Sentencing Guidelines in Alabama

If you have been charged with a crime, it’s only natural to wonder about the penalties you are facing. In many cases, if you are convicted, your sentence will be based on Alabama’s sentencing guidelines. 

That said, a conviction is not inevitable, as an experienced attorney might have a chance to get your case dismissed, obtain an acquittal at trial, or mitigate the consequences you are facing.

If you find yourself facing charges, you should immediately talk to an experienced Alabama criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can. Defense attorney Matt Matthews is ready to assist you. 

Potential Sentences for Criminal Convictions

Alabama law allows for many different penalties for criminal convictions, including:

• Fines
• Jail or prison time
• Unsupervised or supervised probation
• Community service
• Educational or treatment programs
• Electronic monitoring

There are additional possible penalties the court might impose, depending on the circumstances and the nature of the offense. 

What are Sentencing Guidelines?

Sentencing guidelines are standards that establish consistent sentencing practices. Prior to these guidelines, there was a system of unpredictable sentencing, where maximum sentences were high, and judges had considerable discretion. This system allowed for significant variability in sentences from case to case.

In response to calls for more predictable sentencing, many states, including Alabama, transitioned to determinate sentencing. Under determinate sentencing, the length of a sentence is fixed, providing both the offender and the victim with a clear idea of the amount of time that will be served. That said, judges can still deviate from the guidelines when there are compelling reasons to do so.

How a Defense Lawyer Can Work to Reduce the Penalties You Are Facing

When facing criminal charges, the penalties you may be facing are not set in stone. A skilled Alabama criminal defense lawyer can significantly affect the outcome of your case. They can develop strategic defense strategies to challenge your charges and minimize the penalties you are facing.

By conducting a thorough investigation, your lawyer can uncover any weaknesses in the prosecution's case and challenge the evidence against you. They can negotiate with prosecutors to explore plea bargain options or seek alternative sentencing programs that may offer more favorable alternatives to jail time. 

Even if you are convicted, a defense lawyer can work in your favor. With experience in the courtroom, the right attorney can present compelling arguments in your defense, convincing the judge to consider mitigating circumstances that may result in a reduced sentence.

Ultimately, hiring a lawyer who understands Alabama's sentencing guidelines can substantially increase your chances of receiving lesser penalties.

Call an Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you're facing criminal charges in Alabama, you need to have an experienced and knowledgeable attorney handling your case from the start. The Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr. is here to protect your rights and fight for your future. We have 20+ years of criminal litigation experience and are dedicated to providing aggressive and effective defense representation. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation.