Case Results
Child custody case won! Plant the Flag!
Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama
01-DR-2022-xxx216.01
SUMMARY
My client was the father and was the non-custodial parent. The Mother in this case was accused of choking the child and being both physically and verbally abusive. My office filed a PFA Restraining Order and file for Full Custody of the minor child. After a year of litigation and depositions. The Father was awarded Sole Physical and legal custody of his son.
The case was dismissed on the first day of trial.
State of Alabama vs. Jeremy Shane Cobb
Circuit Court of Marshall County, Alabama
01-CC-2024-xx37
SUMMARY
The client was charged with Theft of Property, First Degree §13A-8-3, which is a Class B felony. The penalty range is 2-20 years in Alabama.
Case dismissed.
State of Alabama vs. Jeremy Shane Cobb
the Circuit Court of Marshall County, Alabama
CC-2024-000808
SUMMARY
The client was charged with Schedule 1 narcotics §13A-12-212(a)(1).
Case Dismissed.
The Municipal Court of Leeds, Alabama
City of Leeds vs. B. Pena
MC-2025-176
SUMMARY
Client was charged with Domestic Violence, Third degree, Assault 13A-6-132.
Case Dismissed.
In the Municipal Court of Leeds, Alabama
City of Leeds vs. B. Higdon
MC-2025-175
SUMMARY
Client was charged with Domestic Violence, Third Degree, Harassment, 13A-11-8.
GENERAL CIVIL CASE RESULTS
Shirley Scroggins v. Jeff Barron; Cite as: Barron v. Scroggins, 910 So. 2d 780 (Ala. Civ. App. 2005)
Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama
Case No: CV-183393
SUMMARY
Summary: Ms. Scroggins, my client, filed a Petition for her mother’s Will to be probated in Jefferson County. Barron, the grandson, filed a cross-petition to probate the Will in another county and to serve as executor of the estate. A trial was conducted in Jefferson County Probate Court. The trial court concluded that the Will should be probated in Jefferson County, and that Barron had been self-dealing money from his grandmother’s estate. Additionally, Barron had to repay approximately $54,000 to the Estate of Marian E. Hawkins. The case was appealed and the Court of Civil Appeals affirmed the trial court’s decision.
FAMILY LAW CASE RESULTS
Burton v. Burton
Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama
Case No: DR-96-2544.02-RAF
SUMMARY
Summary: Father filed a Petition seeking to gain custody of minor child. My office represented the mother against tremendous odds and a father that had unlimited resources. After a day and a half trial, the trial court ruled for my client, the mother, to retain custody of her minor child. Additionally, the father was held in contempt of court and ordered to serve eight days in jail for contempt and pay all attorney fees associated with representing the mother.
FAMILY LAW CASE RESULTS
Stanbridge v. Stanbridge
Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama
Case No: DR-2010-1811
SUMMARY
Summary: My client, wife and mother of three, was married for 24 years and had primarily been a housewife. Upon being retained to represent my client, and as a result of reviewing financial records, and planning and preparing the case for possible trial, I was able to secure an alimony property settlement of $140,000.00 in cash over ten years and all equity from the sale of the marital home.
FAMILY LAW CASE RESULTS
Fitzgerald (Ray) v. Fitzgerald
Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama
Case No: DR-2005-1317.01-JAP
SUMMARY
Summary: The parties were divorced in 2005 and the mother received legal custody of the minor children and $15,000.00 cash as a property settlement. In 2010, the father and my client filed a Petition to Modify the Divorce Decree, reduce child support and receive standard visitation with the minor child. The mother filed a Petition for Rule Nisi and Counterclaim stating that the father had never paid the $15,000.00 property settlement. The mother requested the following relief: $15,000.00 plus interest, the father be held in criminal and civil contempt of court and jailed, and attorney fees. The Trial was held on March 8, 2001, and the trial court ordered the father standard visitation with the minor child, reduced the amount of child support he was required to pay and ruled that the he had paid the mother the $15,000.00 property settlement from the Divorce Decree. The mother was not entitled to attorney fees.
CRIMINAL CASE RESULTS
United States v. Marvin Hamilton
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Alabama
Case No: CR-97-416-JJJ-PWG
SUMMARY
Summary: The main issue for probation revocation was Hamilton’s failure to pay his fine of $15,000. During Hamilton’s sentencing hearing in 1997, Judge Hancock stated that if Hamilton could not pay the fine, the court would readdress the issue at a later date. I was able to subpoena the 1997 Sentencing Transcript from archives as evidence to show the court its earlier remarks. The court dismissed the fine against Hamilton for his lack of ability to pay. Hamilton was revoked for other issues.
