tuscaloosa county criminal defense lawyers
Defending Your Rights
Facing the criminal justice system should not be taken lightly. Failing to put forth a vigorous defense could result in serious, life-long consequences for you. At Blume & Blume, Attorneys at Law, P.C., we have experienced Tuscaloosa criminal defense attorneys on hand to defend you against even the toughest charges. After an arrest, the legal security and personal support that you need in order to feel confident moving forward can be delivered to you without fail at Blume & Blume. When you’re up against the legal system, there is no better place to turn for the defense that you need, because the attorneys and staff at Blume & Blume are committed to protecting your rights and defending your future. At Blume & Blume, we employ effective methods of defense in order to ensure that our clients have the best chance of walking out of the courthouse free.
Whether you are facing serious felony charges or a relatively minor misdemeanor, the action you take immediately after your arrest can be the most important decision you make regarding your case. Severe consequences often result from criminal accusations, making it crucial to avoid answering the questions of investigators and law enforcement officers without first contacting an attorney. Many people have mistakenly discussed their arrest and the circumstances surrounding it without an attorney present – an error they later regretted. The old adage, “everything you say can and will be used against you,” has proven to be true time and again. It is vital that a defense lawyer is present during your questioning, ensuring that you do not limit your defense options by unintentionally incriminating yourself.
Your Legal Options
Your options may seem limited in the face of legal allegations, an arrest, or even a police investigation in the Tuscaloosa County area. Involving a lawyer in the process as early as possible will preserve the opportunity you deserve to successfully challenge your charges, and possibly avoid having formal charges filed against you.
Although the future may seem bleak, there is often something an attorney can do to positively impact your case. When you consider the serious and long-lasting repercussions that a conviction could have on your reputation, your freedom, and your future as a whole, it is easy to see why you should take every action possible to avoid such an outcome.
Representation for the Accused in Tuscaloosa, Northport & West Alabama
No matter what type of charges you are facing, having a skilled and resourceful defense attorney working on your behalf could significantly increase your chances of obtaining a favorable result. The attorneys and staff of Blume & Blume are dedicated to providing high-quality defense to people who have been charged with a crime in Tuscaloosa County and West Alabama. Criminal charges can result in serious penalties, but choosing to work with an attorney who can defend your rights can greatly bolster your case and the chance you have at obtaining a positive outcome.
A defendant may be charged with a felony or misdemeanor offense in State or municipal court. A felony is the more serious of the two, with the maximum penalty for a felony conviction being life in prison (with or without the possibility of parole) or the death penalty. In addition to facing a minimum 1-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $60,000, a defendant who is convicted of a felony may lose their right to own a firearm, vote, the ability to hold certain professional licenses, live and work where they choose, come and go as they please, and eligibility for educational financial aid. Therefore, it is absolutely critical to seek legal defense as quickly as possible. With the right attorney working on your behalf, you stand a much better chance of avoiding conviction or minimizing the consequences.
If you are currently under investigation or facing criminal charges, there is absolutely no time to waste. The penalties of a conviction are severe – often they are life-altering. With a reputation for creative and relentless legal representation, Northport criminal defense attorneys Blume & Blume have shown that they have the know-how and the experience necessary to defend against allegations of every nature.
Contact a Northport Criminal Defense Attorney Today!
Prosecutors in Tuscaloosa County are highly motivated to get a conviction; your guilt or innocence has very little to do with their enthusiasm to obtain a conviction. You are at serious risk when entering the criminal justice system and, as such, you need a strong defender to fight for you from the moment after your arrest all the way through to the completion of your case. Having a defense lawyer fight for your rights from the outset of the case is crucial to obtaining a favorable outcome. You need a defense attorney that cares about your rights as much as the prosecutor cares about adding to their conviction record.
Regardless of the complexities involved in your case, the attorneys and staff of Blume & Blume, Attorneys at Law, P.C. are here for you. Our experienced attorneys can skillfully guide you through the legal process and vigorously defend you against even the most aggressive prosecutors. No matter what your situation, you need skilled defense on your side.
To schedule a consultation, please call: (205) 556-6712
robbery
West Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are a suspect in a robbery, you should immediately contact an experienced criminal defense attorney, like those at Blume & Blume. Do not wait until you’ve been arrested. If a loved one or you have been arrested and charged with robbery, you cannot afford to wait any longer before retaining experienced defense counsel like those at Blume & Blume.
