If you’ve been charged with a crime, then the biggest fear you have is probably losing most of your freedom, autonomy, and agency behind bars. Unfortunately, that’s not a very irrational fear to have.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, the United States has one of the highest incarceration rates on the planet. Although our country only accounts for around 5% of the total world population, it accounts for roughly 25% of the world’s total prison population. Further, Alabama has strict criminal laws that allow for possible jail time for nearly any misdemeanor or felony offense.
While there is the potential for jail time, having the right assistance from a Montgomery criminal defense lawyer can help prevent this whenever possible. Do not wait to begin working on your defense with an experienced attorney.
Potential Jail Sentences in Alabama
When Alabama law sets out each offense, it also assigns a degree of charge, such as a misdemeanor or felony offense. Criminal law also provides for the possible jail sentences a judge could order for each degree of charge, and the basic guidelines are:
- Class C misdemeanor – Up to three months
- Class B misdemeanor – Up to six months
- Class A misdemeanor – Up to one year
- Class D felony – Up to five years
- Class C felony – Up to ten years
- Class B felony – Up to 20 years
- Class A felony – Up to Life or 99 years
- Capital offense – Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty
There are different factors that might impact your jail sentence, including whether you are accused of using a weapon, whether the “three strikes” law applies in your case, and more.
Alternatives to Jail Time
Of course, the best way to avoid jail time is to have your charges dismissed or get acquitted at trial, which is always the ultimate goal of a criminal defense attorney. However, we can also assist in preventing jail time in many cases that end with a guilty plea or verdict.
There are options other than jail time for many offenses, such as:
- Probation
- Community corrections programs
- Split sentence (which reduces jail time)
- Time served
We can negotiate with the prosecutor in your case to see if they will recommend alternatives to jail time as your sentence in exchange for a guilty plea. Always make sure you understand all of the possible implications of pleading guilty before you choose to do so – our team can weigh your options with you.
If you are convicted of a crime at trial, we can present mitigating factors and arguments at your sentencing to fight for lesser – or no – jail time in your case.
Seek Help from a Montgomery Criminal Defense Attorney
For over 27 years, Terry Luck has been serving Montgomery and the greater central Alabama area by providing aggressive defense representation. If you or someone you know was arrested or faces criminal charges, you want to present the strongest defense possible to avoid jail time whenever possible. Contact our office today to learn more about Luck Law, LLC. and to discuss your situation.