CRIMINAL CASE RESULTS
State of Alabama v. Lori Bryan
Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama
Case No: CC-05-3172, 3173
SUMMARY
Summary: Ms. Bryan was charged with resisting arrest and obstruction of justice from a traffic stop. After the first trial resulted in a hung jury, the second trial found Ms. Bryan not guilty of resisting arrest and obstruction of justice.
CRIMINAL CASE RESULTS
United States v. Mikayelyan
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Alabama
Case No: CR-07-66-RDP-TMP
SUMMARY
Summary: My client was a Russian Armenian. Mr. Mikayelyan and two co-defendants were charged by the Grand Jury in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama with a four count Indictment which charged the following: Count One, Conspiracy, 18 U.S.C. 371; Count Two, Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Access Devices, 18 U.S.C. 1029(a)(3); Count Three, Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Access Devices, 18 U.S.C. 1029(a)(4) and Count Four, Forfeiture, 18 U.S.C. 982(a)(2)(B). The first trial began on May 14, 2007. The trial went on for a week, after which time, the trial ended in a hung jury on all counts for my client. Before the trial began, one of the co-defendants entered a guilty plea to all counts in their case and they received a four year sentence. The second trial was scheduled to begin August of 2007. After another week long trial, my client was found guilty.
The Difficulties of Maintaining a Summary Judgment
Learn how a seemingly simple legal win through summary judgment was reversed in Alonso v. Alpha Phi due to unresolved factual disputes and procedural missteps.
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The Limitations on Criminal Confessions
Learn how the Corpus Delicti rule protects your rights in DUI and drug confession cases. Joe Ingram Law explains how improper police procedures can render a confession inadmissible—and help you beat your charge.
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Taylor v. Humpries: A Failure of Equity and Common Sense.
Explore Taylor v. Humphries, a controversial Alabama court case where a disabled U.S. citizen was denied a state ID due to bureaucratic barriers. This article examines how rigid legal formalism can undermine equity, common sense, and public trust in the justice system.
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Child Custody Across State Lines
Learn how child custody jurisdiction works across state lines under the UCCJEA. Discover how Alabama courts can retain authority even after one parent relocates, and what legal rights you have when custody orders are challenged in another state.
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Custodial Sexual Misconduct and The Sex Offender Registry
Charged with custodial sexual misconduct in Alabama? Learn how a conviction can put you on the sex offender registry, what recent court cases mean for your future, and why legal reform is urgently needed.
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Enforcing Arbitration Agreements Against a Third Party
Learn how Alabama law treats arbitration agreements in estate litigation. Discover when third parties—like executors—can be bound by a decedent’s arbitration clause.
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When Can A Police Officer Use Deadly Force?
Learn when a police officer can legally use deadly force under the Fourth Amendment. Explore key court rulings and constitutional standards in this high-profile Eleventh Circuit case.
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Clearing Your Record in Alabama: What You Need to Know About Expungement
Learn how to expunge a criminal record in Alabama. Discover eligibility rules, filing steps, costs, and how expungement can give you a fresh start. Get expert legal help.
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HB247 Lulu’s Law: Irrational, But Beautiful
Discover how Alabama’s Lulu’s Law established a shark attack monitoring and emergency alert system for the state’s coastal counties. Learn why this unique legislation, inspired by community advocacy after a tragic incident, reflects the power of local voices in shaping state policy. Explore the case’s impact, legislative background, and what it means for public safety on Alabama beaches.
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Right to Counsel: When has this right been breached?
Understand when the constitutional right to counsel applies in criminal cases. Learn from the recent Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals decision in Russell v. State about the critical stages where legal representation is required.
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Can Prison Sentence Reductions Cross State Lines
Discover whether prison sentence reductions can transfer across state lines. Learn about a key 2025 Alabama case that clarifies how correctional incentives apply when inmates move between states.
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When is evidence sufficient to revoke probation?
Learn when evidence is sufficient to revoke probation, based on a key 2025 Alabama court ruling. Understand the role of hearsay, probation violations, and legal standards in probation revocation cases.
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Restitution and Evidence: When Is There Enough Evidence For Restitution
Learn when restitution orders are legally valid under Alabama law. Discover why evidence and a proper hearing are essential before courts can require repayment to victims in criminal cases.
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Understanding Cybercrime Charges and Digital Defense Strategies
Facing cybercrime allegations? Learn the types of cybercrime charges, potential penalties, and how Joe Ingram Law LLC builds strong digital defense strategies. Summary Description: Explore how Joe Ingram Law LLC defends against cybercrime allegations with expert knowledge of digital forensics, hacking laws, identity theft, and data breaches.
