April 15, 2025 | Criminal Law
Dropping charges in criminal cases means that the prosecutor decides not to pursue the case further. This decision can greatly impact a defendant, as it removes the burden of a trial and the potential for a conviction, allowing the individual to move on with their life. Understanding how and why this happens is essential for […]
Read moreApril 8, 2025 | Criminal Defense
When someone seeks a restraining order (also referred to as a “protective order,” a “protection order,” or a “protection from abuse (PFA) order in Alabama), they must provide some form of proof to support their request. While the legal process may not require the same level of evidence as a criminal case, the court still […]
Read moreApril 3, 2025 | Criminal Defense
If you ever need to hire a lawyer, you might wonder if what you tell them stays private. Attorney-client privilege is a rule that protects your conversations with your lawyer. This means that your lawyer cannot share what you tell them with anyone else. This protection helps you be honest so your lawyer can give […]
Read moreFebruary 28, 2025 | Criminal Defense
False accusations can be a terrifying and overwhelming experience. Whether you’re accused of a crime you didn’t commit or fighting against fabricated evidence, the stakes are high. The consequences can be severe. False accusations can damage your reputation, result in wrongful imprisonment, and lead to serious penalties. If you’re dealing with a false accusation in […]
Read moreFebruary 21, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Alabama has several alternative sentencing options for criminal defendants. Many of these alternative sentencing options allow defendants to avoid serving time in jail. For example, the court may sentence a defendant to house arrest or electronic monitoring instead of sending them to jail. A defendant may qualify for supervised probation, a diversion program, or a […]
Read moreJanuary 18, 2025 | DUI
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Birmingham, Alabama, you may be wondering about the next steps—particularly how to get out of jail. One of the first things you’ll encounter is the concept of bail and bond. While the terms “bail” and “bond” are often used interchangeably, they have distinct […]
Read moreDecember 27, 2024 | Juvenile Crimes
A juvenile detention center is a jail for minors. In Alabama, juvenile hall is run by the Alabama Department of Youth Services. No parent wants their child to end up in juvenile hall. Fortunately, the juvenile system is designed to rehabilitate and promote alternatives to incarceration. However, that doesn’t mean children are never sent to […]
Read moreDecember 18, 2024 | Criminal Defense
Being charged with causing the death of another person is an overwhelming and life-altering experience. For criminal defendants, it’s crucial to understand the specific charges they are facing once arrested, as the legal distinctions between offenses like manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide can significantly impact the potential consequences. Both charges involve the unlawful killing of […]
Read moreOctober 22, 2024 | Criminal Defense
Interacting with the police can be stressful, and it’s important to know your rights and what to expect during these encounters. While most officers are dedicated to protecting and serving the community, there are times when some may overstep their authority. Understanding what police officers are legally allowed to do – and what they aren’t […]
Read moreOctober 16, 2024 | Firm News
At Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., we’re proud to be a team of dedicated attorneys who strive to deliver exceptional legal representation and uphold the highest standards of our profession. This year, we’re thrilled to announce that three of our own, Richard S. Jaffe, Brett H. Knight, and Michael W. Whisonant Jr., have been […]
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