According to Alabama Law, a theft becomes a Robbery with the use of force or threat use of force. If it is alleged that you are armed with a deadly weapon, the consequences become quiet severe. A loved one accused of robbery faces imprisonment for decades up to life in prison, sometimes without the possibility of parole!
Do Not Delay in Getting a Northport Criminal Lawyer On Your Side!
If a loved one or you have been charged with a robbery, you do not have a moment to lose. Robbery charges are severe and can impact all areas of your life. You need to be confident that you are doing everything possible to not only protect your current legal rights, but also to defend your future. A robbery conviction will require you to serve years and possibly the rest of your life in prison.
If you are seeking to lessen the charges against you or avoid penalties altogether, you need the support of a reputable criminal defense lawyer who can uphold your rights to the fullest extent of the law. An experienced attorney from Blume & Blume will defend your interests in court and work toward avoiding a conviction altogether, or lessening the sanction.
tuscaloosa county theft crime lawyers
Theft crimes are some of the most commonly committed criminal offenses in Alabama. Legally speaking, a theft crime is the unlawful taking or using of another’s property without their knowledge or permission. When a theft crime is tried in court it will be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the theft and the value of the property taken. The attorneys at Blume & Blume have successfully defended many individuals charged with both felony and misdemeanor theft crimes over the years. If you are accused of a theft, let us utilize our knowledge and experience to defend your rights and best interests.
Types of Theft Crimes
Misdemeanor Shoplifting: Shoplifting or stealing items from a store with an aggregate value of $500 or less is generally is a misdemeanor theft.
Felony Shoplifting: Shoplifting or stealing items from a store with an aggregate value of more than $500 is a felony theft.
Felony Theft: A theft crime is generally considered a Felony if the property is taken directly from another person. The theft of a motor vehicle, firearm, rifle, shotgun, credit card or debit card also usually constitutes a felony theft.
Other Theft Crimes:
- Receiving Stolen Property
- Theft of Loss Property
- Theft of Services
- Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle
- Theft by Fraudulent Leasing or Renting of Property
- Identity Theft
Regardless of whether you are charged with a felony or a misdemeanor theft crime, it is important to hire an experienced defense lawyer like those at Blume & Blume.
sex crime attorney in tuscaloosa county
If you have been accused of a sex crime or sex offense, you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney from Blume & Blume immediately. In addition to a number of severe legal penalties/prison, mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender, fines, etc., you will also face a host of other problems. These may include access to loved ones, difficulty in finding employment, problems with renting or buying or a house, and backlash from neighbors in the community. The best way to protect your rights and ensure your freedom is to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer, like the ones at Blume & Blume. Your defense lawyer could be the difference between spending time behind bars and returning to a normal life.
Charged with a Sex Offense?
A sex crime or sex offense generally involves any unlawful activity that is sexual in nature and is committed against a victim’s will or where the victim is a child. All sex crimes in Alabama are investigated fiercely and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and members of the community have absolutely no tolerance for sex offenders, and will stop at nothing to eliminate them from the area. As such, it is essential for you to retain defense counsel as soon as possible. At Blume & Blume, our Attorneys are experienced in handling the following types of sex offenses:
- Rape
- Sodomy
- Sexual Abuse
- Sexual Misconduct
- Production, Distribution and Possession of Pornography
- Solicitation of Prostitution
- Prostitution
- Violation if the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA)
If you have been accused of committing a sex crime or sex offense, you must be represented by an experienced criminal defense attorney, like the ones at Blume & Blume. These offenses are highly volatile in nature, and a mere accusation could ruin your life.
tuscaloosa county juvenile crime attorney
Years ago, what happened in Juvenile Court, stayed in Juvenile Court and did not follow a child for the rest of his/her life. Now, that could not be farther from the truth.
Many people do not realize that a juvenile criminal conviction before the age of adulthood will plague a child throughout his/her life. If your child is suspected in, has been accused of or charged with a crime, you must take legal action as soon as possible. Do not let a case of bad judgment ruin your child’s life and future opportunities. With the help of a Tuscaloosa County Juvenile Defense Lawyer from Blume & Blume, you can effectively challenge the allegations and seek to minimize or avoid the consequences for your child.
