1. Barfoot & Schoettker, LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former Montgomery County Prosecutor and thousands of cases handled
Practice Areas: Traffic tickets, DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, capital murder, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: At Barfoot & Schoettker, the criminal defense lawyers understand what’s at stake and just how intimidating it can be to be arrested and charged with a crime, especially if you have never come in contact with the criminal justice system. You may be unaware of your rights, and tragically, wrongful convictions happen all too often. Without an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side your rights may be at risk. At Barfoot & Schoettker, L.L.C., their defense lawyers have handled thousands of criminal matters from traffic tickets to capital murder. Having tried cases in Municipal, State, and Federal courts, their experienced team possess the trial skills and legal resources to fight the prosecution every step of the way. Along with an in-house former Montgomery County Prosecutor who has firsthand knowledge of how the State of Alabama builds a case against someone accused of a crime, clients can feel comfortable and secure knowing that they are in capable hands.
Location: Montgomery, Alabama
Contact: (334) 834-3444 | https://www.barfootschoettker.com/
Consultation: Free, confidential consultation available
2. Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 100+ years combined experience and Super Lawyers recognition
Practice Areas: DUI, drug offenses, white collar crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes, federal crimes
Background: Facing criminal charges in Montgomery, Alabama, is overwhelming. The stakes are high, with your freedom, finances, and reputation on the line. At Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., the firm has been defending clients for over 100 years. That’s a century of combined experience, dedication, and results. When you hire the firm, you’re not just getting one attorney, you’re getting an entire team of seasoned legal professionals. Every attorney at the firm is recognized for excellence in criminal and white-collar defense. Accolades include Super Lawyers recognition, an honor based on rigorous research and peer reviews. From selecting a jury to cross-examining witnesses, experienced trial attorneys will fight tirelessly to protect your interests. With this firm, you’ll have a legal team that knows how to stand strong in the courtroom.
Location: Montgomery, Alabama (also serves Birmingham)
Contact: (205) 930-9800 | https://www.rjaffelaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Joe M. Reed & Associates, LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 25+ years experience and expungement expertise
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes, expungements, asset forfeitures
Background: In Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile and the surrounding areas, Joe M. Reed & Associates, LLC, is there for you. When you are facing civil or criminal legal matters, having experienced legal help on your side will be crucial to resolving your case as favorably as possible. At Joe Reed & Associates, LLC, the Montgomery and Birmingham, Alabama, criminal defense lawyer has more than 25 years of experience providing clients with superior legal service at every stage of their cases. Attorney Joe Reed’s experience, dedication and extensive legal knowledge make him a formidable advocate for clients’ rights, an effective litigator in the courtroom and a skillful negotiator outside the courtroom. That’s where attorney Reed comes in. He is effective at challenging evidence and, whenever possible, getting the charges against clients reduced or dismissed altogether. He is also skilled at helping people get their criminal record expunged and fighting back against the threat of cash and asset forfeitures.
Location: Montgomery, Alabama (also Birmingham and Mobile)
Contact: (334) 625-1794 | https://www.joereedlaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
4. Alabama Criminal Lawyers, LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with drug court experience and constitutional rights focus
Practice Areas: Drug crimes, sex crimes, assault, theft, white collar crimes, DUI, violent crimes
Background: When you retain a Montgomery drug defense lawyer at the firm, you will not only have a skilled legal defense, but also representation that cares about your life and your freedom. The firm has experience handling hundreds of charges such as being under the influence, drug distribution, manufacturing, trafficking, and cultivation, as well as federal drug charges, out of state drug charges, prescription drug charges, marijuana charges, heroin charges, cocaine charges, methamphetamine charges, and others. The firm strives to have all drug-related cases tried in special drug courts, which usually have lesser or alternative sentences and often will allow mandatory rehabilitation instead of prison. In addition, the attorneys are committed to clients and their rights, and investigate law enforcement actions in each case to ensure that due process has been respected. Proof that evidence was obtained via an unlawful search and seizure can have the evidence thrown out and the case dismissed.
Location: Montgomery, Alabama
Contact: (205) 981-2450 | https://www.criminal-defense-attorney.info/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. The Law Office of Attorney Richard F. Matthews, Jr., LLC (Matt Matthews Law)
Focus Area: Criminal defense with state and federal court experience and River Region coverage
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: An Alabama state and federal criminal defense lawyer at The Law Office of Attorney Richard F. Matthews, Jr. can begin working on your criminal legal matter right away. The firm will assist you in formulating a strong legal defense to the crime or crimes with which you have been charged. If you do not want to go to trial, Matt Matthews can fight to secure a favorable plea deal with the prosecuting attorney assigned to your criminal case. Finally, the firm could represent you at a sentencing hearing and work to minimize the penalties and life consequences associated with a criminal conviction. The experienced legal team represents criminal clients in Montgomery County, Pike County, Elmore County, Autauga County, and the River Region of Alabama, including Montgomery, Troy, Wetumpka, Prattville, Selma, and Tuskegee. At The Law Office of Attorney Richard F. Matthews, Jr., LLC, the firm takes pride in strong client representation.
