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Decatur Municipal Court Attorney
Best Decatur AL Criminal Defense Lawyers Near Me
Decatur City Court Attorney
If you have been charged with a municipal court offense in Decatur, Alabama, the good news is that such offenses are misdemeanors or violations. The cases carry a maximum penalty of 365 days in jail. If you have been charged in Decatur, it is a good idea to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer when charged with a city offense.
Looking for a free initial consultation with a criminal lawyer? Give Ferguson & Ferguson a call to understand the penalties and defenses for your charges. We believe in affordable representation and offer flat rates for many types of charges. Contact us to schedule an appointment at your convenience. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. We can also be reached 24/7 at 256-350-7200.
DO I EVEN NEED TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY?
Yes, you definitely need to hire an attorney to represent you if you want to avoid a conviction on your permanent criminal record. A conviction will show up on your criminal background check, and that will prevent you from getting a job or renting an apartment. You need to speak with a criminal defense attorney who has experience working in Decatur City Court.
HOW DOES DECATUR, AL CITY COURT, WORK?
Normally, there are two appearances for Decatur Municipal Court matters. The first appearance is usually listed as a settlement docket, where you can negotiate and try to settle your case. If you settle your case, you are done. If you plead guilty or are found guilty, the judge will impose your sentence (e.g., fine, jail, license suspension, etc…) Sometimes cases are continued for settlement a second time. The second court date is normally a trial docket where you can try your case in front of the Municipal Judge. If you win your case, you are finished. If you lose your case, you can appeal it to the Morgan County Circuit Court for a jury trial. There are only two words you need to know: not guilty. The court magistrate or court personnel will then schedule your second appearance, which is a trial date. The prosecutor does plea bargain with you at the first appearance. More than 99% of all cases are resolved before trial. Plea bargaining is the norm in Municipal Court. Prosecutors are given discretion to settle the case in their best judgment.
Why Hire an Attorney
Mishandling of a municipal court charge can result in a conviction on your record, thousands of dollars of unnecessary fines and costs, suspension of your driver’s license and up to 365 days in jail. Furthermore, in Alabama, it stays on your record forever.
Municipal Violations
Our attorney’s handle the following Huntsville municipal court violations, including, but not limited to:
- Resisting Arrest
- Failure to Appear: A failure to appear in Georgia will result in the suspension of your driver’s license, and a warrant will be issued for your arrest.
- Disorderly Conduct
- Probation Violations
- Shoplifting/TOP 4th: Stores will prosecute every single shoplifter caught in their stores to the fullest extent of the law, regardless of whether the shoplifted item is a candy bar or an expensive bottle of cologne.
- Following too closely
- Unsafe lane change
- Trespass
- Public Drunkenness
- Traffic Violations
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Speeding Tickets
- Driving with a Revoked or Suspended License
- Driving without Insurance
- Reckless Driving
- Drug Possession and Paraphernalia: A possession of marijuana arrest is no laughing matter. Marijuana remains illegal in the State of Alabama, and a possession of marijuana conviction has far-reaching penalties.
- Domestic Violence
Should you have a matter pending before the Decatur Municipal Courts and have any questions, feel free to call us now. Call 256-350-7200. We can help by getting your case dismissed, getting you into a pre-trial intervention program, negotiating your case to a lesser offense or winning your case at trial. We are here to help.
Decatur Office Location:
211 Oak Street, NE
Decatur, AL 35601