Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C.
Felonies

Birmingham Felony Defense Attorneys

Arrested for a Felony in Birmingham, AL?

If you have been arrested for a felony, you need the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Felony charges are the most serious charges that can be brought against an individual, and they carry the most severe penalties. Even if you have never been in trouble before, you may be facing prison time if you are convicted of a felony. If you are facing felony charges, it is imperative that you retain an attorney as soon as possible. Felony charges require swift action and attention, and the sooner you get a criminal defense attorney involved, the better your chances of avoiding a conviction.

At Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., our Birmingham felony defense attorneys have the experience and skill necessary to help you avoid conviction. We can work tirelessly to build a strong defense on your behalf, and we will pursue all possible avenues to help you avoid a conviction. We can investigate the evidence against you and find any possible weaknesses that may exist. We can also fight for your rights and help protect you from the overreaching powers of the state.

Schedule a free consultation with our Birmingham felony defense attorneys by contacting us at (205) 900-7714.

What Are Felonies in Alabama?

The state of Alabama classifies crimes as either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are the less serious crimes, and felonies are the most serious crimes.

Alabama also divides felonies into classes. The classification system ranges from Class A to Class D, with Class A being the most severe and Class D being the least severe. The penalties for each class of felony can vary depending on the specific offense and the circumstances surrounding it.

Here is a general overview of the felony classes and penalties in Alabama:

Class A Felony:

  • Examples: Murder, rape, kidnapping, and certain drug trafficking offenses
  • Penalty: Punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years up to life imprisonment or death. The death penalty is a possible punishment for capital murder cases

Class B Felony:

  • Examples: Manslaughter, certain drug trafficking offenses, and certain sexual offenses.
  • Penalty: Punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than 2 years up to 20 years

Class C Felony:

  • Examples: Assault in the first degree, certain theft offenses, and burglary
  • Penalty: Punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than 1 year and 1 day up to 10 years

Class D Felony:

  • Examples: Possession of a controlled substance, forgery, theft of property
  • Penalty: Punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than 1 year and 1 day up to 5 years

Other Possible Penalties:

  • Loss of voting rights
  • Loss of professional licenses
  • Loss of gun ownership rights
  • Loss of child custody rights
  • Loss of federal student aid
  • Loss of housing assistance
  • Loss of food stamps

What Are the Defenses to Felonies?

Felonies are serious charges that carry the possibility of prison time and steep fines. However, there are some defenses that can be raised against felony charges. If the police did not follow proper procedure when gathering evidence, you may be able to have your charges dropped or reduced. If you did not commit the crime, you need to raise a defense of innocence. Some other defenses that can be raised against felony charges include:

  • Lack of intent
  • Self-defense
  • False accusations
  • False evidence
  • Mental health defenses
  • Medical necessity
  • Statutory defenses

Contact Our Felony Defense Attorneys

If you are facing felony charges, do not wait to contact our felony defense attorneys. We can work with you to build a strong defense on your behalf. We can investigate the evidence against you and find any weaknesses in the prosecution's case. We can also fight for your rights and help protect you from the overreaching powers of the state.

Get started by contacting our firm for a free consultation by calling (205) 900-7714.

 

Client Successes

See Our Recent Victories
  • 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.

Meet the Team

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Clients Share Their Experiences

Read How We Have Helped Others
  • I would request your services again and again.

    “Mike Hanle did a great job for our family. I would RECOMMEND him to anyone. Thanks, Mike, for being so ACCESSIBLE and helpful. I would request your services again and again.”

  • I cannot thank him enough.

    “When I met Richard Jaffe, it was the worst time in my life. I was being accused of a crime that I didn't commit and I didn't know how to prove it. When I came in, he listened to me, believed me, and fought for me. He was there for both trials, and if it was not for his expertise I'd be sitting on death row right now. I cannot thank him enough.”

  • 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.”