Were you or a family member arrested on criminal charges in Jefferson County, AL? Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. can help. When you’re facing jail time, financial penalties, and a lasting criminal record, call an experienced Jefferson County criminal defense attorney at (205) 930-9800 for a free consultation.
Your choice of legal representation can make a world of difference to your future. We have over 100 years of experience in criminal defense law. We’re prepared to put the full weight of that experience to work to protect you.
Don’t sit back and let the prosecution convict you without fighting back. Contact our law offices in Jefferson County, Alabama, to schedule a free consultation with a leading legal team who can help.
Why Choose Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. for Legal Help if You’re Facing Criminal Charges in Jefferson County, AL?
Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming and stressful. If you’re facing criminal charges, don’t wait another minute to call Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. for legal advice.
Our Jefferson County criminal defense lawyers have the skills to build the strategic defense you need. We’re known for finding successful solutions to complex problems.
We know that every case is different. When you hire us, you can rest assured that you have a skilled advocate working behind the scenes to locate weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
We will do everything possible to get the charges downgraded or case dismissed if possible. If a trial becomes necessary, count on us to aggressively fight for your rights before a judge and jury.
We Handle All Types of Criminal Defense Cases in Jefferson County
Our team has the skills to handle any type of criminal defense case in Jefferson County. From minor infractions to severe felonies, we’re here to build the strong legal defense you need and deserve.
Examples of the types of cases we handle include:
Assault
Convictions for assault and other violent crimes often carry serious penalties. Alabama courts take the infliction of physical harm extremely seriously. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, hiring an experienced defense attorney is critical to your future. Our lawyers know how to help you get the best possible outcome if you were charged with a crime.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence charges in Alabama are unfortunately common. Disputes with spouses, romantic partners, and other family members can quickly become heated. Domestic violence charges are particularly serious because you could immediately become subject to a restraining order. Having an experienced attorney by your side from day one is the best way to protect yourself.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
DUI convictions in Jefferson County can result in a range of punishments. You may lose your license, be forced to pay hefty fines, and even face jail time. The consequences for a repeat DUI offense are even more serious. If you’ve been arrested on DUI charges, call our attorneys for immediate legal assistance.
Drug Crimes
Penalties for drug crimes in Alabama depend on the precise criminal charge, the type of drug, and the amount of drug involved. Even in marijuana possession cases, you could face felony or misdemeanor charges.
Our attorneys handle all types of drug charges, including:
- Marijuana possession
- Simple possession of a controlled substance
- Felony drug possession
- Drug manufacturing
- Drug distribution
- Drug trafficking
If you’ve been charged with a drug-related offense, contact our law firm for legal assistance today.
Sex Offenses
A sex offense conviction will haunt you for years to come, if not for the rest of your life. Even before you’re convicted, your reputation can be dragged through the mud. Depending on the charge, you could be facing a significant prison sentence, extreme financial penalties, and lifetime sex offender registration requirements.
When you hire our lawyers, we’ll immediately begin investigating and gathering evidence on your behalf. Mere accusations do not amount to a conviction. Our lawyers are prepared to do everything possible to get the sexual assault charges dismissed or win a not guilty verdict.
Our attorneys also handle cases involving:
- Aggravated assault
- Arson
- Burglary
- Computer crimes
- Harassment and stalking
- Identity theft
- Kidnapping
- Murder and manslaughter
- Shoplifting, burglary, and other theft crimes
- Vandalism and other property crimes
- Weapons charges
- White collar crimes
Regardless of the charge involved, getting legal help is the best thing you can do to protect your freedom and your future.
What Penalties Can I Face if Convicted of Criminal Charges in Alabama?
Criminal convictions in Jefferson County can result in a range of penalties.
The punishment you could face depends on things like:
- The precise nature of the charges
- Your prior criminal history
- Any aggravating or mitigating factors
Judges sometimes have discretion during the sentencing process. However, some criminal charges involve mandatory minimum sentences or enhanced penalties that limit the judge’s discretion.
Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is the best thing you can do when you’re charged with a crime. Call our Alabama criminal defense attorneys to learn about your legal rights and options today.
Penalties for Felony Convictions in Alabama
Generally speaking, when felony charges are involved, jail time is always on the table. The possible prison sentence depends on how the charge is graded. Alabama law provides a standard range of prison sentences depending on the felony class.
Sentencing guidelines for felony prison terms in Alabama include:
- Class D felony charges: No less than one year and one day, and no more than five years
- Class C felony charges: No less than one year and one day, and no more than 10 years
- Class B felony charges: Between two and 20 years
- Class A felony charges: Between 10 and 99 years, or life in prison
Certain offenses or facts can result in “enhanced” sentences or mandatory minimum prison terms. For example, in drug charge cases, the judge can increase the prison sentence if the defendant sold drugs within three miles of a school. The victim’s age can also play a role in sentencing, particularly when young children are victimized.
When convicted on felony charges, you could also face financial penalties. Depending on the circumstances, you could be forced to pay tens of thousands of dollars in penalties.
Penalties for Misdemeanor Convictions in Alabama
While perceived as “less serious” crimes, misdemeanor offenses also carry significant penalties.
The range of potential jail sentences in Alabama misdemeanor cases is:
- Class C misdemeanor: not more than three months
- Class B misdemeanor: not more than six months
- Class A misdemeanor: not more than one year
You could also be charged with a “violation”, which is the least severe criminal charge. Still, you could be sentenced to serve up to 30 days in county jail.
Misdemeanor convictions also carry financial consequences. For Class C misdemeanor convictions, you could be forced to pay up to $500 in penalties. A $3,000 fine may apply for a Class B misdemeanor, and you could owe up to $6,000 for Class A misdemeanor convictions.
Additional Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in Jefferson County
The consequences of a criminal conviction can extend well beyond jail time and financial penalties.
Some possible collateral consequences include:
- Probation and parole
- Community service
- Random drug screening and alcohol testing
- Making restitution to the victim
- Sex offender registration
- Anger management classes
- Loss of child custody
- Loss of your right to own a firearm
- Loss of voting rights
- Problems with immigration
- Loss of professional licenses
You’ll also be forced to live with a lasting criminal record. That can make it difficult to even find housing and employment once you’ve completed your punishment.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Charged With a Criminal Offense in Jefferson County?
If you were arrested on criminal charges, building the strongest defense possible is crucial to your future. The precise legal defenses that may apply will depend on the charge and the facts.
Our team has decades of experience in criminal law. You can count on us to explore every possible defense strategy in your case.
Examples of the types of defenses that may be effective include:
- Lack of probable cause for a traffic stop or search
- The prosecution’s evidence was gained through an illegal search and seizure
- Violation of your constitutional right to an attorney
- Miranda violations
- Insufficient evidence to prove each element of your criminal charge
- Alibi defenses
- Challenges to witness credibility
- Mistaken identity
- False allegations
- Self-defense
- Improper handling of DNA and other scientific evidence
- Lack of physical control over a controlled substance
- Lack of the required intent to commit a crime
Again, the defense best suited to your case depends entirely on the facts. In every case, our lawyers carefully review the evidence, and we’ll conduct our own investigation to locate exculpatory evidence on your behalf.
Contact an Experienced Jefferson County Criminal Defense Attorney for a Free Consultation
Whether you’re under investigation or have already been arrested and charged, contact our team at Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. today. The sooner our Jefferson County criminal defense attorneys start working, the stronger your case will become.