The Consequences of a Felony Conviction in Alabama
What Happens After a Felony Conviction in Alabama?
The consequences of a felony conviction in Alabama are costly and can significantly impact most aspects of your life. Because the penalties can be so harsh and long-lasting, doing everything possible to avoid a conviction or minimize the consequences is essential following an arrest. This begins with hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer who handles felony charges.
At the Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr., we defend against all charges, including serious felonies, and we can assess the best defense approach for your case. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us for legal assistance and support from felony defense lawyer Matt Matthews today.
Court-Ordered Penalties
When convicted of a felony in Alabama, the judge will issue a sentence that can include different types of penalties allowed under the law.
Imprisonment
One of the most severe consequences of a felony conviction is imprisonment. Alabama law allows from one year up to 99 years or even life in prison for felony offenses, depending on the degree of charge and additional factors. Time in prison not only restricts your freedom but affects your personal and professional life.
Probation
In some cases, the court may order probation instead of or in addition to imprisonment. Probation comes with strict conditions that you must adhere to, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, fees, and refraining from certain activities.
Fines
Felony convictions often come with hefty fines that can strain your finances and be difficult to pay in the timeframe set by the court. Failure to pay these fines can lead to further legal consequences.
Loss of Driving Privileges
Some felony convictions in Alabama can result in the suspension or revocation of your driving privileges. This can make it challenging to commute to work, run errands, or take care of daily responsibilities.
In addition, under some circumstances, murder is a capital offense, and the penalty for a conviction can be the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Collateral Consequences
In addition to court-ordered penalties, a felony conviction can lead to other long-term consequences that can impact your future.
- Permanent criminal record: A felony conviction results in a permanent criminal record, which can affect your ability to secure employment, housing, or loans. It can also impact your reputation in the community.
- Loss of gun rights: A felony conviction can lead to the loss of your right to own or possess firearms. This can be particularly challenging if you work in a profession that requires you to carry a weapon.
- Employment: Having a felony conviction on your record can make it difficult to find employment. Many employers conduct background checks, and a felony conviction may disqualify you from certain job opportunities.
- Immigration: If you are not a U.S. citizen, a felony conviction can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation or inadmissibility.
Avoid a Felony Conviction Whenever Possible With the Right Defense Attorney
To mitigate the consequences of a felony conviction, you need an experienced Alabama felony defense attorney on your side. A knowledgeable lawyer can build a strong defense and do everything possible to achieve the best possible outcome for your case, minimizing the effects on your life. Avoiding a felony conviction might be possible through a case dismissal, reduction of charges, acquittal at trial, or other resolutions.
Consult Our Trusted Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing felony charges in Alabama, don't wait to seek defense representation. Contact the Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr. to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you protect your rights and future.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. These recoveries and testimonials are not an indication of future results. Every case is different, and regardless of what friends, family, or other individuals may say about what a case is worth, each case must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances as they apply to the law. The valuation of a case depends on the facts, the injuries, the jurisdiction, the venue, the witnesses, the parties, and the testimony, among other factors. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
The Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr. serves Montgomery County, Pike County, Elmore County, Autauga County, the River Region of Alabama and throughout the State of Alabama, including Montgomery, Troy, Wetumpka Prattville, Selma and Tuskegee. No attorney-client relationship is established by requesting a consultation or emailing Attorney Richard F. Matthews, Jr.. Information submitted in such communication is not privileged and may be subject to disclosure.
