Were you arrested on domestic violence charges in Montgomery, Alabama? Has someone filed a restraining order against you? An experienced Montgomery domestic violence lawyer to protect your rights and fight to minimize the consequences. Contact Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. at (205) 930-9800 today to schedule a consultation.
Our firm has successfully handled countless domestic violence cases and can help you protect your rights. Do not face domestic violence allegations alone. Let us start building the defense strategy you deserve today.
Why Choose Jaffe Hanle Whisonant & Knight P.C. to Help With a Domestic Violence Case in Montgomery, AL?
Even before a domestic violence case reaches court, an arrest in Montgomery, AL, can result in immediate consequences, including loss of housing, restrictions on contact with family, and serious reputational damage.
You need a Montgomery criminal defense lawyer who acts quickly and aggressively to safeguard your rights. At Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., we’ve been serving clients throughout Alabama for over three decades.
Here’s why clients across Alabama choose our attorneys:
- 100 years of combined experience
- We’ve been recognized by leading legal organizations like the National Trial Lawyers and Super Lawyers
- We provide personalized representation and tailored case strategies
- We prepare every case for trial to maximize your leverage and your case strengths
The longer you wait, the harder it will be to mitigate the impact of these accusations. Delay can allow the prosecution to build its case, gather additional evidence, and solidify its narrative. We are ready to begin building your defense immediately, meticulously examining every detail of the situation to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument and protect your future. Contact our Montgomery domestic violence attorneys today.
An Overview of Alabama Domestic Violence Laws
Domestic violence in Alabama refers to crimes involving individuals who share certain relationships with the accused. Any act of violence or threatening behavior toward a spouse, family member, or romantic partner may fall under Alabama’s domestic violence statutes.
The law identifies specific relationships that qualify for enhanced penalties, including:
- Current or former spouses
- Parents, step-parents, children, and step-children
- Individuals who share a child in common
- People who live together or formerly lived together
- Current or former romantic or dating partners
If you are charged with an offense involving one of these relationships, the consequences can be severe.
Three Types of DV Charges
Alabama has three levels of domestic violence charges:
- First-degree domestic: Charged when certain serious crimes are committed against a protected individual, including first-degree assault, aggravated stalking, and first-degree burglary. When these crimes are committed against a domestic party, the offense becomes a Class A felony.
- Second-degree domestic violence: Includes offenses such as second-degree assault, stalking, intimidating a witness, burglary, and criminal mischief. This offense is a Class B felony.
- Third-degree domestic violence: Involves crimes such as third-degree assault, menacing, harassing communications, reckless endangerment, criminal coercion, and surveillance. Third-degree domestic violence is usually charged as a Class A misdemeanor.
Domestic violence convictions can result in jail, fines, probation, and other serious consequences.
What Are the Possible Penalties for Domestic Violence in Montgomery?
Penalties vary based on the level of the offense, prior history, and specific aggravating and mitigating factors.
Possible felony sentences include:
- Class A felony: 10–99 years or life
- Class B felony: 2–20 years
- Class C felony: 1–10 years
- Class D felony: 1–5 years
Misdemeanor convictions do not carry as many fines or penalties as felonies do.
Misdemeanors can result in:
- Class A misdemeanor: Up to 1 year
- Class B misdemeanor: Up to 6 months
- Class C misdemeanor: Up to 3 months
These convictions can also come with steep fines and loss of civil rights.
Collateral Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction
A domestic violence conviction can also trigger collateral consequences, such as:
- Loss of child custody or visitation restrictions
- Protective orders limiting your movements and contact
- Probation requirements
- Damage to reputation and employment
- Firearm ownership prohibitions
- Immigration complications, including deportation
A criminal record can also have a lasting impact on housing, travel, and career opportunities.
What Defenses Can Be Raised in a Domestic Violence Case in Alabama?
The prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Our attorneys know how to challenge evidence and develop defense strategies that give you the best chance at a favorable outcome.
Potential defenses in your case include:
- False allegations driven by anger, custody disputes, or retaliation
- Insufficient evidence to establish the offense
- The domestic relationship does not meet statutory requirements
- You acted in reasonable self-defense or defense of others
- Your constitutional rights were violated by police or investigators
If you have been arrested or charged, you should speak with an attorney immediately. Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. will fight to protect your freedom.
Call for a Free Case Review With a Montgomery Domestic Violence Lawyer Today
If you were arrested for domestic violence, your next steps matter. At Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., we have been defending clients since 1991 and offer more than a century of combined experience. We are the team you want on your side when the stakes are highest.
Call today for your confidential, free case review with a Montgomery domestic violence lawyer. We are ready to stand beside you, protect your rights, and build a defense that protects your rights.