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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How Long Can You Be Held in Jail Before a Conviction in Birmingham, AL?

Getting arrested can leave you with a lot of unanswered questions, especially about how long you might remain in custody. Many people assume they will be stuck in jail until their case is finished, but that is not always the case. In Birmingham, Alabama, the time someone spends in jail before a conviction depends on […]

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Does Alabama Have a Romeo and Juliet Law?

There is a common belief that relationships between teenagers who are close in age are automatically protected under the law. Many people have heard of the so-called “Romeo and Juliet laws” that exist in some states to address these situations. However, the details of these laws vary significantly from state to state, and the consequences […]

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What Happens When a Domestic Violence Victim Doesn’t Want to Press Charges?

Domestic violence cases are often more complex than people expect. A common question is: What happens when an alleged victim chooses not to pursue charges? You might assume that the case will simply end, but that is not always how the system works. In Birmingham, Alabama, domestic violence charges are handled by the state. Once […]

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Ignition Interlock Device Laws in Alabama

After a DUI arrest or conviction, many Alabama drivers are concerned about what will happen to their driving privileges. Many defendants will lose their license, and when they get it back, they might be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in any vehicle they plan to drive.  Here at Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & […]

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When Justice Demands Balance: What the Commutation of an Alabama Death Sentence Means for Criminal Law

The recent decision by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to commute the death sentence of Charles “Sonny” Burton has reignited a national conversation about fairness, proportionality, and the role of discretion in the criminal justice system. This case serves as a powerful reminder that justice is not only about punishment, but it is also about ensuring […]

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What Are Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude?

“Crimes involving moral turpitude” is a legal term that comes up often in Alabama criminal cases, yet many people have never heard of it until they’re facing charges. This concept doesn’t actually refer to one specific offense. Instead, it describes a category of crimes that are seen as more morally wrong than most. Whether your […]

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