Huntsville Alabama Municipal Court Attorney

Huntsville AL Criminal Defense Attorney

Huntsville Municipal Court Lawyers

If you have been charged with a municipal court offense in Huntsville, 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 Huntsville, it is a good idea to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer when charged with a municipal offense.

DO I EVEN NEED TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY?

Yes, you 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 with the Huntsville municipal court.

HOW DOES HUNTSVILLE CITY COURT WORK?

Normally, there are two appearances for municipal court matters. The first appearance is usually listed as an arraignment. You normally go to court on your first appearance and enter a “not guilty” plea. 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 not plea bargain with you at the first appearance because he or she will often times not even have your file.

The second appearance is your chance to speak with the prosecutor or have a trial. If your case is resolved, it will be placed on your record. The judge will impose your sentence (e.g., fine, jail, license suspension, etc…) If not settled, often times your case will be continued once or more. If not settled, at some point the judge will hold a trial, unless you stipulate and appeal the case to circuit court. 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.

What are some serious traffic offenses and their corresponding Alabama Code sections?

Here is a comprehensive list of serious traffic offenses in Alabama, along with their corresponding Alabama Code Sections:

1. Driving Under the Influence (DUI): – Alcohol – Alabama Code Section 32-5A-191(a)(1) & (2)

– Controlled Substance – Alabama Code Section 32-5A-191(a)(3)

– Combined Influence – Alabama Code Section 32-5A-191(a)(4)

2. Open Container Violation: – Alabama Code Section 32-5A-330

3. Reckless Driving: – Alabama Code Section 32-5A-190

4. Leaving the Scene of an Accident: – Alabama Code Section 32-10-1

5. Attempt to Elude Officer: – Alabama Code Section 13A-10-52 & Alabama Code Section 32-5A-193

6. Driving on a Suspended/Revoked License: – Alabama Code Section 32-6-19

7. Racing: – Alabama Code Section 32-5A-178 These offenses are considered serious violations of traffic laws in Alabama, and each offense is governed by specific sections of the Alabama Code.

Defending clients in Huntsville Municipal Court

Ferguson & Ferguson has over a decade of experience fighting for the rights of clients in Huntsville municipal courts in Madison County, Alabama. Municipal courts in Alabama hear a wide range of matters, including traffic violations, DUIs, drug charges, and several municipal ordinance violations. If you have been charged in Huntsville Municipal Court, choose the experienced attorneys who have served as municipal judges and magistrates in Huntsville. Our law firm has over 60 years of experience representing individuals charged with municipal court violations such as: traffic violations, drug violations, and other minor criminal offenses in the municipal courts of Alabama.

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.

Municipal Violations

Our attorney’s handle the following Huntsville municipal court violations, including, but not limited to:

• 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
• Domestic Violence
• Resisting Arrest
• Disorderly Conduct
• Probation Violations
• Shop Lifting/TOP 4th
• Following too closely
• Unsafe lane change
• Trespass
• Public Drunkenness

Should you have a matter pending before the Huntsville Municipal Court and have any questions, feel free to call us now. Call 256-534-3435. 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.

Huntsville Office Location:
303 Williams Avenue SW
Suite 321
Huntsville, AL 35801

Decatur Office Location:
211 Oak Street NE
Decatur, AL 35601