Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hoover, AL

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Hoover Police Department is (205) 822-5300.

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

  You can get a copy of the police report for incidents related to your case by going to the Hoover Public Safety Center, 1st floor, 2020 Valleydale Road, Hoover, AL 35244.

• What happens after you have been convicted of a crime in Hoover?

  After a criminal conviction in Hoover, you have the option to appeal your case with the help of a criminal defense lawyer. They can help you in various legal matters, such as:

  • Challenging a verdict which can result in new trials, release, or sentence modifications
  • Filing an application for pardon and parole
  • Expunging your criminal record
  • Navigating around travel restrictions
  • Improving your employment opportunities after a criminal conviction

• How may a person be released after being detained for a criminal offense in Hoover?

  After being arrested for a criminal offense in Hoover, the court will most likely issue bail. State law prohibits excessive bail, but some amounts are still high, and most people cannot afford it. They then turn to a bail bondsman who secures the person's release for a fee and a percentage of the bail amount. Some people may be released without having to post bail if they are not facing serious accusations and are not deemed a danger to the community.

• When can an inmate be considered for medical parole in Hoover?

  In Hoover, doctors employed by the Department of Corrections assess if an inmate qualifies as geriatric, permanently incapacitated, or terminally ill. To be eligible for medical parole, an inmate:

  • should have spent at least 30 days in an infirmary in the prior calendar year
  • should have received frequent and costly medical treatment outside a Department of Corrections facility in the previous year
  • should be suffering from a life-threatening illness and whose death is imminent within a year

• What are the grounds for appealing a criminal conviction in Hoover?

  Some of the grounds for appealing a criminal conviction in Hoover are as follows:

  • The jury was instructed incorrectly by the trial judge
  • Evidence that should have been excluded from the trial was admitted
  • Important evidence was not disclosed by the prosecution
  • The jury engaged in some significant misbehavior
  • Important new evidence has emerged
  • The defendant was unfit to stand trial (for example, because of mental illness)

• What are the reasons for being charged at the federal level after allegedly committing a crime in Hoover?

  In Hoover, there is a possibility of being charged at the federal level when the alleged criminal conduct has crossed the U.S. border, crossed state lines physically or virtually, violated a federal statute, happened on federal property, or was discovered through an informant. Another reason for being charged at the federal level is when either the alleged victim or perpetrator is a federal employee or agency.

• 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.