Felony Crimes

Experienced Birmingham Criminal Defense Lawyer Dedicated to Aggressively Defending Clients Charged with Serious Crimes

Felonies are the most serious type of crime in Alabama. So, if you’re facing felony charges in Birmingham, chances are very high that you’ll end up serving a jail sentence if you’re convicted. However, just because you’ve been arrested doesn’t mean you committed a crime—and it certainly doesn’t mean you’ll be found guilty.

At the Stoves Law Firm, Attorney Jason Stoves has more than 25 years of experience fighting on behalf of clients facing serious felony crimes. We understand the high states that these cases present, and we’re prepared to do everything possible to ensure that your case ends in the best result possible.

Alabama Felony Crimes

In Alabama, felonies typically include any crime that is punishable by more than one year in jail. Under Alabama law, there are four types of felonies:

Class A Felonies

These are the most serious felonies in Alabama. If you’re found guilty of a Class A felony, you could face a prison sentence ranging from 10 years to life or even the death penalty in certain cases. Examples of Class A felonies include murder, first-degree rape, and first-degree kidnapping.

Class B Felonies

These felonies are serious but less severe than Class A. The punishment for a Class B felony can include a prison term of 2 to 20 years and a fine of up to $30,000. Examples of Class B felonies include manslaughter, second-degree kidnapping, and first-degree burglary.

Class C Felonies

These are less severe than Class A and B felonies. Being convicted of a Class C felony could lead to a prison sentence of 1 to 10 years and a fine of up to $15,000. Examples include second-degree assault (causing serious physical injury intentionally), third-degree burglary (breaking into a non-residence to commit a crime), and theft of property between $2,500 and $10,000.

Class D Felonies

These are the least severe class of felonies in Alabama. If you’re found guilty of a Class D felony, you could face between 1 to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $7,500. Examples of Class D felonies include certain drug possession charges and property theft between $1,500 and $2,500.

Remember, these are just base punishments, and factors like your previous criminal history or specifics of the crime can influence the final sentence. In some cases, Alabama law requires the judge to impose a mandatory minimum sentence. For example, if you are convicted of trafficking between one and two grams of fentanyl, you’ll face a mandatory three-year sentence. However, that increases to ten years if you have between two and four grams.

Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction in Alabama

When you’re convicted of a felony in Alabama, you face some long-term consequences beyond the immediate punishment of prison time and fines. These are known as collateral consequences, and they can affect various parts of your life for years to come.

Employment Challenges: Finding a job can be much harder with a felony record. Many employers are reluctant to hire someone with a felony conviction, particularly for roles that require trust and responsibility.

Housing Difficulties: Just like with employment, securing housing can also become a challenge. Landlords often conduct background checks and may deny your application if they see a felony conviction.

Loss of Voting Rights: If you are convicted of a felony in Alabama, you lose your right to vote, although it can be restored under certain conditions once you’ve completed your sentence, including any probation or parole.

Ineligibility for Public Benefits: Some public benefits, like food stamps or public housing assistance, might be restricted if you have a felony conviction, especially if the crime involved drug trafficking or abuse.

Professional Licenses: Obtaining professional licenses (for example, in nursing, teaching, or law) can be very difficult or impossible with a felony conviction on your record.

Loss of Gun Rights: If the felony involved a violent crime, a conviction will strip you of your right to own or possess firearms.

Social Stigma: The social stigma associated with having a felony conviction can lead to personal and social challenges, impacting your relationships and community involvement.

These consequences highlight why it’s crucial to take felony charges very seriously and ensure that you have an experienced Birmingham felony crimes defense lawyer by your side at every step of the way.

Are You Facing Felony Charges?

If the government recently filed felony charges against you, it is essential that you work with a Birmingham criminal defense lawyer who will take your case as seriously as you do. Attorney Jason Stoves is a veteran Birmingham criminal defense lawyer with over 25 years of experience helping clients avoid the life-changing consequences of a felony conviction. We have the skills, resources, and tenacity you need to rest assured, knowing that your case, your future, and your freedom are in good hands. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call the Stoves Law Firm, P.C. at (205) 823-7233, or you can connect with us through our secure online contact form.