Fighting Criminal Charges in Millbrook, AL

The Millbrook Police Department regularly makes arrests for a variety of suspected criminal offenses. Many arrestees then face charges in criminal court, and a conviction can come with costly and lasting penalties. It is crucial that you take steps to fight against your criminal charges whenever possible. 

By enlisting the help of a Millbrook criminal defense lawyer, many people successfully fight their charges or reduce their penalties. 

Common Criminal Defenses

A criminal defense attorney will examine the circumstances of your arrest and the allegations against you. They will identify any possible legal defenses they can present to fight your charges. Some defenses are presented to the court, and a successful defense can even lead the judge to dismiss your case altogether. In other cases, defenses are presented at a jury trial in an attempt to prevent the prosecutor from proving your case beyond a reasonable doubt. 

Some common legal defenses against criminal charges include:

• Violations of your constitutional rights, which can cause key evidence to be suppressed and kept out of your case.
• Unreliable eyewitness identification, which is a leading cause of wrongful conviction.
• Alibi, which involves showing you were somewhere else and could not have committed the crime as accused.  
• Self-defense, which admits that you used violence or force but asserts the force was justified to protect yourself or others from imminent harm.

These legal defenses are complicated and must include proper legal arguments and evidence. You need a defense attorney handling this process for you. 

Plea Bargaining

In many instances, the best course of action is to enter into a plea bargain agreement with the prosecutor handling your case. In a plea bargain, you agree to plead guilty to less serious charges or in return for the prosecutor recommending the judge impose a lenient sentence. Often, the sentence associated with a plea bargain is significantly less severe than the one you would likely face if you were adjudicated guilty after a trial. 

In some cases, a plea bargain may even be able to help you avoid a conviction at all. For example, if you are accused of a drug violation or drunk driving, you may be able to plead guilty and enter a pre-trial diversion program that can result in your case getting dismissed if you successfully complete it. 

How a Millbrook Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

The criminal justice system has complex legal and procedural requirements, and presenting a successful defense involves a lot of investigation, knowledge of Alabama law, and evidence. This is never something you should try to handle without assistance from an experienced criminal defense attorney, as your future is on the line. 

At the Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr., we represent clients facing a wide range of criminal charges. Whether you are accused of drunk driving or a violent crime, we can assess the possible legal defense in your case and handle every step of the process. Contact us to learn more about how we can help criminal defendants in the Millbrook area.