The Best Outcome Isn’t Always a Dismissal

One of the expectations we sometimes have to work through with a new client is pretty simple: “I hired an attorney, so now my case should be dismissed.” I understand why someone would hope for that, and there are certainly cases where a dismissal is exactly the outcome we are working toward. But there are […]

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When a Mistake Becomes a Criminal Case

A lot of what we deal with in criminal defense starts with a mistake. In my experience, the majority of my clients are good people. They have families, careers, responsibilities, and people who depend on them. They aren’t people who wake up in the morning planning to commit a crime. More often, they made a […]

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Looking Beyond the Criminal Charge

When somebody walks into my office charged with a crime, I’m not there to decide whether they’re a good person or a bad person. People make mistakes. Good people make bad decisions. People also get accused of things they didn’t do, and sometimes what actually happened is a lot more complicated than the first version […]

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Understanding the Three Most Common Drug Crimes in Alabama

Drug charges are among the most frequently prosecuted offenses in Alabama, and they range from simple possession of a small amount of marijuana to serious felony trafficking cases. Understanding how Alabama defines and punishes each of these crimes is the first step toward understanding the charge you or a loved one may be facing as […]

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Prosecution Tactics in Domestic Violence Cases

A domestic violence charge can move through the criminal justice system much differently than many other criminal cases. Prosecutors often begin preparing their case immediately after an arrest, and they may continue pursuing charges even when the alleged victim no longer wants the case to proceed. Understanding how prosecutors build domestic violence cases in Birmingham, […]

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Can You Legally Resist Arrest in Alabama?

Being arrested is stressful for a defendant, and can even be angering, especially if you believe the arrest is unfair or unlawful. In that moment, many people wonder whether they have the right to physically resist, pull away, or refuse to comply with officers. The short answer is no; resisting arrest is generally a criminal […]

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3 of the Most Frequently Violated Rights of the Accused

The U.S. Constitution provides important protections for individuals accused of crimes. These rights help ensure fairness throughout the criminal justice process and prevent government overreach. However, constitutional violations still occur during investigations and prosecutions.  Three of the most frequently violated rights involve the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments. 1. The Right Against Unreasonable Searches & […]

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Is Public Urination a Crime in Alabama?

Most people do not think of public urination as a serious crime. Some do not even realize it can lead to criminal charges. That often changes when they receive a citation or find themselves under arrest. While Alabama does not have a statewide law specifically called “public urination,” that does not mean the conduct is […]

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What Are Stand Your Ground Laws in Alabama?

Alabama law allows individuals to use force, including deadly force, when facing a legitimate threat in certain self-defense situations. Stand your ground laws in Alabama are often misunderstood, especially in criminal investigations involving assault, homicide, or weapons charges.  Understanding how these self-defense protections work is important for anyone involved in a violent encounter or facing […]

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What Are the Gun Laws in Birmingham, AL?

Gun laws across the country are a common source of confusion, and Alabama is no exception, where the rules have changed significantly in recent years. If you live in Birmingham or elsewhere in the state, it is important to know what the law currently allows and what could happen if you run into legal trouble. […]

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