Criminal Lawyers in Birmingham, AL

You're Not Alone
& It's Not Too Late

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Alabama,
we will fight to get you through it.

Call us at 205-981-2450

Or fill out our online form

 

Result Driven Criminal Defense

Criminal charges should never be taken lightly. The system will move quickly, and without counsel, you may say things that hurt your case or receive a punishment you don’t deserve.

You need a criminal defense attorney with the experience, skill, and commitment to secure the best possible outcome. At Alabama Criminal Lawyers, we pride ourselves on winning and have successfully handled countless criminal cases from DUI and drug charges to major felony trials, sex offenses, and violent crimes.

If you’re accused of a crime in or around Birmingham, AL, let us explain your options and fight for you.

“At Alabama Criminal Lawyers, we pride ourselves on winning, and have successfully handled countless criminal cases…”

What Sets Alabama Criminal Lawyers Apart

  1. Personal service is the core of our practice. We will get to know you and make your needs our top priority.
  2. Everyone deserves high-caliber and affordable representation. We offer free, initial consults and practical guidance for a reasonable price.
  3. Aggressive and effective help from an accomplished criminal lawyer with a proven track record in cases similar to yours.
  4. We keep you updated and are always available to discuss your case. Reach your attorney anytime by phone, text, or email.
Our Birmingham Criminal Law Services
Featured Practices Areas

Drug Crimes in Birmingham, AL

Drug Crimes in Birmingham, AL

From simple possession to trafficking, and cultivation, when accused of a drug crime in Alabama, your first step should be to secure an aggressive defense lawyer. This gives you the best possible chance of getting your charges reduced or even dropped. Our lawyers are highly skilled in these cases, how lab tests are performed, and how drug cases are pursued.

We can find where police made mistakes and what options are available to you, like diversion programs and alternative sentencing. Whatever the offense or drug involved, we can help you deal with the situation, so a drug charge does not limit your future.

Learn More About Drug Crimes in Birmingham, AL
Theft Charges in Birmingham

Theft Charges in Birmingham

The consequences of a theft conviction in Alabama can be surprisingly harsh. While offenses like shoplifting are considered fairly minor, the severity increases with the value taken. This can add up fast, and simple misunderstandings or a one-time mistake could lead to time behind bars and a criminal record that is almost impossible to recover from.

At Alabama Criminal Lawyers, we have effectively defended against virtually every type of theft crime in Alabama, so people get a chance to move on. This includes misdemeanors, easily resolved through restitution and community service, dismissed felony robbery and burglary charges, and white-collar offenses that require extensive investigation and forensic accounting.

Learn More About Theft Charges in Birmingham
Birmingham Sex Crimes Defense

Birmingham Sex Crimes Defense

Even the hint of a sex crime accusation can ruin your reputation. Outside of the stigma, a conviction for rape, child molestation, child pornography, or sexual assault can send you to prison for decades and require mandatory registration as a sex offender.

At Alabama Criminal Lawyers, we understand that not everyone accused of a sex crime is guilty. Our Birmingham defense lawyers have considerable experience in defending against sex crimes. We use this skill to limit what can be used against you and prevent unnecessary damage. With a track record of successfully advocating for people charged with sex offenses, we are well-equipped to challenge any allegation.

Learn More About Birmingham Sex Crimes Defense
Birmingham DUI Charges

Birmingham DUI Charges

A DUI arrest is not the end of the road. While you face possible jail time, expensive fines, and a suspended driver’s license, there are ways to improve your situation in Alabama. Licenses can be saved, and Birmingham DUI charges can be reduced – even dismissed.

Our criminal lawyers in Birmingham know how DUI charges affect people’s lives. We also know where to look for police mistakes, inaccurate test results, and alternatives that let you keep your license and preserve your record. If you’re charged with a DUI in Birmingham, don’t just accept your fate. Discuss all your options with a skilled and dedicated defense lawyer.

