Killen AL Criminal Defense Lawyer

Killen Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are an Alabama resident accused of a criminal offense, you need to speak with a skilled Killen, AL, criminal defense lawyer immediately. Don’t wait to get legal support. The quicker you get a lawyer engaged, the better your chances of success are. Allow our lawyer at Brad Phillips Law to review your case, conduct a thorough investigation, and prepare a legal defense for you. Navigating a situation like this without legal support can result in disastrous consequences.

Drug Offenses

Drug offenses are a common type of criminal offense in Alabama. There are generally three types of drug charges you could face.

• Possession. Possession of any controlled substance or drug paraphernalia without authorization is illegal. Drug paraphernalia could include household items, such as tin foil, straws, syringes, and razorblades if they are used for drugs.
• Manufacturing. Any participation in the process of producing illegal drugs or substances is illegal.
• Trafficking. This is possibly the most egregious of the drug charges, bringing on harsh penalties. This could be the sale, transportation, or importation of controlled substances. A drug trafficking conviction could result in life in prison.

Sex Crimes

Sex crimes could be any unlawful sexual contact or inappropriate behavior toward another person. The courts will consider the ages and physical sizes of all parties involved when sentencing.

Sex crimes could also include incapacitation. This means that the victim could not consent due to their age, being unconscious, having a disability, or the influence of drugs or alcohol. Minors cannot consent to sexual activity in Alabama; therefore, any sexual act with or against a minor is a sex crime.

Weapons Offenses

Some common weapons charges in Alabama include:

• A felon in possession of a firearm
• Carrying a firearm in an unauthorized place
• Discharging a firearm in a building
• Altering the serial identification number
• Carrying a short-barreled firearm

Violent Crimes

Violent crimes in Alabama can include:

• Murder
• Rape
• Manslaughter
• Robbery
• Burglary
• Assault
• Domestic violence
• Kidnapping

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

A criminal defense lawyer can help you in several ways. A lawyer can investigate your case and uncover any misconduct that happened. Law enforcement misconduct, such as violations of constitutional rights or illegally obtaining evidence, could void the entire case. A Killen, AL lawyer can help build a strong defense for you and represent you in court if necessary.

A lawyer can also:

• Handle the negotiation process during your case.
• Ensure that the necessary paperwork is filed appropriately and on time.
• Communicate with your family as needed.

It’s difficult to decide if you should accept a plea deal or go to trial, but a lawyer can help you weigh your legal options.

FAQs

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Alabama?

A criminal defense lawyer can vary in costs, depending on the circumstances of the case. Factors that will influence the cost of a lawyer include:

• The severity of the charges
• The experience level of the lawyer
• The complexity of the case
• Whether any additional services are needed

Also, you must consider the fee structure of the lawyer. For example, some lawyers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may charge an hourly rate, and some could charge a retainer fee.

When Should I Engage a Lawyer?

You should engage a lawyer as soon as you discover that you are under investigation. The sooner you get a lawyer involved, the better your chances of success are. It can take time for a lawyer to review your case and understand the dynamics of the charges. You don’t want to wait until the last minute to bring a lawyer in for help. Speaking with a lawyer early in the process can ensure that your legal questions get answered and that you have an effective plan in place.

What Are Two Ethical Duties of a Defense Lawyer?

A defense lawyer has multiple ethical duties to which they are held. Two of the most obvious are confidentiality and honesty. Defense lawyers are required to keep all information regarding their clients private unless they have permission to disclose it. This means that attorneys should never discuss their client’s case with other parties without the consent of the client. Lawyers also have a legal duty to be honest with their clients. Lying or misleading is not good for anybody when preparing a legal defense.

What Is the Most Common Argument of a Defense Lawyer?

There are several arguments that a defense lawyer could make. It will largely depend on the circumstances surrounding the case. A lawyer could argue that:

• The defendant acted in self-defense.
• The crime was an accident (no intent).
• The defendant was intoxicated. (This could result in lesser charges).
• There was a case of mistaken identity.
• There was police misconduct.

Each of these arguments could be used by defense lawyers in court. You should speak with a lawyer who can help you strategize to create a proper defense for you.

What Are the Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Alabama?

A: The penalties that you could be facing in Alabama will depend on the type of offense you are charged with. As expected, felony offenses carry heavier penalties than misdemeanors, with Class A felonies being the most severe. Alabama uses determinative sentencing, which means that the length of the sentence is fixed, giving you a clear idea of the penalties you face. Penalties for criminal offenses can range from a couple of years in jail to life in prison, with substantial fines.

Legal Support When You Need It

Being convicted of a criminal offense, such as a drug crime, sex crime, violent crime, or weapons charge, is a serious situation. The consequences can be so severe that they can lead to life-altering changes for your and your family’s future. You have the right to diligent legal defense and to have your side of the story heard. You need an experienced lawyer who can help.

The legal team at The Law Office of Brad Phillips, LLC, has ample experience in defending clients against serious criminal accusations. We have helped individuals across Alabama. We can guide you through the complexities of the Alabama state legal system and provide the answers to any questions you may have. With our support on your side, you can expect quality legal service to help clear your name. Contact us today to see how we can support you.