Crenshaw County Criminal Lawyer

When you are facing a criminal arrest or charge, it is understandable for you to be apprehensive, overwhelmed, and worried about your future, since criminal convictions can have exceedingly severe consequences that may continue to impact your life for years. In this kind of situation, a Crenshaw County criminal lawyer may be able to help answer your questions and calm your fears while accompanying you throughout every step of your criminal proceedings.

A dedicated criminal defense attorney could evaluate your situation, explain the applicable laws, and determine what options may exist for resolution of your charges. With a strong and experienced legal advocate on your side, you might be able to fight back against any accusations of wrongdoing more effectively.

Obtaining legal representation as soon as individuals are facing a criminal investigation or arrest can be essential to building a strong defense strategy. A Crenshaw County criminal attorney could serve the interests of a defendant they represent by:

• Investigating the facts surrounding an alleged criminal offense
• Interviewing potential witnesses and reviewing evidence
• Discussing all possible resolutions of the criminal charges
• Determining the defense strategy best designed to achieve desired goals

Aside from these tasks, legal counsel may consult with experts when needed and ensure that law enforcement officials observed all laws and procedures in gathering evidence and arresting individuals. These actions—which an experienced legal representative could carry out far more effectively than the typical layperson—could be crucial to a better outcome in criminal proceedings.

Most criminal offenses constitute a misdemeanor or felony offenses under Alabama law. There are different degrees, or classes, for both misdemeanors and felonies which differ according to the severity of the crime and other aggravating factors.

For example, the involvement of minors who were allegedly subjected to a crime can result in a felony charge rather than a misdemeanor charge. Likewise, criminal offenses that involve force or violence, that result in serious bodily harm or death to others, or that cause significant property damages or losses, tend to result in more severe felony charges that carry the potential for far more significant penalties.

Typically, misdemeanors carry the potential for a maximum one-year jail sentence, whereas felonies can result in incarceration from one year to life in prison for the most serious of criminal offenses. A criminal lawyer in Crenshaw County could identify any mitigating factors that might potentially reduce the criminal charges a defendant is facing and work to incorporate them into a comprehensive defense strategy. Whether the charge is for a DUI, assault, or any other offense, a well-practiced attorney could help.

Fines, jail or prison sentences, and terms of probation all are common penalties associated with criminal convictions. It should be noted, though, that many criminal offenses can result in collateral consequences that individuals might not anticipate.

As an example, while a DUI conviction can result in fines and jail time, it also may require counseling or attendance at a substance abuse education class, installation and maintenance of an ignition interlock device, and loss of driving privileges. A DUI conviction also is likely to add points to licenses, require payment of reinstatement fees in the event of a license suspension, and increased insurance rates for several years.

Likewise, a felony conviction of any type also could have adverse ramifications for individual civil rights. Individuals convicted of any felony offense or a misdemeanor domestic violence offense are subject to forfeiture of their rights to possess and carry firearms, as well as potentially the right to vote, the right to serve on juries, and the right to hold public office.

When your situation seems hopeless, and you are uncertain where to turn, contacting a Crenshaw County criminal lawyer could be beneficial. Getting legal advice from the beginning of your case might put you in a stronger position to protect your rights and fight back against your criminal charges.

Building a strong defense to any criminal charges may be essential to ensuring that you can proceed with your personal and professional objectives in life. Call today to begin working to avoid or minimize the potentially harsh repercussions of a criminal conviction with the assistance of dedicated legal counsel.