Criminal Defense Attorney in Shelby County

Protecting and Defending Your Rights

If you’ve been accused of a crime, you might feel overwhelmed or confused about what happens next. Facing criminal charges is a very stressful experience, especially if you haven’t been through the criminal justice system before. By working with an experienced criminal defense attorney, you can protect your rights and get the outcome you deserve in your criminal case.
Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Unfortunately, it can feel like you’re being judged prematurely after your arrest or detainment. Criminal defense lawyers step in to protect your rights and create a unique defense strategy to reduce or even remove your charges.
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Shelby County, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Jim Golden Law at 866-950-6652.

What Kinds of Criminal Cases Can You Handle?

No matter what kind of criminal charges you are facing, our criminal defense lawyer can help you. In Shelby County, our law firm sees a few main types of criminal charges regularly. Those include:

Weapons Charges

Alabama gun laws are fairly relaxed, but it’s still important to do your due diligence when purchasing or operating a firearm. Convicted violent offenders and drug addicts cannot purchase handguns or pistols. Similarly, you must have a concealed carry license to conceal a weapon in public. If you are caught breaking any gun laws, you will very likely face serious criminal charges.

Domestic Violence

Like most states, Alabama takes domestic violence accusations very seriously. Someone you live with may have accused you of violence, intentional harm, harassment, or stalking. These accusations can lead to serious consequences, up to and including prison time. If you’re facing domestic violence charges, it’s essential to contact a Shelby County criminal lawyer immediately.

Drug Offenses

Drug crimes are often punished to the full extent of the law in Alabama. Possession, distribution, delivery, and cultivation of illegal substances may lead to misdemeanor or felony charges. If you’re facing any criminal charges related to drugs or illicit substances, contact our law firm today.

Property Crimes

Theft, robbery, and other property crimes often cost victims a substantial amount of money. Alabama judges tend to give out severe punishments for property crimes, even for first-time offenders. With experienced legal counsel on your side, you can argue for a lower charge or fewer penalties.

Violent Crimes

Any crimes involving violence against another person automatically come with increased penalties. These penalties can be even more harsh if you are accused of using a weapon during the crime. Our Shelby County criminal defense lawyer is here to protect your rights.

What is a Misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor is a lower-level offense that often carries penalties of a year or less in jail. Many people who are charged with misdemeanors assume they don’t need legal representation since these charges aren’t as “serious” as felonies. However, a misdemeanor offense can still have repercussions, especially if you are convicted.
Some of the penalties for misdemeanor offenses include:

Class C Misdemeanor: Up to three months in county jail or hard labor and fines of up to $500
Class B Misdemeanor: Up to six months in county jail or hard labor and fines of up to $3,000
Class C Misdemeanor: Up to one year in county jail or hard labor and fines of up to $6,000

Misdemeanor offenses stay on your criminal record and can cause issues for you later in life. Even if you are “just” facing a misdemeanor charge, we recommend working with an attorney to protect yourself. Call Jim Golden Law to learn more about our services.

What is a Felony?

A felony is a criminal offense that often carries penalties of a year imprisonment or more. Felony charges are the most severe charges you can face.
The penalties for felony charges in Alabama include:

Class D Felony: 366 days to five years imprisonment and fines of up to $7,500
Class C Felony: 366 days to ten years imprisonment and fines of up to $15,000
Class B Felony: Two to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $30,000
Class A Felony: Ten to 99 years imprisonment or life imprisonment and fines of up to $60,000

A felony charge will stay on your criminal record and can impact your ability to get a job, find housing, or apply for educational opportunities. Many hiring managers and potential landlords are hesitant to work with someone who has a felony on their record. If you’re facing felony charges, our seasoned attorney can review your case to see if we can reduce or remove your penalties.
Repeat offenders, or offenders who have committed crimes of the same nature previously, are much more likely to receive harsh punishments. If you have a criminal record already and you’re facing felony charges, you need an attorney on your side. We will examine your past and determine how it may influence your current criminal case to ensure we have the right defense strategy for you.

What’s the Difference Between State and Federal Charges?

State and federal charges have less to do with the severity of the crime and more to do with the agency bringing charges against you. For most people, the state of Alabama brings charges against them, meaning they have violated state laws. If you are facing state charges, then you’ll be tried in the state circuit courts.
If you are facing federal charges, it means that a federal government agency has investigated your case. These government agencies can include the FBI, the DEA, and more. If you are facing federal charges, then your case will be prosecuted in federal court, and a federal court judge will preside over the hearing.
Federal charges often carry more severe penalties simply because federal crimes are typically charged as felonies. However, both state and federal charges have the potential to land you in jail or prison. No matter what kind of charges you are facing, you need an Alabama defense lawyer on your side.

