Criminal Defense Lawyer in Birmingham, AL
Protecting Your Rights and Freedom in Alabama
Facing criminal charges is one of the most devastating experiences someone can encounter in Alabama. The Law Office of Brad J. Latta is here to help you build a strong defense strategy no matter what criminal offense you are accused of committing. We know the dire consequences a criminal conviction can have in this state.
Alabama’s courts are known for being especially stringent in handling crimes and issuing harsher than necessary convictions for the sake of teaching lessons to others. These severe penalties can damage the defendant’s life for years even if the conviction only concerns a one-time occurrence of shoplifting or a single incident of marijuana possession.
In our years of legal practice, we have seen supposed offenders that did not commit the crime for which they were facing charges. Their judicial issues came from being in the wrong place at the wrong time which resulted in false accusations.
At the Law Office of Brad J. Latta, we fiercely advocate for your rights. We recommend that you reach out to us as soon as you can once you are accused of committing a criminal offense. Attorney Latta and the rest of our team are committed to protecting your future.
CALL The Law Office of Brad J. Latta TODAY at (205) 236-7134 OR CONTACT US ONLINE for powerful advocacy from our BIRMINGHAM CRIMINAL DEFENSE attorney.
Criminal Cases Our Lawyers Can Help You with in Birmingham and Its Surrounding Areas
Our criminal defense attorneys can help you with a wide range of cases. We are committed to staying up to date with Alabama’s laws and any changes to federal laws and regulations that may impact your case.
We have helped clients with cases such as:
- Domestic violence and neglect
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Drug possession and violations
- Juvenile crimes such as vandalism or underage drinking
- Misdemeanors
If you need legal representation for parole and probation, our team can also assist you. Even if you get charged with another criminal offense, we invite you to contact us for a free initial consultation. This way, we can determine whether our lawyers can help you.
Possible Harsh Penalties for Criminal Convictions in Alabama
If you think that a small misdemeanor may not be worth contesting and that paying a fine is no big deal, you will still have a criminal record that may negatively affect your professional and personal life. Similarly, if you believe that as long as you are innocent of the criminal charges you are dealing with, you do not need to invest in your defense, this could result in dire consequences.
In Alabama, three classes of misdemeanor exist and may involve the following penalties:
- Class A misdemeanor: up to one year in prison and/or up to $6,000 in fines
- Class B misdemeanor: up to six months in prison and/or up to $3,000 in fines
- Class C misdemeanor: up to three months in prison and/or up to $500 in fines
Felony convictions can result in even harsher penalties. Class B and C felony lead to two to twenty years in prison, and up to $10,000 or $5,000 in fines. If the crime involved a firearm or another deadly weapon, the minimum sentence is 10 years. A Class A felony conviction involves a prison sentence between 10 and 99 years and fines of up to $60,000. If the offender used a deadly weapon, the minimum prison sentence is 20 years.
Given how Alabama prosecutors aim to obtain higher penalties for convictions of all kinds, any type of accusation may lead to not only fees and prison sentences, but also impact your ability to hold certain professional licenses or find employment. A criminal record can also limit your voting, educational, housing, and financial opportunities. In certain severe cases, a conviction may also impact your right to own a firearm or child custody.
Certain convictions have specific penalties. For example, a DUI conviction can result in the suspension of your driver’s license and requires that you undergo a substance abuse evaluation, and substance abuse treatment if deemed necessary. If you are convicted of a sex crime, you may need to register as a sex offender for several years.
Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer
No matter what accusations you are facing, our team at the Law Office of Brad J. Latta can advocate for your interests throughout the judicial process. We bring our extensive knowledge of the judicial system to the table and help you build a defense strategy to obtain a dismissal of the charges.
If we cannot get those charges dismissed, our lawyers can negotiate a lighter sentence to minimize its impact on your future. For example, a judge may agree to an alternative to jail for misdemeanor cases such as probation with conditions or participating in a community corrections program.
When you trust us with your legal defense, you can expect a careful review of your circumstances. We recommend that while you cooperate with law enforcement, you refrain from answering any questions that may be used against you until you have consulted with us. You have the right to an attorney and using it can increase your chances of securing a positive outcome.
Thanks to our experience with criminal defense cases, we can evaluate the prosecution’s evidence and determine whether law enforcement exhibited proper behavior and followed the processes mandated by the law. We can conduct our own investigation and challenge the validity of the prosecution’s evidence if they do not meet adequate requirements.
With the Law Office of Brad J. Latta, you can expect powerful advocacy, open and honest communication, and a constant commitment to stand up for your rights.
Call our Criminal Defense lawyers in Birmingham today at (205) 236-7134 or contact us online to sCHEDULE a consultation regarding your criminal charge in Alabama.
