Criminal Law

Our criminal justice system can be overwhelming and frightening.  The incarceration rate in the United States is much higher than that of other industrialized countries.  Prison sentences are getting longer and more frequent.  If you are ever accused of a crime, no matter how small the issue seems to be, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as early in the process as possible, preferably even before questioning or investigation by the police.  A skilled attorney can fight for your legal and constitutional rights.

There are two main categories of crime, based on the seriousness of the crime and affecting the length of punishment:

• Felony is the most serious type of crime, generally punishable by more than a year of imprisonment.  Anyone charged with a felony has a right to a jury trial.  Typical felony crimes include these charges:

• Assault and battery
• Burglary and robbery
• Domestic abuse and domestic violence
• Drug trafficking, drug possession, drug manufacturing, and narcotic charges
• Drunk driving offenses
• Fraud and theft
• Homicide, murder, and manslaughter
• Juvenile petitions for dependency and juvenile delinquency
• Probation revocation and parole violations
• Sex offenses and indecent exposure
• White collar crimes

• Misdemeanors are less serious, but they can still cause significant hardship.  A misdemeanor is generally punishable by less than one year's imprisonment or fines.  But, if the crime is considered serious enough, the accused has a right to a jury trial, even though misdemeanors are generally heard before a judge.  Some examples of misdemeanors include these:

• Petty theft
• Public intoxication
• Disorderly conduct
• Personal use drug possession (in some areas)
• Vandalism
• Simple assault
• Traffic offenses
• Trials and appeals, and other post-conviction proceedings

The criminal case process

Alabama follows a complicated six-step process, starting with the investigation of the case, and ending with a trial and sentencing if the defendant is found guilty.  During that process, the accused will appear in court on more than one occasion and can potentially remain in jail until the trial. 

Whether you are charged for a state or federal crime, you have specific rights during every phase of the process.  The most important rights to remember are your Constitutional rights under the Miranda Rule, which must be read to you at the time of your arrest.  This rule gives you the rights that can have the greatest effect on the outcome of your case:

• The right to remain silent
• The right to have an attorney present during questioning
• The right to have an attorney appointed if you are unable to afford one

Of course, since the Miranda Rule only applies at the time of arrest, anything you say prior to that point can also be used as evidence in court.  This is why it is so important to retain a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible, and even before arrest if at all possible.

Donald D. Doerr is skilled at protecting your rights and acting in your best interest during every phase of the criminal process:

• Representing you during the arraignment to determine your plea and negotiate a bail amount so you can be released until trial
• Cross-examining prosecution witnesses during a preliminary hearing to fight against a probable cause determination
• Plea bargaining with the prosecutor to potentially reduce or drop charges or recommend more lenient sentencing
• Representing you at trial to select a fair jury, and establish reasonable doubt for your case
• Appeal your case if you are found guilty and legal error, jury misconduct, or new evidence can be established

Mr. Doerr will work hard on your behalf to see that protections afforded criminal defendants are preserved for you, and he will fight to obtain the best outcome for your case.

Protecting your rights

The criminal process is frightening, confusing, and complex, even for relatively minor charges.  If you do not protect your rights, you can be unfairly convicted, costing you a significant sum of money or even your freedom.  First and foremost, you have the right to an attorney.  The Doerr Law Firm knows the Alabama laws governing your rights throughout every phase of the criminal process and has experience in Federal cases as well.

Contact us

When you need an attorney, call the Doerr Law Firm at 877-880-6285 or contact us online to arrange for a low-cost initial consultation.  Weekend and evening appointments are available upon request.

Conveniently located across from the Bay Minette, AL courthouse, the practice regularly assists clients in these areas:

• Baldwin County
• Mobile County
• Alabama Gulf Coast

Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 7.2(e) requires the following language on all attorney advertising: "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."