Wetumpka Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing criminal charges in Wetumpka, you might be concerned about your future, and rightly so. If convicted, you might not only have to pay exorbitant fines but also have to serve time in jail or prison depending on the severity of the charges you are facing. Not to mention the fact that being convicted of a crime – violent, sexual, or drug-related crimes in particular – can damage your reputation and affect your personal as well as professional life.

At Alsobrook Law Group, we believe that everyone, regardless of their background or the criminal charges they are facing, has the right to due process and fair legal representation. Our criminal defense lawyers have a deep understanding of state and federal laws and have a long track record of successfully defending individuals facing misdemeanor as well as felony charges. Contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced Wetumpka, AL criminal defense lawyer.

Types of Legal Defenses Our Wetumpka, AL Criminal Defense Lawyer Will Use to Protect Your Rights 

While the effectiveness of legal defenses depends on the specific circumstances of each case, here are some common legal defenses our criminal defense attorneys will use to try and get your charges dismissed or reduced:

• Alibi: The defendant claims to have been somewhere else at the time the crime was committed, providing evidence or witnesses to support their claim.

• Self-defense: The defendant argues that they committed the alleged crime to protect themselves or others from imminent harm.

• Mistake of fact: The defendant asserts that they had a reasonable belief in certain facts that, if true, would have made their actions lawful.

• Insanity: The defendant argues that they were mentally incapacitated at the time of the crime, and therefore, should not be held criminally responsible.

• Intoxication: In some cases, intoxication may be used as a defense, particularly if it resulted in the defendant lacking the requisite intent to commit the crime.

• Duress: The defendant claims they were forced to commit the crime under threat of serious harm or death.

• Entrapment: The defendant argues that law enforcement induced them to commit the crime, which they would not have otherwise committed.

• Statute of limitations: The defense claims that the prosecution is attempting to bring charges after the statute of limitations has expired.

• Double jeopardy: The defendant asserts that they cannot be tried for the same crime twice, as it violates their constitutional protection against double jeopardy.

• Lack of evidence: The defense challenges the prosecution’s evidence, arguing that it is insufficient to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

• Violation of constitutional rights: The defense claims that the defendant’s rights were violated during the arrest, investigation, or trial process.

• Necessity: The defendant argues that they committed the crime out of necessity to prevent greater harm or danger.

• Abandonment: The defendant claims to have voluntarily abandoned their criminal plans before completing the crime.

• Consent: In certain cases, the defense may argue that the alleged victim consented to the actions in question.

• Miranda rights violation: The defense asserts that the defendant’s self-incriminating statements were obtained without proper Miranda warnings.

Important “DON’Ts” to Follow if You are Facing Criminal Charges in Wetumpka, AL 

There are certain things you should not be doing when you are being investigated for a crime or if you have been charged with a crime in Wetumpka, AL.

Don’t Panic

While there is no doubt that facing criminal charges can be an extremely distressing experience, you should not panic over it, as it can only make things worse. Remember, criminal charges might not necessarily lead to a conviction. Moreover, you are not required to prove your innocence. The onus is on the prosecution to prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a high bar to meet in criminal cases. So, do not panic and call a Wetumpka criminal defense attorney as soon as you can.

Don’t Talk to the Police 

If you are arrested, the only thing you should tell the arresting officer is that you want to invoke your right to remain silent. Apart from confirming your identity, you are not legally required to answer any questions or divulge any other information to the arresting officer. Use it to your advantage and remain silent until you get legal representation.

Don’t Resist Arrest 

Arguing with the police officer or resisting arrest is never a good idea – regardless of the circumstances. Even if you are innocent and the arrest is unlawful, you should comply with the arrest and avoid doing anything that can escalate the situation.

If you confront the officer or physically resist, you will be charged with resisting arrest, which is a Class B misdemeanor. More importantly, the officer might decide to use force against you, which can lead to catastrophic consequences.

In the event of an unlawful or wrongful arrest, your best option is to remain silent, comply with the arrest, and then challenge the arrest in court. You might also be able to file a civil suit against the police department and recover compensatory and punitive damages – depending on the circumstances.

Don’t Consent to a Search 

If the police ask for your consent to search your vehicle or home, tell them politely but firmly that you do not consent to a search. Except under extenuating circumstances, the police cannot conduct a search without a court order.

Don’t Hide or Destroy Evidence 

Do not attempt to hide or destroy any evidence that you think might be used against you. If you do, you might face additional charges, which can make your criminal defense attorney’s job a lot harder.

Don’t Talk to Anyone About Your Case

There is only one person with whom you can discuss your case – your lawyer. Do not say anything or share any information with anyone else – including your family members, friends, and coworkers.

Don’t Talk to the Alleged Victim

Do not try to talk to the alleged victim even if you are completely innocent and the charges against you are exaggerated or downright false. Remember, a criminal case is pursued by the state. A victim cannot do anything to stop the proceedings. More importantly, you can be charged with obstruction of justice and possibly other offenses for trying to talk to the victim.

Don’t Hide Facts from Your Lawyer

When you are facing criminal charges, your criminal defense lawyer is the only person who can help you. More importantly, they are the only person who is legally required to act in your best interests. It’s why you should be brutally honest with your lawyer.

Do not hide, exaggerate, underplay, or omit any information related to your case – no matter how trivial or useless you think it is. The more details you share with your lawyer, the easier it would be for them to build a strong defense. Also, make sure you talk to law enforcement officials only when you are accompanied by your lawyer.

How Our Wetumpka, AL Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help You

• We will conduct a thorough investigation to find out all the details about the alleged crime and your involvement in it.
• We will tell you whether the prosecution has a strong case against you, what your legal options are, and what are the most realistic outcomes that can be achieved.
• We will hire experts to challenge the prosecution’s evidence against you and to testify on your behalf.
• We will find out if the police violated any procedural rules or your constitutional rights and if so, we will try to get the charges against you dropped or suppress evidence that was unlawfully obtained.
• If we believe that a plea agreement is the best option for you, we will negotiate with the prosecutor to get you the most favorable deal possible.
• We will work with the prosecutor and formulate a sentencing program that can help you avoid jail time.

Our Experienced Wetumpka, AL Criminal Defense Lawyers are Determined to Protect Your Rights

The consequences of a criminal conviction in Alabama can be life-altering. Your best chance to avoid the harsh consequences of a conviction is to get legal representation as soon as you can.

The criminal defense attorneys at Alsobrook Law Group have extensive experience defending individuals facing state as well as federal crime charges. We deeply care about our clients and fight as hard as possible to achieve the best possible outcome in every case we take on.

If you are facing criminal charges, call us today at 334-737-3718 or get in touch with us online to talk to one of our reputable Wetumpka, AL criminal defense attorneys.