Criminal Penalties
All states divide criminal laws into two basic categories: misdemeanor and felony offenses. The fundamental distinction between felonies and misdemeanors rests with the penalty and the power of imprisonment. The main difference between the two charges is that a felony is a more serious charge than a misdemeanor. A felony conviction usually results in larger fines, the possibility of prison time and the loss of certain rights. A misdemeanor conviction can result in a fine and less than a year in a county jail. If you or a loved one has been arrested for a misdemeanor or a felony, you’ll need a skilled law firm to represent you and get the best outcome for the pending charges
Driver’s License Consequences
For DUI’s and some drug related offence’s there are driver license consequences. You will need someone who is knowledgeable with these cases to aid in getting your license back so that you can continue to drive to work and school, pending the outcome of your case.
Talk to an Attorney
If you’ve been arrested in Alabama, it’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer. The law is complicated and the facts of each case are different. A qualified attorney can tell you how the law applies to your case and help you decide on the best course of action.
FELONY & MISDEMEANORS –
The fundamental distinction between felonies and misdemeanors rests with the penalty and the power of imprisonment. The main difference between the two charges is that a felony is a more serious charge than a misdemeanor. A felony conviction usually results in larger fines, the possibility of prison time and the loss of certain rights. A misdemeanor conviction can result in a fine and less than a year in a county jail. If you or a loved one has been arrested for a misdemeanor or a felony, you’ll need a skilled law firm to represent you and get the best outcome for the pending charges
BOND or BAIL
After the arrest is made, you’ll appear before a judge who will inform you of the crime you are accused of, and the rights that you have, including the right to retain counsel. Finally, if permitted, the judge may set bail. In most cases, an attorney will be able to arrange your release by having you post a bond or by obtaining a court ordered release. Bond, also known as bail is the process of providing money to get out of jail after the arrest. When you are allowed to post bail, you are under obligation to appear in court for the trial. If you or a loved one has been arrested, you’ll need a skilled law firm to represent you and get the best outcome for the pending charges
COURT HEARINGS
If you are arrested for a misdemeanor or felony the general rule is that a court is required to conduct an initial appearance within 48 hours of arrest. Some misdemeanors have a predetermined bond amount which may allow you to immediately bond out; however, if that is not the case, during this initial appearance the court will confirm all pertinent personal information, advise you of the charges, and if applicable, set you a bond. Hiring an attorney as soon as possible can be very advantageous as they may be able to work with the court in an attempt to reduce your bond amount. If you or a loved one has been arrested on any type of charges, you’ll need a skilled law firm to represent you and get the best outcome for the pending charges. our law firm has the experience and knowledge of the court system
DRUG RELATED OFFENCES –
Being caught with any form of illegal drugs in Alabama can be more serious than it may sound. Even a minor possession can result in a permanent criminal record. If you have never faced a criminal prosecution before, you are probably frightened of what you might be facing. If you or a loved one has been arrested on any type of drug charges, you’ll need a skilled law firm to represent you and get the best outcome for the pending.
CRIMES AGAINST A PERSON
There is a broad array of criminal offences which involve bodily harm, or “crimes against the person”. Those involving bodily harm or threat include assault, battery, harassment, stalking and domestic violence. Crimes against a person are often referred to as violent crimes. But the most serious “crime against a person” would be rape, child molestation, kidnapping or murder. If you or a loved one has been arrested for this type of a crime, you’ll need a skilled law firm to represent you and get the best outcome for the pending charges
PROPERTY CRIMES
Property crimes range from lower level offenses such as shoplifting or vandalism to high-level felonies including armed robbery and arson. Most property crimes include a range of degrees depending on factors including the amount stolen, or the use of force or arms in theft related cases, and actual or potential bodily injury. Many property crimes such as theft, arson, vandalism, robbery, or larceny can be classified as misdemeanors or felonies. Property crimes can be very serious, if you or a loved one has been arrested for this type of a crime; you’ll need a skilled law firm to represent you and get the best outcome for the pending charges.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE –
Any situation involving physical violence is vigorously investigated and prosecuted in Alabama. When the alleged assault involves violence against a family member, the situation becomes even more serious. Regardless of whether the alleged victim is adamant that he or she does not want to press charges or withdraws an initial statement to police, prosecutors have the authority to move forward with the case. It is a choice that they often make. With domestic violence cases our attorneys know that it’s not just your freedom at stake. Your family’s life may be heavily impacted by a domestic violence offence. In addition to very serious criminal penalties, a no-contact order can be issued that prohibits communication of any kind between you and the claimant. A no-contact order could even force you to temporarily move out of the family home. Our lawyers do not shy away from these challenging cases. We provide aggressive representation against the charges. We will also do everything in our power to help find a strategy that will reduce the collateral impact on your life and that of your family’s.
EXPUNGEMENTS
An expungement in Alabama is a process in which certain criminal offenses, primarily misdemeanors, and nonviolent felonies can be erased or sealed from public view by background checks conducted by private employers, landlords, and lending institutions. Expungements can change your life! To find out more information about whether or not an expungement might be available for your record, you’ll need a skilled law firm to represent you. Our law firm has the experience and knowledge to help you clear your record.
WHY HIRE A LAWYER –
The criminal justice system can be overwhelming and unclear. Our attorneys are devoted to protecting our clients’ freedom and rights. We care about what happens in our client’s cases and we fight to get the best possible outcome for our clients.