Learn More About Birmingham DUI Charges
Violent Crimes & Domestic Violence Defense

Violent Crimes & Domestic Violence Defense

From assault to domestic violence and murder, some allegations can wreak havoc even if they are false, misunderstood, or stem from an accident. Alabama punishes violent crimes harshly with long prison sentences, and a conviction will follow you forever. But these cases rely on facts. A skilled lawyer can fight back and ensure your story is told.

Don’t take domestic violence or violent charges lightly. And never try to explain things without an attorney. Let our experienced criminal lawyers advise you and investigate what really happened. No matter the circumstances, we know how to handle violent charges, so a single incident doesn’t define the rest of your life.

Learn More About Violent Crimes & Domestic Violence Defense
Criminal Appeals & Rule 32

Criminal Appeals & Rule 32

Sometimes the justice system gets things wrong. Laws are often misapplied, misinterpreted, and inappropriate evidence can influence a court’s decision. When this happens, it is usually the accused who pays the price. The law gives you the right to challenge these mistakes, and at Alabama Criminal Lawyers, we can give you the chance to set things right.

Our legal team has an excellent track record in criminal appeals and using Rule 32 petitions for post-conviction relief. Let us review your case, determine where legal errors occurred, and fight to set the record straight. This can mean the difference in having a wrongful conviction overturned, an unjust sentence reduced or reversing unlawful court decisions.

Learn More About Criminal Appeals & Rule 32
Alabama Criminal Law
Charges & Penalties

Violations

Violations are the least severe criminal charges in Alabama. Sentences are limited to up to 30 days in county jail, and fines are typically under $200. Common examples are certain traffic offenses and low-level property crimes.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are divided into three classes based on severity:

  • Class A misdemeanors are the most severe with possible jail sentences of up to one year and a $6,000 fine. Class A misdemeanors include third-degree assault, domestic violence, possession of drug paraphernalia, indecent exposure, sexual misconduct, theft of property up to five hundred dollars, and third-time DUIs.
  • Class B misdemeanors are less severe and can result in up to six months in jail and a $3,000 fine. Class B misdemeanors include resisting arrest, cruelty to animals, and unlawful assembly.
  • Class C misdemeanors are the least severe with a maximum of up to three months in jail and $500 in fines. Class C misdemeanors include open container, public lewdness, harassment, and disorderly conduct.

Felonies

Felonies are the highest level of criminal charges in Alabama and also classified based on severity.

  • Class A felonies are the most serious, punishable by between 10 and 99 years or life imprisonment and fines up to $60,000. Class A felonies include murder, first-degree kidnapping, rape, robbery, burglary, and arson.
  • Class B felonies have a prison sentence range between two and 20 years and fines up to $30,000. Class B felony crimes are manslaughter, unlawful distribution of drugs, second- degree assault, rape, domestic violence, burglary, and first-degree theft of property.
  • Class C felonies are the lowest in severity. Jail sentences range between one year and one day up to 10 years and fines up to $15,000. Class C felony offenses include interference with custody, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, sexual abuse, bribery, unlawful possession of marijuana, and certain firearms charges.

The Alabama Criminal Justice Process

What To Expect

The Alabama criminal justice system can be extremely intimidating. To help you understand what you or a loved one might be dealing with, we have provided a brief overview of the Alabama criminal process to explain the possible stages you may have to face.

1. Arrest and Booking

This is most people’s first interaction with the criminal system. An arrest occurs when law enforcement believes there is enough evidence to suggest that you committed a crime. However, sometimes a criminal complaint from another person is enough. Your fingerprints and a photo will be taken when you are booked into the system. You will also likely be questioned, but we do not recommend answering any questions until you speak with a lawyer.

2. Arraignment

This is your first court appearance. You will be advised of the charges against you and find out if bail has been set to ensure your appearance. In felony cases, you will also be informed of your right to request a preliminary hearing.