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The Interplay Between Plea Agreements and Aggravating Factors
Attorney Teresa Darwin Phillips pleaded guilty to theft, deception, and elder exploitation in Alabama. Learn how her failure to pay restitution impacted her sentencing and why the court upheld late notice of aggravating factors.
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Running From The Cops: When is it 3rd Degree Felony Escape?
Facing charges for running from the police? Learn when fleeing becomes third-degree felony escape in Alabama and how recent court rulings may affect your case.
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HB49’s Deadly Challenge Against the Supreme Court
Alabama’s HB49 challenges Supreme Court precedent by proposing the death penalty for child rape. Learn how this controversial bill could reshape capital punishment law nationwide.
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Default Judgment Divorce in Alabama: How Can You Avoid It?
Learn how a default judgment in divorce can leave you with nothing if you don’t respond to legal filings. Discover how one Alabama court reversed such a judgment—and why immediate legal action is critical to protect your rights.
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Appellate Courts: Arbiters of Justice
Explore how the justice system safeguards fairness through appellate review in United States v. Gregory, a federal drug trafficking case that reveals key protections for defendants and the power of appeals in correcting trial court errors.
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David Eugene Files and the Interplay of Ethics and Jurisdiction
In a case that made its way to the highest level of the state court system, the Alabama Supreme Court recently presided over an appeal beginning in Walker County. This case, Ex parte David Eugene Files, centers around a Rule 32 petition for postconviction relief. Files’ petition was dismissed by the Walker circuit court, with the dismissal being affirmed by the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals.
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Sufficiency of Evidence: Reviewing the Admissibility and Application of Evidence Through US v. Mapson
In a decision that affirms the admissibility and sufficiency of several distinct types of evidence, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit recently presided over an appeal that found its roots in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.
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Are Courts Always Free to Divide Property in a Divorce?
How courts divide real property in a divorce. Learn more from Ingram Law, LLC.
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Till Death Do Us Part: Marital Property Division on Behalf of an Estate
In a case that demonstrates the limits of alimony awards, the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals recently heard the case of Larry Shearry v. Christy Spivey, as personal representative of the Estate of Charlotte Shearry.
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Fultondale Alabama Municipal Courts: Charges, Penalties, and Why You Should Seek an Attorney
You are driving home late between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. You get pulled over because the police officer states you are driving over the line, driving too slow, have a head light out or you have a taillight out.
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The Crime of Stalking in Alabama
Another category of criminal offense in Alabama is stalking. Covered by Article 5, stalking includes offenses for stalking in the first and second degree, aggravated stalking in the first and second degree, and electronic stalking in the first and second degree.
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Navigating the Division of Marital Property: Lessons from Barbara Brown v. Ernest Brown
In a case that demonstrates the intricacies of equitable division of marital property, the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals recently presided over an appeal from the Jefferson Circuit Court in Jefferson County. The case of Barbara Brown v. Ernest Brown illustrates the importance of maintaining a clear record on appeal and emphasizes the necessity of full disclosure when dividing marital assets.
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Navigating Legal Challenges; Brett Yeiter’s Fight Against a Death Sentence
In a case illustrating the tumultuous and complicated proceedings for challenging a death sentence, the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals recently heard the appeal of Brett Richard Yeiter v. State of Alabama, stemming from Escambia County. Yeiter’s case underscores the critical need to adhere to procedural requirements, especially in cases involving severe sentences.
read articlesTrademark Infringement: Causes of Action Under the Lanham Act
Federal trademark law is primarily governed by the Lanham Trademark Act, also referred to as the Trademark Act of 1946. The Lanham Act, codified in 15 U.S.C. §§1051 to 1127, covers a wide range of trademark issues including registration, maintenance, protection, and the creation of a federal cause of action for trademark infringement.
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Navigating the Complexities of Marital Property Division: Catherine S. Cauthen v. Carey Lee Cauthen, Jr.
In a case that highlights the complex issues of marital property division during divorce proceedings, the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals recently heard the appeal of Catherine S. Cauthen v. Carey Lee Cauthen, Jr. Arising from Baldwin County, this case addresses the appeals of both the husband and the wife, demonstrating the intricate nature of property classification and division through six main points of contention. If you need a Divorce Lawyer, Please contact us about your case.
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The Battle for Exoneration: Charles McCrory and the Fight Against Outdated Scientific Evidence
In a case that highlights broader systemic issues in the American justice system, the United States Supreme Court recently declined to review a controversial Alabama murder conviction. At this stage, the case of McCrory v. Alabama has been tumultuous for a man who continues to maintain his innocence. The increasing public attention directed towards the challenges defendants face when seeking exonerations is creating legislative pressure for reform, offering hope for a more just future.
read articlesPretrial Matters in Federal Court: How to Make Bond, Detention Hearings, and other Pretrial Functions
18 U.S.C. §3154 describes the functions and powers relating to pretrial services. The statute includes 14 particular functions, and a broader clause allowing the performance of any other functions specified under the chapter.
read articlesThe Interplay Between Lesser-Included Offenses and Double Jeopardy: The Case of R.E.F. v. State of Alabama
In a case that provides important clarification about double jeopardy when certain charges were reduced to their lesser-included offenses, the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals recently presided over the appeal of R.E.F. v. State of Alabama.