Defining the Law
Alabama’s Juvenile criminal laws apply to children under the age of 18. The Juvenile Justice System is completely separate from the court system that governs adults, and has its own set of laws, rules, regulations, procedures and personal. It is important that your child be represented by a lawyer from Blume & Blume who has successfully navigated, defended and obtained desirable results in Juvenile Court. The attorneys at Blume & Blume are known throughout the State of Alabama, the South and the United States as leaders in the defense of children charged with Juvenile Court crimes.
Common Juvenile Offenses
- Murder, Manslaughter, and Criminally Negligent Homicide
- Assault
- Drug Sale and Drug Possession
- Alcohol Related Crimes (Minor in Possession, Public Intoxication, DUI, etc.)
- Shoplifting and Other Theft Crimes
- Burglary
- Statutory Rape, Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct
- Vandalism or Destruction of Property
- Trespassing
- Gang activity
- Truancy (failure to attend school)
- Arson
- Weapons Violations
Getting Your Child the Second Chance She/He Deserves
The attorneys at Blume & Blume are committed to defending children throughout the West Alabama and Tuscaloosa County area; fighting for their right to a second chance to correct their mistakes. At Blume & Blume, we believe that there is nothing beneficial about a child serving time in jail and we strive to obtain alternative sentences for our Juvenile Court clients. Through counseling and rehabilitation, a delinquent child is more likely to reverse past bad behavior patterns and become a productive and respected adult member of society. At Blume & Blume we are committed to getting your child that second chance.
stalking crimes
Definition from a Tuscaloosa Criminal Defense Attorney
Under the Code of Alabama, stalking occurs when an individual “intentionally and repeatedly follows, harasses, telephones, or initiates communication, verbally, electronically, or otherwise” with another person, causing that person fear. This definition is extremely broad and covers a wide array of activity.
Stalking crimes can occur by means of communicating in person, over the phone, via mail, via email, via text message, or any other means of communication. Obscene comments, gestures, or other acts of harassment are also considered types of stalking crimes. If there is a Court Order prohibiting such contact and communication, such as a temporary restraining order, protection from abuse order, condition of bond, probation or parole, then the charge can be Aggravated Stalking.
All Aggravated Stalking and most Stalking charges are felony offenses and will result in severe legal penalties, such as incarceration in prison for up to 20 years, and a fine up $30,000. Additionally, a stalking conviction will damage your reputation, put you at odds with your community, complicate personal relationships, and make it difficult for you to find employment, rent or buy a home, and/or apply for a loan.
Contact a Northport Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been accused of stalking, the attorneys and staff at Blume & Blume will guide you through the legal process, discuss your best options, and calm any questions or concerns you may have. We are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that you are not wrongfully punished, under the law.
Probation violation lawyer in tuscaloosa county
COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS VIOLATION LAWYER IN NORTHPORT
Probation is defined as the suspension of a jail or prison sentence, giving to someone who the Judge feels is capable of serving out their sentence at home. When granted probation, the Judge will provide the convicted individual with a set of rules and guidelines that must be followed at all times. In the event that one of these rules is broken, your probation will be violated and you may find yourself facing actual jail or prison time. Community Corrections is similar to probation, but is more intensely supervised with much more frequent reporting. There are many different ways Probation or Community Corrections may be violated, including:
- Failure to Report
- Failure to Pay Fees
- Failure to Pay a Fine or Court Costs
- Failing a Drug Test or Failing to Submit For a Drug Test
- Failure to Appear in Court
- Failure to Comply With a Court Order
- Being Charged with a New Criminal Offense
- Being a Suspect in a New Criminal Offense
- Associating With Other People on Probation or Community Corrections
If you or someone you know has violated the rules of Probation or Community Corrections, don’t wait another minute longer to consult with an attorney with Blume & Blume. You are in need of immediate help and representation.
Take the Right Legal Steps to Avoid Prison
The moment the Judge finds out about your Probation or Community Corrections violation, he or she will issue a writ for your arrest. For a criminal matter as serious as this, you need to be represented by an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer to ensure the best possible outcome. The Attorneys at Blume & Blume can help.
misdemeanor crimes and offenses
Tuscaloosa Criminal Defense Attorneys
Compared to felony crimes, misdemeanors are far less serious criminal offenses. That being said, it’s still extremely important to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer. The attorneys and staff of Blume & Blume can guide you through every step of the legal process and increase your chances of obtaining a satisfactory result in court. Misdemeanor crimes normally are initially prosecuted in a county’s District Court or a city’s Municipal Court.
