February 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 […]
Read moreSeptember 13, 2024 | Criminal Defense
If you’re thinking about visiting or moving to Birmingham, Alabama, you probably want to know which neighborhoods are safe and which aren’t. Birmingham’s crime rate is slightly lower than the national average — it ranks in the 55th percentile for safety, meaning it’s safer than 55% of cities in the U.S. Here’s a closer look […]
Read moreAugust 30, 2024 | Criminal Defense
Consent laws are essential for everyone to understand. They outline the boundaries of acceptable behavior in personal interactions, particularly in contexts related to sexual activity. A nuanced understanding of these laws is essential not only for safeguarding personal rights but also for navigating potential criminal defense strategies against charges that may arise from misunderstandings or […]
Read moreJuly 12, 2024 | Criminal Law
An arrest warrant is a legal order issued by a court. It authorizes law enforcement officers to take you into custody and detain you. Generally, courts issue arrest warrants when a person is suspected of committing a crime. However, courts may issue arrest warrants if a person violates their probation or fails to appear in […]
Read moreJuly 5, 2024 | Criminal Defense
Whether you are being stopped for a routine traffic stop, stopped on the street for suspicion of committing a drug crime, or questioned for a serious crime like capital murder, police have the right to stop you. However, to detain you further, they must have reasonable suspicion that you are engaging in criminal activity. It […]
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