I Need Defense Against Criminal Charges

If you are arrested and charged with a state or federal crime, you don't have a minute to waste. You must call a lawyer who knows criminal law and will fight for your rights immediately. If you don't, you could get stuck with a court-appointed lawyer who may not have the time to dedicate to your case and you may not get the outcome that you desire.

What to do if you are arrested:
First of all, remain calm. Do not fight the officers attempting to place you in custody. If you resist arrest, you will only make the situation worse. Also, advise the law enforcement officers that you do not want to make any statements about any alleged violations of the law until you have your lawyer present.

Next, call Richard F. “Matt” Matthews, Jr., an Alabama state and federal criminal defense lawyer at The Office of Attorney Richard F. Matthews, Jr., who can begin working on your criminal legal matter right away. We will assist you in formulating a strong legal defense to the crime or crimes with which you have been charged. If you prefer to not to go to trial, Matt Matthews can fight to secure a favorable plea deal with the prosecuting attorney that has been assigned to your criminal case. We can also represent you at a sentence hearing and work to minimize the penalties and life consequences associated with a criminal conviction.

The difference between state court and federal court:
In most cases, a federal court case is much more complex than a state court case. State court matters usually involve violations of state laws, while federal court is usually implicated where an individual violated a federal statute or other law. Federal prosecutions typically involve larger drug transactions, weapons, large-scale fraud cases, government fraud or bank robberies. If you are convicted in federal court, there are mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes and there is no parole from a federal court sentence.

The difference between felonies and misdemeanors:
Crimes are generally divided into two categories: felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are more serious and carry significant penalties upon conviction. Misdemeanors are less serious and are usually punishable by less than one year in incarceration. For a misdemeanor conviction, a sentencing judge may impose jail time for up to a year, monetary penalties, community service and a host of other penalties. Felony convictions, on the other hand, are usually punishable by more than one year in jail, along with fines, community service and other penalties.

In addition to criminal penalties associated with a felony or misdemeanor conviction, the convicted individual will also have a criminal conviction record to deal with. A criminal record will likely have an impact on the rest of the convicted person's life. It can make it difficult for him or her to find a meaningful job, a place to live or obtain an education at a college or university because these institutions routinely perform background checks that include criminal activity on applicants.

Hire an attorney to represent you:
At The Law Office of Attorney Richard F. Matthews, Jr., we take pride in our strong client representation. We will do everything possible to prepare your legal matter for trial in the state or federal court system and help you attain the best possible result in your case. We represent individuals throughout the state of Alabama, including Montgomery County, Pike County, Elmore County, Autauga County and the River Region of Alabama, including the cities of Montgomery, Troy, Wetumpka, Prattville, Millbrook, Selma and Tuskegee. To schedule a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an Alabama wrongful death attorney, please call us today at 334-398-8408 or contact us online for more information.