3. Preliminary Hearing

A preliminary hearing is where the state must present evidence to a judge, who will determine if probable cause exists to support felony charges. A judge can also decide that the charges should be reduced to misdemeanors depending on the circumstances.

4. Grand Jury Indictment

This is a gathering of citizens who hear evidence to determine whether or not there is sufficient evidence to indict you on the proposed charges. If a grand jury issues an indictment, your case will be sent to an Alabama circuit court.

5. Trial

If no resolution or plea agreement is reached before your trial date, your case will proceed to trial, where prosecutors and your defense will present their respective cases. This will involve witness testimony, reviewing evidence, and relevant legal arguments.

6. Sentencing

If your case goes to trial and a jury returns a not guilty verdict, you will be free to go. If the jury returns a guilty verdict, a judge will issue a sentence. Sentencing can include jail time, fines, probation, or a combination of consequences within Alabama’s general criminal sentencing guidelines.

7. Appeal

You have the opportunity to appeal a verdict and the related sentence in Alabama. The time frame to appeal a conviction depends on the type of crime. Your Birmingham criminal defense lawyer can help you understand more about this process.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The Time To Hire An Attorney Is Now.

Call us at 205-981-2450

Or fill out our online form to et up a free consulation


    Award-Winning Lawyers

    Arrested in Alabama? Know Your Rights

    Contact a Lawyer Before Speaking to Police

    It is important to work with an experienced criminal lawyer in Birmingham as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.

    These rights, which are too often ignored, include:

    1. The right to be considered innocent until proven guilty
    2. The right to question your accuser
    3. The right to see and defend against the evidence in your case
    4. The right to be free of unreasonable searches or illegal seizure of your property

    The stakes are incredibly high with any Alabama criminal charge. A common mistake is people believing they can handle things themselves by explaining things to the police. This is usually never a good idea. Members of law enforcement are highly trained in getting information that benefits their theories. The things you say can be misconstrued, taken out of context, and used against you.

    Protect Your Rights, Defend Yourself

    The time to call an attorney is now.

    Richard Perry

    Lead Attorney

    Birmingham Criminal Lawyers

    Alabama Criminal Lawyers is led by Birmingham criminal defense attorneys Richard and Christina Perry. With considerable experience helping clients in their darkest days, they are passionate about fighting for those who can’t defend themselves and strive to give clients the representation they deserve.

    Both Richard and Christina have represented clients across the state and have extensive trial experience in criminal matters ranging from misdemeanor to serious felony charges. By seeing how the criminal justice system worked and how it affects real people, Alabama Criminal Lawyers was built to be a firm where every client matters.


    About the Firm
    Recent Blog Posts on Criminal Defense

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    U.S. v. Brewer – Conviction for Failure to Register as Sex Offender Overturned

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    U.S. v. Gonzalez-Medina – Failure to Register as a Sex Offender Can Result in Severe Consequences

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    In the Heart of Birmingham – You’ll Find Alabama Criminal Lawyers

    Being from Alabama, we know what it means to be part of a community. At Alabama Criminal Lawyers, we know that criminal charges can happen to anyone. We maintain a judgment-free atmosphere so that you can tell us your side of the story, and we’ll be there when it feels like no one else is.

    In the end, our mission is simple. Provide the highest possible level of legal service to the good people of Birmingham, Alabama, Jefferson, and Shelby County, and to give back to those we serve throughout the state. We encourage you to learn more about your particular situation by visiting our criminal defense blog, where we regularly discuss DUI, drug charges, expungements, sex crimes, and other important criminal law topics in Alabama.

    ‘our mission is simple…provide the highest possible level of legal service to the good people of Birmingham, Alabama…’
    We Serve the Following Areas:

    Alabama Criminal Lawyers delivers premier legal representation in the Birmingham area and throughout Alabama. Our criminal defense attorneys have a track record of success, assisting people in situations similar to yours: