Misdemeanor Attorney in Birmingham

Your Ally in Birmingham Misdemeanor Cases

Facing a misdemeanor charge in Birmingham, AL can be daunting, but at Revill Law Firm, we are here to help you navigate the complexities of the legal system with confidence. Our dedicated team of misdemeanor criminal attorneys in Birmingham listens closely to your case, offering personalized strategies to protect your rights and pursue favorable outcomes.

At Revill Law Firm, we approach each misdemeanor case with the same level of dedication. Our firm handles various misdemeanor offenses, including:

• DUIs: We defend against alcohol-related offenses, aiming for charge reductions or alternative sentencing.
• Drug Possession: Our attorneys challenge evidence and explore diversion programs.
• Theft & Shoplifting: We negotiate to minimize fines and prevent record blemishes.
• Assault: We work to establish mitigating factors, often avoiding harsh consequences.

Misdemeanor charges, though often seen as minor, can have lasting effects on your life. They can lead to financial penalties, a criminal record, and even impact your ability to secure employment. Engaging a knowledgeable misdemeanor lawyer in Birmingham who is familiar with Alabama law can make all the difference in your case.

Facing a misdemeanor charge? We offer free consultations and are available 24/7. Call (205) 928-6544 or contact us online to speak with a misdemeanor lawyer in Birmingham today.

Understanding Misdemeanor Laws in Alabama 

In Alabama, misdemeanors are criminal offenses that are less serious than felonies and are punishable by up to one year in county jail. The state's penal code classifies misdemeanors into three distinct categories based on their relative seriousness: Class A, Class B, and Class C. This classification is crucial because it directly determines the range of penalties and the potential for incarceration. 

The law governing these offenses is found primarily in the Alabama Code, Title 13A, which is the state's criminal code. A knowledgeable misdemeanor lawyer in Birmingham will meticulously analyze the specific class of the offense under which you are charged to find any weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

Key Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

To secure a misdemeanor conviction, the prosecution must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. While the specific elements vary depending on the offense, they generally revolve around the concepts of an "unlawful act" and "criminal intent."

• Actus Reus (The Guilty Act): The state must prove that you voluntarily performed a specific, unlawful act, or failed to perform an act you were legally required to do. For example, in a theft case, the actus reus would be physically taking an item.
• Mens Rea (The Guilty Mind): The state must also prove that you had the necessary criminal intent to commit the crime. The required mental state can vary, from "intentionally" or "knowingly" to "recklessly" or with "criminal negligence."

Successfully challenging either the actus reus or the mens rea of a charge can lead to a dismissal or an acquittal. This is often where a strong Birmingham misdemeanor attorney can make the biggest impact, meticulously scrutinizing the evidence for any failure by the prosecution to meet its burden of proof.

Classifications and Degrees of Misdemeanor Offenses

Alabama law divides misdemeanors into three categories, with each carrying a different set of potential penalties.

• Class A Misdemeanors: This is the most serious class of misdemeanor. A conviction can result in a fine of up to $6,000, confinement in a county jail for a term not to exceed one year, or both. Examples of Class A misdemeanors include assault in the third degree, a first-offense DUI, and criminal possession of a forged instrument in the fourth degree.
• Class B Misdemeanors: This is the middle tier of misdemeanors. A conviction can result in a fine of up to $3,000, confinement in a county jail for a term not to exceed six months, or both. Examples of Class B misdemeanors include disorderly conduct and menacing.
• Class C Misdemeanors: This is the least serious class of misdemeanor. A conviction can result in a fine of up to $500, confinement in a county jail for a term not to exceed three months, or both. Examples of Class C misdemeanors include harassment and public intoxication.

It is also important to note that a misdemeanor charge can be elevated to a felony if certain aggravating factors are present or if a person has a prior criminal history. For example, a third DUI offense is a felony. Our firm is prepared to handle both misdemeanor and felony charges and will fight to prevent any escalation of your case. We are a comprehensive misdemeanor lawyer in Birmingham.

Collateral Consequences of a Misdemeanor Conviction

A criminal record for a misdemeanor can follow you for the rest of your life, making it incredibly difficult to find employment, obtain professional licenses, or secure housing. Many employers and professional licensing boards conduct criminal background checks, and a conviction can raise concerns about your trustworthiness and reliability.

A criminal record can also limit a person's ability to get into college or secure federal financial aid. Additionally, a conviction for certain offenses, such as domestic assault, can result in the loss of their right to own or possess a firearm. For non-citizens, a criminal conviction can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation.

Why Choose Revill Law Firm

The Revill Law Firm, with its decade-long presence in Birmingham, stands apart due to a focus solely on criminal defense. Our personalized strategies, adept negotiation skills, and focus on client rights set us apart. Our free case evaluation ensures no upfront costs, enabling you to confidently discuss your circumstances with our experienced lawyers.

Our commitment to understanding every client's unique challenges is paramount. With a history rich in successful client defense, we leverage local area knowledge, ensuring clients benefit from our established rapport with Birmingham's judicial circuit. This local expertise aids in thorough preparedness for all courtroom interactions, whether the case involves a minor theft or a first-time DUI. Our responsive approach to client inquiries further bolsters trust, emphasizing a clear, communicative path forward.

Contact us today at (205) 928-6544 to start easing the stress and complexity of your legal journey.