Do I need a lawyer? Being charged with a crime in Alabama can be a threatening experience. Mistakes can be made that lead to innocent people being convicted and to people who just made a mistake being punished too severely. For these reasons, the lawyers at Gale & Gale believe that anyone charged with a crime, whether in state or city court, should talk with a lawyer. Because of that belief, we offer a free appointment where we can sit down and talk to you about your case. We also believe strongly that there are very few times when a person should go to court without a lawyer. It is because of this belief that we charge fair fees and even set up payment plans in some cases.

Can I go to jail? You can go to jail for up to 6 months for nearly any city ordinance violation. A first DUI violation can result in a year in jail. Of course, felony cases can result in very severe jail terms in the state penitentiary, ranging from one year to life without parole. When certain enhancements are factored in, such as previous convictions under the habitual offender law, prison sentences can become obnoxiously long.

Can I lose my license? Almost everyone knows that in city and state courts in Alabama your driver's license is suspended if you're convicted of DUI. But you can also loose your license for a time for other reasons, such as refusing a breath test, or for a conviction of possession of marijuana or leaving the scene of an accident.

These questions are surely only a sample of what you must be thinking if you've been arrested. At Gale & Gale we are prepared to discuss these questions and others such as:

• Should I plead guilty?
• Can I get a jury trial?
• Can I lose my right to own a gun?
• Is there a fine?
• How much are court costs?
• Can I be treated as a youthful offender?
• What happens if I get put on probation?
• What does it mean to be put on good behavior?

An arrest for any offense is a source of terrible stress and anxiety. Hiring a good criminal defense lawyer will relieve this stress and anxiety by giving you the information you need so that you can know what to expect. Just having someone to explain the process can make a big difference.

Even more importantly, a good criminal defense lawyer will make sure that you are treated with respect and your case resolved in the best way possible for you. In order to achieve these goals, it is important to bring a lawyer into your case as soon as possible so that the lawyer has the opportunity to investigate and know your case. Only then will the lawyer know how to advise you fully of your rights .