Auburn Alabama Criminal Defense Attorneys

Criminal charges in Alabama are a serious matter. When your freedom and livelihood are at stake, you need the best legal representation possible to protect your rights. The attorneys at Haygood, Cleveland, Pierce & Thompson LLP not only have decades of experience dealing with a wide variety of criminal matters in Auburn, Alabama, but we’ve also forged strong relationships throughout the state’s legal community.

When you’ve been charged with a crime, you are left feeling vulnerable and frightened for your future. Whether you were in the wrong place at the wrong time or made a serious mistake, we understand that bad things can happen to good people. The sooner you get a skilled Alabama criminal defense attorney in your corner, the sooner you can begin working towards a favorable resolution to your case.

Alcohol and Drug Crimes in Auburn or Opelika

The state of Alabama takes a hard line against driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI). If you’ve been accused of either of these offenses, you can face serious consequences. Even the first conviction for a DUI/DWI can carry a sentence of one year in jail and fines of up to $2,100. A conviction also requires a 90-day license suspension and DUI school. The penalties increase with each subsequent arrest. We will defend you against DUI/DWI charges that include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI/DWI)
• Commercial driver’s license DUI
• Zero-tolerance DUI for under-age drivers
• School bus and daycare driver’s DUI
• DUI enhancements for blood-alcohol test refusal
• Administrative hearings to keep your driver’s license

A drug conviction on your record is something that can haunt you for the rest of your life. Unfortunately, the “war on drugs” hurts many non-violent offenders who find that they are in over their head when faced with serious legal consequences. Whether it is a felony or misdemeanor charge, there’s always the chance that a mistake was made during evidence collection or the search that can result in a case being dismissed. In other cases, you may be able to enter a program that dismisses your charges. Some of the examples of drug crimes that we defend are:

• Marijuana charges
• Possession of narcotics
• Illegal possession of prescription medication
• Manufacturing and cultivation
• Small-scale drug sales
• Drug trafficking and smuggling
• Federal drug crimes

Sex Crimes in Alabama

A person charged with committing a criminal sexual offense in Alabama can face some tough penalties. Convictions for some crimes require prison time plus registration as a sex offender. There is little doubt that sexual offenses are receiving more media attention and victims feel increasingly empowered to come forward. Unfortunately, an unfounded accusation can ruin the reputation of the accused before a case can reach a courtroom. We work tirelessly to protect the rights of our clients and defend Alabama sex crime cases such as:

• Felony and misdemeanor rape (first or second degree)
• Sexual assault of a minor (molestation)
• Sexual misconduct
• Lewd and lascivious behavior
• Child pornography charges

Violent Crimes in Alabama

When you’ve been accused of committing a violent crime, there is no room for error in your defense. You need an Alabama criminal defense attorney that knows their way around a courtroom and will do everything necessary to build the strongest defense possible to protect your liberty. We defend clients against charges of violent crime that include:

• Assault and battery
• Homicide
• Manslaughter
• Kidnapping
• Domestic violence
• Weapons charges

Alabama Theft Crimes

Everyone makes mistakes in life, and some are larger than others. Sometimes, you may even be falsely accused of taking something or become the victim of mistaken identity.  Some of the theft charges that we defend clients against include:

• Robbery
• Theft
• Shoplifting
• Burglary

White Collar Crimes in Alabama

When you work for or own a business, there can be misunderstandings and mistakes made. Financial and other white collar crimes get a great deal of media attention, so authorities take an active interest in pursuing these cases. Being accused of a white collar crime can be just as serious as other types of charges. If you believe that you are under investigation or have been accused of a financial crime, our criminal defense team stands ready to prepare your defense. In some cases, you may be eligible for a Felony Diversion program that allows you to eventually have your charges dismissed. Some of the white collar crimes that we help defend for Alabama clients include:

• Embezzlement
• Credit card fraud
• Tax fraud
• Identity theft
• Forgery
• Copyright infringement
• Insider trading
• Bribery

Other Crimes

Alabama has no shortage of laws that someone can be accused of violating. This not only keeps the police busy but can also strike fear into the hearts of those accused of some of these offenses. If you or a loved one are under investigation or have been charged with a crime in the state, call us to find out how we can help. We assist clients with family-related crimes, juvenile charges, probation violations, and even misdemeanor offenses in addition to those listed above.

Contact an Experienced Auburn Criminal Defense Attorney

The experienced Auburn / Opelika defense lawyers at Haygood, Cleveland, Pierce & Thompson LLP, have defended against a wide array of felony and misdemeanor arrests in this state. Remember, your rights are never put on hold despite what a police officer or prosecuting attorney claims.

If you live in the Auburn area and have been accused of a crime, you need a qualified criminal lawyer who knows how to build a strong defense. When you speak with one of our attorneys, you can be confident that you are dealing with an Alabama criminal defense lawyer that will fight hard for your freedom and use their knowledge of the state’s laws to protect your rights.

Contact our office today at (334) 821-3892 or online to schedule an appointment to discuss your case with a lawyer who will be your strongest advocate. Our attorneys understand what is at stake for you and will explain your options so that you can move forward with peace of mind about the future.