Fairhope Criminal Defense Attorneys
The stakes are never higher than after you’ve been charged with a crime. If you’ve been arrested in South Alabama, you may be facing heavy fines, imprisonment, and other restrictive penalties that can haunt you for many years to come. Hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer is the best way to protect your rights and achieve justice.
For more than 40 years, the criminal defense lawyers of Wilkins, Bankester, Biles & Wynne, P.A. have been protecting the rights and freedom of clients throughout the Fairhope area. During that period, our law firm has built a record of results and a reputation for personalized service.
Our criminal defense lawyers understand that good people make mistakes and that there is more than one side to a story. We want to hear yours so that we can build the strongest possible defense against the charges you face. Contact our office today for assistance.
South Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Fight Your Charges
Alabama is known for its severe penalties against people convicted of crimes. For a misdemeanor in this state, penalties can be up to $6,000, and jail time can be up to a year. If you are convicted of a felony, prison time can range from just over a year to life without the possibility of parole.
The state is particularly harsh on alcohol, drug, and sex crimes, all of which can have elevated penalties. If you are convicted of a crime, the consequences can follow you for the rest of your life. Alabama doesn’t make allowances for records expungement, so a conviction on your record could prevent you from getting a job, a professional license, a loan, or finding a place to live.
An experienced Alabama criminal defense lawyer will fight for your rights and freedom inside and outside the courtroom. As your attorney, we are on your side and will pursue the most favorable and reasonable outcome possible.
Aggressively Legal Advocacy When You Need It the Most
After an arrest, you may feel as if your situation is hopeless. But that isn’t necessarily the case. The police and prosecutors make mistakes every day. Our law firm will aggressively defend your interests so that you get the justice you deserve. We help clients who have been charged with a wide variety of state and federal crimes.
DUI Charges
It’s illegal in Alabama to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher or while under the influence of drugs or any substance that leads to impairment. The BAC threshold is lowered to .04% if the person possesses a commercial driver’s license and .02% for drivers under the age of 21.
Alabama has an “implied consent” law, meaning you are required to submit to a chemical test if you are arrested for DUI. If you refuse such a test, your license will be automatically suspended for 90 days. This is a separate matter from a criminal conviction, which can impact you and your driving record for many years to come. Our law firm will protect your rights, freedom, and driving privileges if you’ve been arrested for DUI in Alabama, whether it is a first offense, or you have a prior arrest.
Drug Offenses
Few charges are more serious than a drug offense in Alabama. Some common charges include drug possession, drug distribution, drug manufacturing, and drug trafficking. The stakes are incredibly high with any drug charges because you could face severe penalties, including a mandatory minimum prison sentence. If you’ve been charged with one of these crimes or learn that you are under investigation, you need strong criminal defense in your corner to fight for your rights and freedom.
Domestic Offenses
Domestic violence in Alabama is treated seriously by the authorities and prosecutors. To be found guilty of a domestic violence offense in this state, you must share a specific relationship with the victim (ex. – spouses and ex-spouses, parent and child, members of the same household).
Domestic violence can be treated as a felony or misdemeanor depending on the circumstances. If convicted, you could face anywhere from a year to life in prison. If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, there are several options available to assert a strong defense.
White Collar Crimes
Even though white-collar crimes aren’t necessarily associated with violence, they can cause significant harm to victims. This is why the state and federal courts take these crimes so seriously. If you’ve been charged with or are under investigation for a white-collar crime like fraud, forgery, or embezzlement, our law firm will represent your interests every step of the way and help minimize the severe consequences of your criminal matter.
Juvenile Offenses
If your child has been charged with a juvenile offense related to alcohol, drugs, assault, theft, or some other matter, our juvenile defense lawyers can work towards favorable outcomes such as treatment, diversion, and probation, which will minimize the impact of a conviction. Whenever appropriate, we will fight to have the charges dismissed.
Federal Criminal Charges
Federal criminal charges are generally serious because the agencies involved are well-funded and staffed. It’s important to understand that convictions in these cases can come with mandatory minimum sentences. If you have been charged with a federal crime, you need a criminal defense lawyer who will promptly get to work building the strongest possible case to protect your rights.
It is sometimes necessary to negotiate with judges and prosecutors, meaning we may be able to get your charges reduced or dropped. Every case is different, and we will always involve you in the decisions made about your case outcome and future.
Speak with an Experienced Fairhope Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or someone you love has been charged with a crime in the Fairhope area, the criminal defense lawyers at Wilkins, Bankester, Biles & Wynne, P.A., can help. We take our role as your legal representative seriously. Our goal is about more than just keeping you out of jail. Whenever possible, we will try to help you avoid a conviction that will have lasting consequences.
While our law firm doesn’t make any case outcome guarantees, we promise to aggressively fight for your rights and deliver the best outcome possible. Call our office today at 251-928-1915 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case strategy.
