Domestic Violence Lawyer in Birmingham, AL

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Have you been accused of stalking, harassing, threatening, or harming a relative or romantic partner? Alabama’s domestic violence law covers a wide range of crimes and are harshly punished. If you are facing false accusations of domestic violence in Alabama, it is important to call an experienced domestic violence lawyer as soon as possible.

We will carefully review the allegations against you and discuss how to prove your innocence in a domestic violence case. Our criminal defense attorneys will also explain the steps we can take to mitigate potential penalties if you are convicted.

To talk with us about domestic violence charges, contact us through our online form or call (205) 981-2450. We offer free consultations.

Alabama Domestic Violence Laws

To be charged with a domestic violence crime, you must have a certain connection with the alleged victim.

Under AL Code §13A-6-139.1, Alabama recognizes domestic violence against:

  • Current or former spouses;
  • Parents;
  • Children;
  • Someone with whom you share a child with;
  • Current or former household members;
  • Current or former romantic or sexual partner.

If you have been accused of domestic violence, but you do not have one of these relationships with the alleged victim, you should contact a domestic violence defense attorney right away.

Proving you lack one of the necessary personal relationships with the other party may not allow you to avoid all criminal charges. The prosecutor may charge you with the underlying offense. However, it can help you face a lower charge and lesser potential sentence.

Domestic Violence Crimes in Birmingham, AL

A wide range of crimes can constitute domestic violence when perpetrated against someone with a familial, romantic, or sexual relationship to you.

Under AL Code §13A-6-139.1, domestic violence encompasses:

  • First-, Second-, and Third-Degree Assault
  • Stalking and Aggravated Stalking
  • Intimidating a Witness
  • Reckless Endangerment
  • First-, Second-, and Third-Degree Criminal Mischief
  • Harassment
  • Harassing Communications
  • Criminal Coercion
  • Menacing
  • Criminal Surveillance
  • Third-Degree Criminal Trespass
  • Third-Degree Arson
  • First- and Second-Degree Burglary

If you are accused of committing any of these offenses against a relative, spouse, or current or former dating partner, call a domestic violence lawyer right away. Depending on the circumstances and your criminal record, you can face a felony charge and harsh maximum penalty.

Domestic Violence Charges in Alabama

Depending on the allegations against you, you can face varying degrees of domestic violence:

Third-Degree Domestic Violence in Alabama (AL Code §13A-6-132)

Domestic violence in the 3rd degree includes committing third-degree assault, criminal coercion, reckless endangerment, menacing, criminal surveillance, harassment, third-degree criminal trespass, second- or third-degree criminal mischief, and third-degree arson. It is a Class A misdemeanor. You can be punished with up to one year in jail.

A second conviction of third-degree domestic violence leads to a minimum of 10 days in jail. If you violate a protection order and commit third-degree domestic violence, then you will be sentenced to at least 30 days in jail. Additionally, if you commit a third or subsequent conviction, this becomes a Class C felony.

Second-Degree Domestic Violence in Alabama (AL Code §13A-6-131)

Domestic violence in the 2nd degree includes committing second-degree assault, stalking, second- or first-degree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief, and intimidating a witness. It is a Class B felony. You can be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.

If you are charged with a second or subsequent second-degree domestic violence charge, then you must serve at least six months before you can transition to probation or parole. If you violate a protection order and commit second-degree domestic violence, the court will double the minimum term of imprisonment.

First-Degree Domestic Violence in Alabama (AL Code §13A-6-130)

Domestic violence in the 1st degree entails first-degree assault or aggravated stalking. This is a Class A felony. You can be sentenced to life in prison. If you are convicted of a second or subsequent charge of first-degree domestic violence, you must complete a minimum of one year of imprisonment. Also, if you commit first-degree domestic violence while violating a protection order, the court must impose double the minimum term.

Domestic Violence by Strangulation or Suffocation (AL Code §13A-6-138)

Strangulation is the intentional causing of asphyxia by closing or compressing the blood vessels and air passage of the neck by external pressure. Suffocation is intentionally causing asphyxia by depriving a person or air or preventing a person from breathing by any means other than strangulation.

This domestic violence charge is a Class B felony. You can be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. A second or subsequent charge of strangulation or suffocation requires a minimum of six months of incarceration.

Additional Domestic Violence Consequences

If you are convicted of domestic violence charges, then jail time, probation, fines, and restraining orders are common penalties. However, there are also several collateral consequences.

If you are convicted of a misdemeanor or felony for domestic abuse, this creates a permanent criminal record. It can make it difficult to obtain an education, gain certain professional licenses, find and keep a job, and more.

If you have children, the other parent may obtain a child custody order in their favor. You may lose custody altogether, or you may see a decrease in your parenting time or be required to have your parenting time supervised by another adult.

If you not a U.S. citizen, a domestic violence conviction can impact your immigration status. You may lose the ability to become a citizen. You may lose your permanent residency or visa. If you are undocumented, a conviction can lead to deportation.

You also will lose your right to own or possess a firearm. Usually, only felony convictions lead to a loss of gun rights. However, misdemeanor domestic violence will also lead to a loss of gun rights in Alabama and under federal law.

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Call us at 205-981-2450

Protection Orders in Alabama

Outside of criminal charges for domestic violence, the alleged victim can also pursue a civil protective order against you. Protection orders are intended to protect individuals who have experienced or are in reasonable fear of violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

A person can seek an ex parte order in an emergency. This is a short-term order a judge may grant without you being present in court. However, for the other person to obtain a long-term protective order, there must be a hearing. You must be notified of the petition against you and given the chance to defend yourself in court.

If you receive notice of a petition for a protective order against you, contact a domestic violence lawyer immediately. It is typically in your best interests to fight a protective order.

If an alleged victim succeeds in obtaining an emergency protective order against you, or a long-term protective order after a hearing, then you may be required to:

A protection order can also have serious consequences for you and your children.

If the alleged victim is the other parent of your children, they may be awarded temporary physical and legal custody. You may not be allowed in-person, telephone, or electronic contact with your children.

If the other person has already obtained an emergency protective order against you, then you must adhere to the order. Do not violate it by trying to see them in person or contacting them at home or work. Violating a protective order could lead to additional criminal charges.

How to Defend Against Domestic Violence Charges in Alabama

When you are facing criminal charges for domestic violence, we recommend you call an attorney to discuss how to get domestic violence charges dismissed or to win an acquittal at trial. There are many potential ways to defend against domestic abuse allegations.

One or more of these defenses may be appropriate.

Call a Domestic Violence Lawyer in Birmingham

If you have been charged with an act of domestic violence, or you are worried another person is going to levy false accusations against you, contact Alabama Criminal Lawyers right away.

We have years of experience helping men and women wrongly accused of domestic violence. We will pursue a dismissal of your case and any petition for a protection order. If the judge allows the case to move forward, we will aggressively defend you at trial.

To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call (205) 981-2450.