1. Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 100+ combined years experience and team approach
Practice Areas: Federal crimes, white collar crimes, drug offenses, violent crimes, murder, sex crimes, DUI
Background: Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. is one of the criminal defense firms in Alabama. The firm has the experience and skills you want on your side when the stakes are at their highest. The attorneys take a team approach to defense. The partners and attorneys collaborate constantly on client cases, using decades of experience to build the strongest defense to charges. Clients benefit from a team with unmatched experience in criminal law. The attorneys have 100+ years of experience collectively. The firm is the only firm in the country to free 3 men from death row through new trials. Both senior partners are Past Presidents of the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Known for their legacy of success, many turn to the firm to help them avoid being charged, as well as after an arrest. The firm has represented lawyers and professionals of all kinds who have faced legal troubles.
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Contact: (205) 208-7931 | https://www.rjaffelaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
2. Polson & Polson, P.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 65 combined years experience and 8,000+ cases handled
Practice Areas: DUI, drug possession, domestic violence, sex crimes, assault, traffic violations
Background: If you are charged with a crime in Auburn, Birmingham, Gulf Shores, Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Talladega, Tuscaloosa, Vestavia Hills or in any Alabama county, Whitney Polson and Mark Polson will travel to your location and appear for you in court. Collectively, the two Polson lawyers have been practicing law as criminal justice attorneys for nearly 65 years and handled well over 8,000 cases. The well-known Alabama attorneys are known for their legal book authorship and the service to other Alabama Bar members by teaching seminar courses on criminal defense law topics. Alabama drug possession laws are harsh even for first-time offenders, and jail time is a real possibility, on top of debilitating court fines, extended probation reporting, and multiple court appearances. Due to constant media coverage of the opioid crisis, even misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia charges are being aggressively prosecuted.
Location: Birmingham, Alabama (serves statewide)
Contact: (205) 401-3171 | https://www.polsonlawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
3. Revill Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with exclusive focus on criminal law and 24/7 availability
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, violent crimes, murder
Background: When faced with criminal charges in Alabama, it is imperative that you obtain the immediate representation of a skilled and trusted lawyer. The firm has extensive legal experience and an exceptional track record of success. The firm only practices criminal defense and has a history of getting great results for clients. If you have recently been arrested for a criminal offense, the firm is there for you when you need them most. The team has not only the in-depth legal knowledge necessary to successfully resolve cases, they are a group of people who care. The Birmingham defense lawyers have a complete understanding of the laws surrounding cases. The firm understands the constitutional rights of accused individuals and will go the extra mile in order to protect those rights. It is the mission to ensure that no innocent person is convicted of a criminal offense. The firm is available 24/7.
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Contact: (205) 928-6544 | https://www.revilllawfirm.com/
Consultation: Available 24/7
4. Elizabeth Hunter Law Firm, LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with aggressive strategy and compassionate client care
Practice Areas: DUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, theft, murder, state and federal crimes
Background: At Elizabeth Hunter Law, the firm is committed to do better than competitors, but more importantly, do better for clients. With years of criminal defense experience, Attorney Jaimee Elizabeth Hunter puts commitment and determination behind her legal representation for those accused of crimes. At Elizabeth Hunter Law Firm, LLC, the firm understands that clients need more than legal guidance when they seek representation. They need trusted assurance that their attorney will do everything possible to help achieve results. Thus, the priority is to exceed “normal” standards. The firm goes the extra mile on clients’ behalf because they understand the high stakes of criminal accusations, investigations, charges, and prosecutions. The attorney can keep clients fully informed at every step of the legal process and provide the savvy counsel and human support needed at this difficult time.
Location: Birmingham, Alabama (serves Jefferson and Shelby Counties)
Contact: (205) 900-3815 | https://www.elizabethunter.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
5. Kirk Drennan Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with nearly 20 years experience and state/federal court representation
Practice Areas: Drug crimes, violent crimes, sex crimes, federal crimes, misdemeanors, felonies
Background: Kirk Drennan Law is a criminal defense firm serving clients throughout Birmingham, Alabama. The Criminal Defense Group is led by attorney Derek Drennan, who has been practicing law in Alabama for nearly 20 years. The criminal defense team takes every case seriously and recommends that clients give their legal matter the attention it deserves. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Birmingham, Alabama, the time to call a skilled defense attorney is now. The legal team has the knowledge and background necessary to handle all types of criminal charges, including those that seem minor on the surface. It’s important to understand that attempting to navigate the criminal justice system on your own puts you at the mercy of judges and prosecutors who are more concerned with getting convictions and closing cases. The firm is concerned with protecting the rights of clients and has the determination and resources to secure the most favorable results possible.