Location: Montgomery, Alabama (serves River Region)
Contact: (334) 398-8408 | https://www.mattmatthewslaw.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation and legal 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 years to life imprisonment.
Class B Felony: Includes first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, and trafficking in controlled substances. Penalty is 2-20 years imprisonment.
Class C Felony: Includes second-degree assault, second-degree burglary, and theft of property over $2,500. Penalty is 1-10 years imprisonment.
Class D Felony: Added in 2015, includes certain property crimes. Penalty is 1-5 years imprisonment.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class A Misdemeanor: Includes third-degree assault, menacing, and harassment. Maximum 1 year in jail and $6,000 fine.
Class B Misdemeanor: Includes disorderly conduct and criminal trespass in the third degree. Maximum 6 months in jail and $3,000 fine.
Class C Misdemeanor: Includes loitering and public intoxication. Maximum 3 months in jail and $500 fine.
Expungement
Alabama allows expungement of certain criminal records under the Alabama Expungement Law:
Eligible Records: Non-convictions (dismissals, acquittals, no true bills), certain non-violent offenses, and some violations.
Waiting Periods: Generally no waiting period for non-convictions; varies for convictions depending on offense type.
Effect: Record is sealed from public view but may still be accessible to law enforcement.
DUI Laws
Alabama DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense carries up to 1 year jail, $600-$2,100 fine, and 90-day license suspension. Second offense within 5 years carries 5 days to 1 year jail, $1,100-$5,100 fine, and 1-year license revocation. Third offense within 5 years is a Class A misdemeanor with 60 days to 1 year jail, $2,100-$10,100 fine, and 3-year license revocation. Fourth offense within 5 years is a Class C felony with 1-10 years prison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Montgomery?
Criminal cases in Montgomery are handled by multiple courts depending on the offense. Montgomery Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and some misdemeanors. Montgomery County District Court handles misdemeanors and felony preliminary hearings. Montgomery County Circuit Court handles felony trials. The 15th Judicial Circuit covers Montgomery County. Federal criminal cases are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, which is located in Montgomery. Having a Montgomery criminal defense attorney familiar with local judges and prosecutors provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What is the Habitual Felony Offender Act in Alabama?
Alabama’s Habitual Felony Offender Act imposes harsher penalties for individuals with prior felony convictions. Under this law, if you have one prior felony conviction, your sentence can be enhanced. With two prior felony convictions, the minimum sentence increases significantly. With three or more prior felony convictions, you can face mandatory minimum sentences. Alabama has some of the toughest repeat-offender laws in the country. This makes it especially important to fight any charge aggressively. A Montgomery criminal defense attorney can evaluate the impact of prior convictions on your current case.
What alternative sentencing programs are available in Montgomery?
Not all criminal cases in Montgomery result in jail time. Courts may offer alternative sentencing programs for eligible individuals. Pretrial diversion programs allow you to participate in a program that focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. This could involve completing community service, attending counseling sessions, or meeting other requirements in exchange for having your charges dismissed or reduced. Drug Court provides treatment-based alternatives for drug offenders. Mental Health Court addresses defendants with mental health issues. Veterans Court serves veterans with service-related issues. A Montgomery criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility for these programs.
What are the penalties for drug possession in Alabama?
Alabama has strict drug laws. Possession of marijuana (personal use, first offense) is a Class A misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail. Possession of marijuana (second or subsequent offense) is a Class C felony with 1-10 years prison. Possession of controlled substances (cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine) is a Class C felony with 1-10 years prison. Possession with intent to distribute carries enhanced penalties. Drug trafficking carries mandatory minimum sentences. Alabama does not have medical or recreational marijuana legalization. A Montgomery criminal defense attorney can evaluate defenses and negotiate for drug court or treatment alternatives.
Can I get my Alabama criminal record expunged?
Alabama allows expungement of certain criminal records under the Alabama Expungement Law. Eligible records include non-convictions (dismissals, acquittals, no true bills), certain non-violent misdemeanors and felonies, and violations. Some offenses are not eligible, including violent crimes, sex offenses, and offenses involving children. The effect of expungement is that the record is sealed from public view. Recent legislation has expanded expungement eligibility in Alabama. Filing fees apply, and the process involves petitioning the court. A Montgomery criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and file the appropriate petition.