What is the Criminal Justice Process?

Many people facing criminal charges have no experience with the criminal justice system. Knowing what’s ahead can help you prepare as you work with our Alabama attorney.
The criminal justice process is as follows:

Arrest and Booking

Typically, once the court feels they have enough evidence to press charges against you, you will be arrested. Your fingerprints and photo will be taken when you are booked, and law enforcement officers may question you at this time. However, we recommend contacting our attorney immediately to avoid speaking with the police or prosecution on your own.

Arraignment

During arraignment, you and your lawyer will go to court. You will find out what charges have been brought against you and what your bail is. If you are facing felony criminal charges, your lawyer can also request a preliminary hearing.

Preliminary Hearing

During a preliminary hearing, the state must present evidence to a judge to support felony charges. A judge can decide to approve the felony charges or reduce them to a misdemeanor.

Grand Jury Indictment

A grand jury will gather and hear the evidence against you to determine if you can be indicted. If they decide that there is enough evidence, then your case will be sent to an Alabama circuit court.

Trial

If the prosecution does not offer you a plea bargain or you choose not to accept a plea bargain, your case will likely go to trial. The prosecutor and your defense lawyer will present their evidence. The timeline for your trial will vary depending on the severity of the charges and the evidence against you.

Sentencing

If you are found not guilty in court, you will be set free. If you are found guilty, a judge will issue a sentence based on the charges you have been convicted of. Depending on your charges, you could face fines, jail time, prison time, or probation.

Appeal

Even if you are convicted, you still have options. Our attorney can help you appeal the court’s decision and the sentence against you. You may have limited time to submit an appeal, so don’t wait to contact our law firm.

Will My Criminal Case be Settled in Court?

In the media, criminal cases are almost always shown as going to trial. However, in most cases, criminal charges can be resolved through negotiations without ever going to court. Depending on what your charges are and whether or not you’re a repeat offender, the prosecution may offer you a plea deal.
Plea deals typically require you to plead guilty in order to reduce your charges or your penalties. Sometimes, plea deals can be good for you, especially if they reduce your felony charge down to a misdemeanor. In other cases, plea deals are not in your best interests, and we may recommend that you continue to trial.
Our experienced defense lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution to get you the deal you deserve. We can also advise you on the plea deal offered and whether you should accept or deny it. If you have questions about plea bargains or want to know more about your options, please contact us today.

What Are the Most Common Defenses Against Criminal Charges?

Your defense strategy will depend on the charges you are facing and the evidence against you. However, there are some common defenses that our attorney may use in your case.
The most common defenses against criminal charges in Alabama include:

Alibi

If you were not at the scene of the crime, then you could not have committed it. A strong alibi that places you elsewhere is an excellent defense. Witness testimonies, receipts, security camera footage, and other evidence can be used to support this.

Mistaken Identity

Maybe a witness or victim identified you as the perpetrator, but they are mistaken. Eyewitness testimony isn’t always reliable. If your case is based mainly on a witness, we could build our case around mistaken identity.

Lack of Evidence

In order to convict you, the prosecutor must prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence against you is shaky or there isn’t enough evidence, we can show that to the judge or jury.

Violation of Your Rights

When you are under investigation or detained, you have certain rights that must be upheld. If your rights were violated at any point, the case against you may be unlawful.

What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?

As your criminal defense lawyer, Jim Golden Law is here to defend your rights and build a solid legal strategy to reduce or remove your charges.
When you work with our law firm, we’ll do the following:

Investigate the case against you
Gather evidence in your favor
Negotiate with the prosecution
Protect your rights during interviews with law enforcement
Defend you before a judge

Contact a Defense Lawyer Today

Criminal charges have the potential to disrupt your entire life. From fines to imprisonment, the potential penalties can follow you around for years. If you’re facing criminal charges in Shelby County, you need a criminal defense lawyer on your side.
Jim Golden Law is ready to step in immediately to defend your rights. Whether you’ve already been arrested or you simply know there’s an investigation happening, it’s never too early to contact our law firm. To discuss your case and learn more about our services, please call us today at 866-950-6652.