Criminal Defense
Articles filed under criminal defense.
Alabama's Child Predator Death Penalty Act: What It Says
Alabama's Child Predator Death Penalty Act took effect October 1. What HB 41 says, the constitutional question it raises, and what it means for a case.
Alabama's New Law Makes Fleeing Police in a Car a Felony
Since October 1, running from police in a vehicle is a felony in Alabama, with steeper penalties for injuries, kids in the car, and repeat offenses.
Alabama Made Reckless Endangerment a Felony in Some Cases on October 1. Here's What Changed.
Until October 1, reckless endangerment in Alabama was a misdemeanor no matter how many people were put at risk. One person or ten, same charge, same ceiling. That's no longer true. A new law now makes it a felony when the risk reaches more than one person, and a more serious felony when a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is involved. I've been practicing in Alabama courtrooms for nearly fifty years, and I can tell you that moving a charge from misdemeanor to felony changes almost everything about how a case is handled. So here's what the new law says, in plain terms.
First Steps After a Criminal Charge in Alabama
What to expect at an Alabama initial appearance or arraignment in municipal, district, or circuit court—and how to protect your rights early.