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The Time Limit of Jurisdiction: Insights from Ex Parte State of Alabama
In a case that clarifies the bounds of jurisdiction for mandamus petitions, the Alabama Court of Appeals recently heard an appeal arising from Mobile County. This case, Ex Parte State of Alabama, explores trial court jurisdiction time limits without a stay, defining when new judgments can be issued, and orders enforced.
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The Child’s Best Interest: The Two-Prong Test for Parental Termination
In a case that illustrates the high bar for terminating parental rights in child custody matters, the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals recently presided over an appeal arising from Baldwin County. This case, W.C.M. v. M.P., addresses a mother’s efforts to terminate the father’s parental rights, highlighting the complex and sensitive nature of proceedings seeking extreme legal remedies.
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180 Years: Analyzing the Appeal of Travis Eugene Wolfe
In a case addressing multiple facets of criminal procedure, the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals recently presided over an appeal from DeKalb County. This case, Travis Eugene Wolfe v. State of Alabama, demonstrates the breadth of trial court discretion when compounding consecutive sentences, while exploring the procedural and evidentiary requirements forming the basis for Wolfe’s conviction.
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Drug Crimes in Alabama Both State and Federal Charges
In Alabama, drugs are everywhere, both recreational and illegal. Drug charges carry significant jail time for distribution and trafficking, Alabama also criminalizes a wide array of drug offenses. Drug possession and sale offenses are covered by §13A-12-210 to §13A-12-219 of the Alabama Code.
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Evidence of Prejudice: Joseph Michael Wilson and the Importance of Supporting Both Prongs of the Strickland Test
In a case highlighting the extensive requirements to succeed under a Rule 32 petition, the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals recently presided over an appeal arising from Madison County. This case, Joseph Michael Wilson v. State of Alabama, illustrates the high evidentiary bar that criminal defendants must meet when alleging prejudice arising from ineffective assistance of counsel, demonstrating the high level of deference courts give to attorneys when determining trial strategy.
read articlesMens Rea: The Importance of Proving Intent In a Criminal Case
If you have a Federal Criminal case, a State Criminal case, a Municipal Case or a Family Law case, contact Joe Ingram or Ingram Law LLC at 205-335-2640.
read articlesRape And Sex Crimes in Alabama
Alabama law criminalizes a variety of sexual offenses, the most severe charges being for rape and sodomy. Charges for rape and sodomy in Alabama are classified based on the degree of the offense. Rape in the first degree and sodomy in the first degree, governed by §13A-6-61 and §13A-6-63 respectively, are both classified as Class A felonies.
read articlesFraud In a Divorce: Ex parte Gage Bruce Roberts
In a case that clarifies the court’s power to address acts of fraud, the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals recently presided over an appeal originating in Mobile County. This case, Ex parte Gage Bruce Roberts, addresses fraud in the context of a divorce judgment, emphasizing the court’s authority to handle such scenarios.
read articlesConstitutional Standing and Proof of Intent: The Case of Johnnie Leeanozg DavisConstitutional Standing and Proof of Intent: The Case of Johnnie Leeanozg Davis
In a case that clarifies several principles of criminal procedure, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals recently presided over an appeal arising from the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama.
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Double Jeopardy in a Single Trial: The Case of Altonio Spencer
In a case that illustrates the interplay of Alabama’s sentencing laws, the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals recently heard an appeal originating in Mobile County. This case, Altonio Spencer v. State of Alabama, explores the proper application of the Habitual Felony Offenders Act and clarifies the Double Jeopardy Clause’s applicability when one conviction is included within another.
read articlesFederal Sex Crimes: Offenses, Penalties, and SORNA
18 U.S.C. Pt I, Ch. 109A covers federal sexual abuse crimes. Sexual abuse, codified in §2242, criminalizes three types of conduct. First, the section criminalizes using threats or fear to coerce another person to engage in a sexual act.
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Definitions: Exploring the Effect of Statutory Language on Protection Orders
In a case that dives into evidentiary standards and proper applications of the law, a case arising from Lee County recently made its way to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals. In the case of P.T.S. III v. S.S., the Court reviewed an elder-abuse protection order, clarifying evidentiary requirements and addressing the relevance and applicability of the Elder Abuse Protection Order and Enforcement Act.
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