Dothan Criminal Defense Lawyers
When you are charged with a crime or other type of violation in Alabama, you may be facing severe consequences. These can include heavy fines, jail time, loss of your driving privileges, and many others. Having a permanent criminal record can adversely impact your life in several other ways as well. For example, you may find it more difficult to obtain employment, housing, loans, and admission to college. If you are a professional, you may also find yourself in jeopardy of having your license suspended or revoked. With so much at stake, it is important to have an experienced Alabama criminal defense attorney in your corner fighting hard to protect your rights and interests.
At M. Adam Jones & Associates, we have extensive experience successfully defending clients charged with all types of criminal offenses in Alabama. Our lawyers work closely with clients to provide the skilled and personalized representation they deserve. We understand what is on the line when you are facing a misdemeanor, felony, or other type of charge, and we put our skills, knowledge and experience to work to vigorously defend each client we serve. Our approach is thorough, aggressive, and meticulous, and we take strong actions during each phase of the process to ensure that you are in position to secure the best possible outcome.
We defend clients for a broad range of criminal matters. This includes but is not limited to:
- White Collar Crimes
- Financial Crimes
- Fraud
- Felonies
- Misdemeanors
- DUI
- Traffic Offenses
- Driving While License Suspended
- Driving While License Revoked
- No Valid Driver’s License
- Drug Offenses
- Assault and Battery
- Burglary
- Arson
- Retail Theft
- Disorderly Conduct
Are you Under Criminal Investigation?
If you have been accused of a crime, law enforcement may have opened up an investigation to determine whether or not to formally charge you. The minute you learn that you may be the subject of a criminal investigation, you need to retain skilled legal counsel. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys can guide you through the investigation phase and help you avoid common pitfalls that could make the situation much worse. For example, we can:
- Be Present During Interviews with Law Enforcement: Even if you have done nothing wrong, you should not speak with investigators without having your attorney present. Investigators are known to ask confusing, improper, and unfair questions which are often designed to trap the subject into committing a “process crime”, such as lying to investigators. Our attorneys can advise you on what questions to expect, how to answer them, and which questions you should refuse to answer.
- Investigate on Your Behalf: Experience has shown us that taking preemptive action is essential in formulating a successful criminal defense. When you are under criminal investigation, we conduct our own investigation by thoroughly reviewing the circumstances of the case and locating witnesses and evidence that will help bolster your defense. By being fully versed on all the facts of the case, we can help ensure that your answers to investigators are consistent with the facts. In addition, being fully informed on all the facts can often help put an end to a misguided investigation before criminal charges are ever brought.
- Negotiate with Investigators: Law enforcement officials may try to negotiate with you based on what they have learned during the investigation. For example, they may offer a plea bargain in exchange for your agreement to testify against another suspect in the case. Our attorneys are skilled litigators and strong negotiators. We can thoroughly assess any deals that are offered to determine whether or not they are in keeping with your best interests. Oftentimes, we can negotiate a better deal for you based on the facts and evidence we have uncovered.
Criminal Record Expungements in Alabama
In 2014, the Alabama Legislature passed an expungement law for the first time. Under the new law, non-convictions for misdemeanors, non-violent felonies, traffic violations, and municipal ordinance violations (excluding federal charges) can be expunged (i.e., erased) from your criminal records if certain criteria are met. You may be eligible for an expungement if:
- The charges against you were dropped or dismissed with prejudice;
- You were “no-billed” by a grand jury;
- You were found “not guilty” at trial;
- The charges against you were dismissed without prejudice more than two years ago, or more than five years ago for non-violent felonies.
There are strict requirements that must be met and specific procedures to follow to successfully expunge criminal charges from your record. We can assess your case to determine if you qualify and work with you on each step to ensure a smooth process and a successful result.
Experienced Alabama Criminal Appellate Attorneys
If you have been convicted of a crime at trial, the primary way to fight the conviction is to appeal to a higher court. The appeals process is different from the initial trial and requires a certain skillset. A skilled appellate attorney is one who has exceptional research and writing skills and strong attention to detail. An appellate attorney can often uncover critical (and frequently overlooked) factors from the initial trial that demonstrate why your case should be overturned. Our lawyers have extensive experience researching and writing appellate briefs and a strong track record of success handling appeals at all levels of the Alabama state and federal judicial system.
Speak with a Seasoned Alabama Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are under criminal investigation or you have been formally charged with a misdemeanor, felony, traffic offense, or ordinance violation, the attorneys at M. Adam Jones & Associates can help. We give your legal matter the serious attention it deserves, and we go out of our way to accommodate our clients’ needs. We offer flexible appointment options, and we are easy to get in touch with even during off hours. From negotiating with the prosecution, to litigating aggressively in court, to identifying grounds for a successful appeal, we explore every available legal avenue to minimize the negative consequences as much as possible.
If you are charged with any type of crime or other violation, contact our office today at 334-699-5599 for a personalized consultation.