Birmingham Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

Protecting Your Rights Throughout the Legal Process

Ingram Law, LLC is an experienced law firm that understands the realities of domestic violence laws in Alabama. If you have been charged with domestic violence, it is crucial that you take those charges seriously. Domestic violence cases are most often the result of inflamed emotional disputes between parties that live together.

We will work quickly and efficiently to resolve your issues, aiming for the most favorable outcomes. Our Birmingham domestic violence attorney respects your needs and concerns and never takes them for granted. This is a firm that is available to provide thorough legal representation for domestic violence charges in the municipal, state, and federal courts of Alabama.

Get in touch with Ingram Law, LLC today by calling (205) 303-1753. Our domestic violence lawyer offers consultations at times that are convenient for you, providing the opportunity to discuss your legal options in detail.

Understanding Domestic Violence Charges in Jefferson County

Each state approaches domestic violence charges and convictions in a different way. In Alabama, domestic violence is qualified by the type of relationship that the involved parties share, which influences the prosecution strategy, potential defenses, and the possible penalties, fines, and other punishments.

In order for a crime to qualify as domestic violence in Alabama, the relationship between those involved must be:

• Current or former spouses
• Parent and child
• Parents of a child in common
• Present or former household members
• Persons who have or had a dating relationship

The context of these relationships plays a critical role, as our domestic violence defense team considers how best to approach each unique situation. By understanding the finer points of these charges, our domestic violence lawyer can craft a more effective defense strategy.

Exploring the Degrees of Domestic Violence in Alabama

Alabama breaks its domestic violence crimes down into three different degrees. The degree of domestic violence with which you are charged depends on the circumstances and severity of the incident.

The three degrees of domestic violence in Alabama are:

• 1st degree: This type of charge is made when you are accused of first-degree assault or aggravated stalking against the victim. If convicted, you could serve at least one year in prison without consideration of probation or parole.
• 2nd degree: This type of charge is made when you are accused of second-degree assault, intimidating a witness, stalking, second- or third-degree burglary, or first-degree criminal mischief against the victim. If convicted, you could serve at least six months in prison without consideration of probation or parole.
• 3rd degree: This type of charge is made when you are accused of third-degree assault, menacing, reckless endangerment, criminal coercion, harassment, criminal surveillance, harassing communications, third-degree criminal trespass, second- or third-degree criminal mischief, or third-degree arson against the victim. If convicted, you could serve at least 30 days without consideration of reduction in time. If you receive a second conviction, you could serve at least 10 days in a city or county jail. Any convictions after that are no longer misdemeanors; they are felonies.

Our Birmingham domestic violence attorney can listen to your side of the story and assess the charges against you before crafting the appropriate legal strategies to defend you from harsh sentences and punishments. We focus on examining all evidence meticulously, ensuring no detail goes unchallenged.

Other domestic violence charges our lawyer can defend against include:

• Domestic violence by strangulation: This type of charge is made when you are accused of committing assault or menacing by strangulation or suffocation against the victim. Such charges carry severe penalties, hence the necessity of a strong defense.
• Violation of a protective order: This type of charge is made when you are accused of refusing to obey a protective order (i.e. a restraining order). If convicted, you could serve up to a year in jail and pay a fine of up to $6,000. Further convictions could result in longer stays in jail.

Why Choose Ingram Law, LLC as Your Domestic Violence Attorney Birmingham?

Understanding the intricacies of domestic violence regulations that are specific to Jefferson County can be crucial in building a strong defense. The local courts have particular procedures, and our legal team is familiar with such nuances, including the expectations and approaches of local judges and law enforcement. This allows us to effectively navigate the legal landscape while anticipating the prosecution's tactics.

Most of these charges carry court costs and fines if you are convicted, while even the mere accusation of domestic violence can severely harm your reputation. The only way to waive those fines is if you can show the court that you have inadequate funds to pay. Keep in mind that should your case be dismissed, your domestic violence lawyer can then go back and have the case expunged from your criminal record, helping you protect your reputation.

Before you do anything else in your situation, contact Ingram Law, LLC online or call us at (205) 303-1753. Discuss your options in a no-obligation consultation with a domestic violence lawyer in Birmingham.

FAQs Answered by a Domestic Violence Lawyer Birmingham

What Are the Immediate Steps to Take After Being Charged with Domestic Violence in Alabama?

First, it is crucial to remain calm and comply with any legal mandates, such as restraining orders, to avoid further complications. Then, promptly contact a domestic violence attorney near you, such as those at Ingram Law, LLC, to discuss your rights and begin strategizing your defense. Early legal intervention can often result in better outcomes and can provide guidance on interactions with law enforcement.

Can a Domestic Violence Charge Be Expunged from My Record in Alabama?

Expungement can be a lengthy process, but it is possible under certain conditions. If your charge is dismissed, you may be eligible to have it removed from your record. However, this depends on the circumstances of your arrest and charge. Consulting with a domestic violence attorney at Ingram Law, LLC can offer insight into your specific eligibility and any steps necessary to proceed with an expungement request.

How Do Domestic Violence Penalties Affect My Custody Rights in Birmingham?

Domestic violence charges can significantly impact custody decisions during family law proceedings. Courts in Birmingham prioritize the well-being and safety of children, and a conviction can influence custody arrangements adversely. It is essential to discuss these implications with your domestic violence attorney to understand how best to protect both your rights and your family's interests during such proceedings.