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Contact: (205) 803-3500 | https://kirkdrennanlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Alabama
Felony Classifications
Alabama classifies felonies into four classes:
Class A Felony: Includes murder, first-degree kidnapping, and first-degree rape. Penalty is 10-99 years or life imprisonment.
Class B Felony: Includes first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, and trafficking drugs. Penalty is 2-20 years imprisonment.
Class C Felony: Includes second-degree assault, second-degree burglary, and theft first degree. Penalty is 1-10 years imprisonment.
Class D Felony: Includes certain drug possession, third-degree assault, and certain theft offenses. Penalty is 1-5 years imprisonment (may be served in county jail at court’s discretion).
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class A Misdemeanor: Includes third-degree assault, harassment, and certain theft. Maximum 1 year in county jail and $6,000 fine.
Class B Misdemeanor: Includes disorderly conduct, possession of marijuana (personal use), and certain harassment. Maximum 6 months in county jail and $3,000 fine.
Class C Misdemeanor: Includes loitering and certain minor violations. Maximum 3 months in county jail and $500 fine.
Expungement
Alabama has expanded expungement options in recent years:
Eligible Offenses: Non-violent felonies (after waiting period), misdemeanors, violations, municipal ordinance violations, and charges that were dismissed, no-billed, or resulted in acquittal.
Waiting Periods: 5 years after completion of sentence for non-violent felonies; immediately for dismissed charges or acquittals.
Effect: Record is sealed from public view but remains accessible to law enforcement and certain agencies.
DUI Laws
Alabama DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense is a misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail, $600-$2,100 fine, and 90-day license suspension. Second offense within 5 years carries minimum 5 days jail (or 30 days community service), $1,100-$5,100 fine, and 1-year license suspension. Third offense within 5 years carries minimum 60 days jail, $2,100-$10,100 fine, and 3-year license suspension. Fourth offense is a Class C felony with 1-10 years imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Birmingham?
Criminal cases in Birmingham are handled by multiple courts depending on the offense. Birmingham Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and minor offenses. Jefferson County District Court handles misdemeanors and felony preliminary hearings. Jefferson County Circuit Court handles felony trials and appeals. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama handles federal criminal cases. Alabama also has specialty courts including Drug Court and Mental Health Court. Having a Birmingham criminal defense attorney familiar with these court systems provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What are the consequences of a drug conviction in Birmingham?
Alabama drug possession laws are harsh even for first-time offenders. Possession of marijuana for personal use is a Class B misdemeanor with up to 6 months jail and $3,000 fine (first offense). Subsequent marijuana possession becomes a Class A misdemeanor or felony. Possession of controlled substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin is a Class C felony with 1-10 years prison. Drug trafficking carries mandatory minimum sentences: cocaine trafficking (2.2 lbs+) carries 3 years to life; methamphetamine trafficking (1 lb+) carries 3 years to life. A Birmingham criminal defense attorney can evaluate defenses and negotiate for treatment alternatives.
What is the Youthful Offender Act in Alabama?
Alabama’s Youthful Offender Act allows defendants under age 21 (at time of offense) to petition for youthful offender status. If granted, the defendant receives a youthful offender adjudication rather than a criminal conviction. The maximum sentence is typically 3 years, and the record is sealed from public view. Youthful offender status is not available for Class A felonies or certain violent offenses. The court considers the defendant’s age, criminal history, circumstances of the offense, and likelihood of rehabilitation. A Birmingham criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and advocate for youthful offender treatment.
Can I get my Alabama criminal record expunged?
Alabama has expanded expungement options in recent years. Eligible offenses include charges that were dismissed, no-billed, or resulted in acquittal (immediately eligible), non-violent misdemeanors and violations (varying waiting periods), and certain non-violent felonies (5 years after completion of sentence). Some offenses are not eligible for expungement, including violent crimes, sex offenses, and offenses involving children. The effect of expungement is that the record is sealed from public view, though it remains accessible to law enforcement. A Birmingham criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and file the appropriate petition.
What diversion programs are available in Jefferson County?
Jefferson County offers several diversion programs for qualifying defendants. Drug Court provides treatment-based alternatives for non-violent drug offenders. Mental Health Court addresses defendants with mental health issues contributing to criminal behavior. Pre-Trial Diversion may be available for first-time offenders charged with certain non-violent offenses. Youthful Offender status may be available for defendants under 21. These programs vary in eligibility requirements and may result in dismissal of charges upon successful completion. A Birmingham criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and negotiate for diversion.