Criminal Defense Attorneys in Daphne, Alabama

If you have been charged with a crime, you realize that the stakes are high. Simple violations of the law such as shoplifting, possession of marijuana and driving under the influence could result in jail time, severe fines, and impact your ability to hold a job and provide for your family. A domestic violence conviction would limit your ability to possess a firearm and enjoy activities such as hunting.

If you are facing criminal charges, you need an attorney who is experienced in defending individuals charged with a crime. You need someone who understands the criminal justice system from both sides. You need the experience provided by the attorneys at Coumanis and York, PC.

Prior to founding Coumanis & York, both partners worked as State prosecutors, and David York, in his role as the United States Attorney, served as the chief federal law enforcement official for southwest Alabama. Together, they bring a combined 50 years of legal experience—as both prosecutors and defense lawyers—to the table in representing those charged with crimes. Their experience as prosecutors and the knowledge they gained during those years benefit them and their clients in every case they handle because they understand how prosecutors think.

Representing clients in both Federal and State courts in Alabama, Coumanis and York bring their years of courtroom experience and understanding of the criminal justice system to protect the rights of their clients.

We will defend our clients as to all felony and misdemeanor charges, including:

• Drug Crimes
• Drunk Driving Offenses
• Assault Charges
• Domestic Violence Charges
• Bank Fraud & Embezzlement
• Computer & Internet Offenses
• Firearms Offenses
• Juvenile Charges
• Manslaughter and Murder Offenses
• Probation & Parole Violations
• Securities & Business Crimes
• Theft & Property Crimes
• Traffic Offenses
• Vehicular Homicide
• Violent Crimes such as Assault
• White Collar Offenses and Sex Crimes

We believe our clients deserve the same opportunities in the justice system as the privileged few, and we will use our experience to get the results you need.

Categories of Criminal Charges in Alabama

The sentences, fines and other penalties for criminal convictions depend on how the particular crime is classified. In Alabama, there are three general categories of crimes; violations, misdemeanors, and felonies.

Violations

Violations are the least severe classification, and it includes things like traffic violations and third-degree criminal trespass. The maximum punishment for a violation is up to 30 days in county jail, although most carry a fine of under $200. It is important to note, however, that multiple traffic violations add points to your driving record, which can eventually result in the loss of your driving privileges. In many cases, it makes sense to just pay the fine for the violation and move on, but there are times when it is in your best interests to fight it, particularly when you are looking at jail time or having your driver’s license suspended.

Misdemeanors

A misdemeanor is more serious than a violation but less severe than a felony. Examples of misdemeanors may include disorderly conduct, third-degree theft, cruelty to animals, and DUIs without aggravated circumstances. Misdemeanors are divided into three classes based on the seriousness of the offense:

• Class A Misdemeanor: The most serious type of misdemeanor punishable with fines of up to $6000 and up to one year in county jail.

• Class B Misdemeanor: Punishable with fines of up to $3000 and up to six months in county jail.

• Class C Misdemeanor: The least serious type of misdemeanor punishable with fines of up to $500 and up to three months in county jail.

Felonies

The most serious types of criminal offenses are charged as felonies. Examples may include thefts with a value of over $500, stalking, unlawful distribution of drugs, arson, and various types of violent crimes such as second or first-degree assault, rape, and murder. Like misdemeanors, felonies are also divided into three classes based on seriousness:

• Class A Felony: The most serious of all felony charges punishable with fines of up to $60,000 and 10 years to life in state prison.

• Class B Felony: Punishable with fines of up to $30,000 and a 2 to 20-year prison sentence.

• Class C Felony: Punishable with fines of up to $15,000 and between one year and a day up to 10 years in prison.

In 2016, Alabama added a fourth felony category with special provisions. A Class D felony carries a minimum of a year and a day up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $7500. However, if a prison sentence is given, the defendant only serves up to two years, and it must be served in a community correction facility. If the sentence is longer than two years, the remainder is served on probation.

Are you Under Criminal Investigation?

If you have been accused of a crime or just brought in for questioning, it is possible that some law enforcement agency may have opened up an investigation against you. As soon as you become aware that you could be the subject of a criminal investigation, it is very important to be proactive and get out in front of this. You do not want to wait until they charge you with something, because at that point, it could be much more difficult to put together an effective defense.

Our experienced criminal defense lawyers can represent you during the investigation phase and help mitigate the damage before it gets out of control. Some of the ways we can help you during an investigation include:

• Conducting our Own Investigation on Your Behalf: We will thoroughly review the key facts and pieces of evidence that are present in your case, and we will work diligently to locate any witnesses and uncover any additional evidence that will help strengthen your case. By being fully informed on the circumstances of your case, we can help ensure that your answers to any questions asked by law enforcement will be consistent with the facts. We may also be able to put a stop to a misguided criminal investigation before charges are ever brought.

• Accompanying You During Law Enforcement Interviews: Although you may be completely innocent of the underlying crime that is being investigated, it is still not a good idea to talk to investigators alone. Some are known to ask misleading, confusing, improper, or unfair questions that are designed to trap you into giving an incorrect answer, at which point they could charge you with a process crime such as lying to investigators. Many people have gone to jail for crimes like these, and this is why it is very important to have an attorney present whenever you are interviewed by law enforcement.

• Negotiating with Law Enforcement: Our attorneys are strong negotiators, and since we have been on the other side, we know how they think and what is most important to them. Having all the relevant facts and pieces of evidence in the case allows us to negotiate from a position of strength rather than weakness. This puts you in a position to secure the most favorable outcome possible in your case.

Speak with a Seasoned Daphne Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing any type of criminal charge, there is a lot at stake, and you need to get to work right away on developing an effective defense. The best place to start is to contact Coumanis & York right away to discuss your case. Call our office today at 251-990-3083 (Daphne) or 251.431-7272 (Mobile) or message us online to speak with a member of our legal team.