We can help with other kinds of cases as well. Contact our criminal defense attorneys in Alabama today for a free case review no matter the charges you are up against.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Criminal Convictions in Alabama
If you’re convicted of a crime in Alabama, the penalties can vary depending on the type of offense. However, even a minor conviction can impact your life in big ways. Here’s a look at some of the penalties you could face and how a criminal conviction might affect you in the long run.
Criminal Penalties
The penalties for a criminal conviction in Alabama can include:
- Fines: You could be ordered to pay a fine, which can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the offense.
- Jail or prison time: For less serious crimes (misdemeanors), you might spend time in county jail, typically up to one year. For more serious offenses (felonies), you could be sentenced to prison, where terms could range from a year to life, depending on the crime.
- Probation: Instead of serving time in jail or prison, the court may place you on probation. You will need to follow strict rules during this time, like checking in with a probation officer, avoiding certain places or people, or completing community service.
- Community service: Some sentences might include community service, which requires you to perform a set number of hours helping your local community.
- Mandatory programs: Depending on your offense, you may be required to attend counseling, drug or alcohol treatment programs, or anger management classes as part of your sentence.
The exact charges you are facing, among other factors (such as whether you have a prior criminal record), can impact the penalties you ultimately receive if convicted.
Collateral Consequences
A criminal conviction doesn’t just lead to immediate penalties like fines or jail time. It can also affect many areas of your life long after you’ve served your sentence. These are known as collateral consequences, and they can include:
- Difficulty finding a job: Many employers run background checks. Having a criminal record can make it harder to get hired, even for jobs that don’t seem directly related to your conviction.
- Loss of professional licenses: Certain careers require professional licenses (like nurses, lawyers, or teachers). A conviction could cause you to lose your license or make it hard to get one.
- Housing issues: Landlords also run background checks. A criminal conviction might make it tough to find housing, as some landlords won’t rent to people with criminal records.
- Loss of voting rights: In Alabama, if you are convicted of certain felonies, you may lose your right to vote. While you can apply to have your rights restored after serving your sentence, it’s a complicated process.
- Firearm restrictions: If you are convicted of a felony, you could lose your right to own or carry a firearm in Alabama.
- Impact on family law matters: A criminal record, especially for violent crimes or domestic violence, can affect child custody decisions, making it harder to win custody or visitation rights.
These collateral consequences can make life challenging, even if you avoid jail time. That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer fighting for you—to help reduce the penalties and minimize the long-term impact of a conviction on your life.
Common Defenses in Alabama Criminal Cases
The defense strategy used in your case will depend on the facts and circumstances surrounding your charges. In every case, the prosecution must prove your charges “beyond a reasonable doubt,” the strongest standard in the law. Overall, common defenses in criminal cases include:
- Lack of evidence
- Constitutional rights violations
- Mistaken identity
- Self-defense
- Lack of intent
Our legal team will work hard to formulate the defense(s) best suited to the unique facts and circumstances of your case.
Contact Our Experienced Alabama Criminal Defense Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you are facing criminal charges in Alabama, you need a skilled and experienced defense attorney on your side. At Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., we have 100 years of total experience in defending clients against all types of criminal charges. We have a track record you can count on.
Our top-rated Alabama criminal defense attorneys will work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help.
Visit Our Law Office in Birmingham, AL
Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C.
2320 Arlington Ave S, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35205
(205) 930-9800
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