Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Birmingham

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Birmingham, Alabama?

  The non-emergency phone number of the Birmingham Police Department is 205‑328‑9311.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Birmingham, Alabama?

  To lodge a request for a police report in Birmingham, complete the online request form at https://www.birminghamal.gov/recordsrequest.

• Can you represent yourself in a Birmingham court?

  Legally speaking, it is possible for you to represent yourself in a Birmingham court if you’re facing criminal charges. However, the consequences of doing so can be disadvantageous to you. The prosecution is extremely qualified and adept at their job. Without an experienced criminal defense lawyer by your side to protect your rights, it will be difficult to challenge the prosecution.

• How are juvenile crimes resolved in Birmingham?

  Most of the time, resolving a juvenile incident in Birmingham involves a law enforcement officer issuing a warning and letting the individual under the age of 21 free, holding the young offender until a parent comes to retrieve them, or forwarding the issue to a juvenile court. If the child committed a serious crime, their case will be transferred to adult court.

• Can you just plead guilty to a simple traffic violation in Birmingham?

  Even if you just received a simple traffic ticket in Birmingham, it is advisable that you consult with a criminal defense attorney first, so they can inform you of all the ramifications a conviction might have on your future. Pleading guilty even for just a minor traffic violation can cause your insurance rates to increase and add points to your driving record that can damage you later.

• What does an alternative sentence mean for drug crime offenders in Birmingham?

  If you are accused of non-violent drug crimes, such as simple possession, in Birmingham, your criminal defense lawyer may be able to seek an alternative sentence for you from the court instead of having you serve time in jail. Usually, alternative sentencing programs involve drug rehabilitation that you are required to attend and complete successfully.

• How can post-conviction relief help you if you were convicted of a crime in Birmingham?

  If you were convicted of a crime in Birmingham, post-conviction relief can challenge your verdict. Related to criminal conviction appeals, post-conviction relief may involve new trials, sentence modifications, or even release. An experienced attorney can help you achieve post-conviction relief by seeking parole, litigating sentencing matters to reduce charges or sentencing, expunging convictions from your record, and improving employment opportunities for you after a criminal conviction.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.