Opelika, Alabama is the county seat of Alabama. Located in the east-central area of the state, the city has a population of about 26,000. The area began experiencing rapid growth when the railroad connected it to Atlanta, Georgia in 1851. The railroad was also the only connection between New Orleans and the Eastern Seaboard and was a primary transport route for cotton and other goods being shipped north.
The Opelika Criminal Defense Attorneys at Alabama Criminal Lawyers represents clients facing criminal charges throughout the Opelika area, including Tuskegee and Auburn. Alabama Criminal Lawyers, LLC provides a full range of legal services to clients facing charges of drunk driving, drug possession, drug sales, robbery, burglary, theft, assault, domestic violence, homicide, manslaughter and other serious misdemeanor and felony allegations, including sex crimes and juvenile crimes.
Opelika Criminal Charges
Lee County
Homicides: 7
Rape: 31
Robbery: 57
Assault: 211
Burglary: 1,144
Theft: 3,202
Sex crimes are particularly difficult for many defendants and can be particularly complex. Law enforcement will frequently try to embarrass a defendant into making a statement. These cases frequently come down to the statements of the defendant and the victim. Without such evidence, charges may not even be filed or may be quickly dismissed once an experienced attorney is on the case. You will not talk yourself out of charges. You have the right to remain silent – use it.
Property crimes are the most common charges filed in Opelika. Whether robbery, burglary, auto theft, fraud, theft or shoplifting, a convicted defendant will face serious legal and social consequences. Jail time, probation, fines and court costs, and restitution are common. And job loss or the inability to obtain employment is a frequent issue for those with theft convictions.
However, an Opelika theft defense lawyer can frequently succeed in getting such charges reduced or dismissed. Again, not speaking to law enforcement and not providing any statements is typically in your best interest.
Often such charges come as a result of law enforcement finding stolen goods. Let them make whatever conclusions they want. The state can charge you with just about anything. All that matters is what you are convicted of in a court of law.
Likewise, drug charges in Opelika can lead to serious criminal charges. However, a Lee County defense attorney can challenge weight, challenge the manner in which you have been charged, and seek sentences of diversion or treatment. In other cases, a reduction or dismissal of the charges may be won through motions to dismiss and motions to suppress evidence.
Like a theft charge, having a drug charge on your permanent criminal record comes with a social stigma that can exact a price for years to come. Difficulty finding employment and even problems renting an apartment are frequently reported.
If you are facing serious misdemeanor or felony charges in Opelika, contact us for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights.
Whether a student or a working adult, the consequences of a DUI conviction in Alabama have grown more serious over the years. As recently as 2011, lawmakers increased the penalty for a first offense from 90 days to 1 year in jail and made ignition interlock devices mandatory for some offenders.
Opelika DUI Charges
Other Possible Consequences
As veteran Opelika drunk driving defense attorneys, we believe every motorist facing a drunk driving charge deserves immediate access to experienced legal representation.
Law enforcement charges more than 1,000 motorists a month with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, despite a significant reduction in the overall number of serious and fatal accidents caused by alcohol.
State and federal politicians continue to emphasize enforcement and grant money continues to be made available for enforcement. As a result, the number of questionable and unfair arrests continues to increase.
Unfortunately, many who face the charges have little or no experience with the criminal justice system. The state hopes they will plead out and pay thousands into the system. Drunk driving has become a cash cow.
The cost is tens of thousands of hardworking residents left to deal with the very real long-term consequences of having a drunk driving conviction on their records.
At Alabama Criminal Lawyers, we believe these charges must always be contested. Keeping a drunk driving charge off your record should be your first priority. Many of these cases can be beaten by an experienced Opelika drunk driving defense lawyer. First-time charges are often the most winnable.
Subsequent charges come with the very real threat of jail time and lengthy driver’s license suspensions and must always be challenged by an aggressive law firm with the knowledge, experience, and resources to handle serious misdemeanor and felony drunk driving cases.
If you are facing a drunk driving charge in Opelika, contact us for a confidential consultation to discuss your rights.