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Decatur Municipal Court Lawyers
Best Decatur, AL, Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me
Decatur City Court Defense Attorneys
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 IN DECATUR MUNICIPAL COURT?
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 MUNICIPAL COURT IN DECATUR, AL, 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 a 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 a Decatur Municipal Court 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 attorneys 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
Decatur Municipal Court Frequently Asked Questions
The following frequently asked questions provide general information about Decatur Municipal Court and criminal charges in Morgan County, Alabama. Every case is unique, so consult an experienced criminal defense attorney regarding your specific situation.
What cases does Decatur Municipal Court handle?
Decatur Municipal Court generally handles city ordinance violations, misdemeanors, traffic offenses, DUI charges, certain drug possession cases, domestic violence allegations, and other municipal offenses within its jurisdiction.
Do I need a lawyer for Decatur Municipal Court?
An attorney can explain the charges, evaluate defenses, negotiate with the prosecutor, and represent you in court.
What happens at my first court appearance?
Your first appearance is often a settlement docket where the prosecutor and defense may discuss resolution, diversion, or a trial setting.
What happens if my case does not settle?
If your case is not resolved, it may be scheduled for trial before the municipal judge.
Can I have a jury trial in municipal court?
Municipal court cases are generally tried before a judge. Certain convictions may be appealed for a trial de novo in circuit court.
How long do I have to appeal a conviction?
Appeals have strict deadlines under Alabama law, so contact an attorney immediately after a conviction.
Can my municipal charge be dismissed?
Depending on the facts, charges may sometimes be dismissed because of legal issues, insufficient evidence, diversion, or negotiation.
Can my charge be reduced?
Some charges may be reduced through negotiations depending on the evidence and circumstances.
What is a diversion program?
Eligible defendants may qualify for diversion programs that can lead to a favorable resolution after completing program requirements.
Does Decatur Municipal Court handle DUI cases?
Yes. The court hears many misdemeanor DUI cases arising within the city's jurisdiction.
Does the court hear speeding tickets?
Yes. Traffic citations such as speeding are commonly handled in municipal court.
Can I fight a reckless driving charge?
Yes. An attorney can review the evidence, officer observations, witnesses, and available defenses.
What happens if I am charged with driving while suspended?
A conviction may result in fines, court costs, license consequences, and possible jail time.
Can I be charged with driving without insurance?
Yes. Alabama law requires motorists to maintain required liability insurance.
Does the court hear marijuana possession cases?
Municipal court may hear certain misdemeanor marijuana possession and paraphernalia cases.
Does the court handle domestic violence cases?
Certain misdemeanor domestic violence charges may be heard in municipal court.
Can shoplifting be prosecuted in municipal court?
Yes. Certain misdemeanor theft and shoplifting charges may be prosecuted there.
What is disorderly conduct?
Disorderly conduct is an offense involving disruptive conduct as defined by Alabama law.
What is public intoxication?
Public intoxication generally involves being under the influence in a public place under circumstances prohibited by law.
What happens if I miss court?
Missing court may result in a warrant, additional penalties, or bond issues.
Can a lawyer help recall a warrant?
Depending on the circumstances, an attorney may be able to help arrange a new court date or seek recall of a warrant.
Does the court handle resisting arrest charges?
Yes. Certain misdemeanor resisting arrest charges may be heard in municipal court.
Can I defend a trespassing charge?
Yes. Possible defenses depend on the facts, notice, permission, and identification evidence.
Does the court hear probation violations?
Yes. Municipal probation violations may result in additional hearings and penalties.
What penalties can municipal court impose?
Possible penalties include fines, court costs, probation, classes, community service, license consequences, and jail where authorized.
Will a conviction affect my background check?
A conviction may appear on criminal background checks and affect employment or licensing.
Can a municipal conviction be expunged?
Some records may qualify for expungement if Alabama's legal requirements are met.
Should I plead guilty at my first appearance?
Understand the evidence, defenses, and consequences before entering any plea.
Can I represent myself?
You may represent yourself, but criminal cases often involve complex legal and procedural issues.
What should I bring to my consultation?
Bring your citation, complaint, court notices, bond papers, photographs, videos, witness information, and other relevant records.
Where is Ferguson & Ferguson's Decatur office?
The Decatur office is located at 211 Oak Street NE, Decatur, Alabama 35601.
What phone number should I call?
Call Ferguson & Ferguson at 256-350-7200 for a consultation.
Does Ferguson & Ferguson offer free consultations?
Yes. The firm offers free consultations for municipal court matters.
Does the firm offer flat-fee representation?
The page states that flat-fee representation is available for many municipal court charges.
Can I contact the firm after hours?
Yes. The firm states that it can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Should you have a matter pending before the Decatur Municipal Court 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 pretrial 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