Misdemeanor crimes and offenses are typically punishable by a sentence of 12 months or less in jail and a fine of no more than $6,000. Punishment for Misdemeanor crimes may also include a variety of other hardships, such as: community service picking up trash along the highway or working at recycling plant; mandatory drug and alcohol counseling; limitation of your right to come and go as you please; waiver of your fourth amendment protections against unreasonable search and seizure; and suspension of your driver’s license.
The lawyers at Blume & Blume are very familiar with the laws and regulations that govern Alabama Misdemeanor crimes, such as:
- Shoplifting and Theft
- Criminal Trespass
- Domestic Violence
- DUI
- Simple Assault
- Disorderly Conduct
- Public Intoxication
- Minor in Possession of Alcohol
- Indecent Exposure
- Public Lewdness
If you have been charged with a Misdemeanor Crime, do not try and handle it yourself. Let the Attorneys and staff at Blume & Blume Attorneys at Law, PC use their resources, skills and knowledge of the law to help you fight the charges and protect your rights.
drug case tuscaloosa county lawyer
Have you been charged with a drug crime?
If you have arrested for or are under investigation regarding any type of drug offense, now is the time to act and contact an attorney. You have the right to defense counsel to help you face a drug charge. Choosing to exercise this right by involving a drug crime lawyer may have a significant and positive impact on the outcome of your case and your ability to face a future, hopefully free from incarceration in the various restrictions a criminal record will impose on your life.
HOW A NORTHPORT DRUG DEFENSE ATTORNEY CAN HELP
The attorneys and staff at Blume & Blume are committed to help suspects and defendants throughout the West Alabama area who are faced with drug charges. The firm offers skilled representation if your case is in the investigatory stage and formal charges have not yet been filed or if you have already been arrested and charged with a drug offense, such as:
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Manufacturing
- Sale of Drugs
- Distribution of Drugs or Narcotics
- Possession of Controlled Substance
- Possession of Marijuana
- Possession with intent to Sale
- Obtaining Prescription Drugs by Fraud
- Forged or Altered Prescriptions
Common drug charges handled by Blume & Blume Attorneys involve the following controlled substances:
- Crack
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Crystal Meth
- Heroine
- Ecstasy
- Lortab or Hydrocodone
- Xanax
- Other Prescription Drugs
PENALTIES FOR A DRUG OFFENSE CONVICTION
Depending on the specific drug offense and whether there are any circumstances that would support and enhanced sentence, a drug crime defendant in Tuscaloosa County may face imprisonment in a State prison or the County Jail, Mandatory Drug Rehabilitation or Treatment, Intensive Supervision under a Community Corrections Program, Probation, Heavy Fines and Court Costs. Most drug crimes in Alabama are felonies and carry the possibility of lengthy prison sentence. A first drug offense for possession of a small quantity of marijuana for personal use only, may be charged as a misdemeanor
The Attorneys and staff at Blume & Blume are experienced at exploring the possibility of alternative sentences for a drug crime, in order to avoid prison incarceration.
Your future is at stake when you are charged with a drug offense. You need representation from Blume & Blume so that you will have the opportunity of possibly avoiding a conviction or serious consequences that will follow you the rest of your life.
tuscaloosa county felony attorneys
Legal Information About Felony Offenses
In serious criminal cases, the State files charges against a defendant for committing a crime against society. Depending upon the circumstances involved, a defendant may be charged with either a felony or misdemeanor. If you are being investigated, accused or charged with a felony crime, it is extremely important to hire a criminal offense attorney as soon as possible. Felonies are the most serious of all crimes, and will result in severe legal penalties if you are found guilty.
The punishment for a felony conviction can be as much as life in prison (with or without the possibility of parole), or the death penalty, as well as a fine up to $60,000.) Additionally, a person may also lose some or all of their civil liberties, such as the right to vote, own a hand gun, the ability to hold certain professional licenses, live and work where they choose, come and go as they please, and eligibility for educational financial aid. Many people convicted of felony crimes have difficulty finding a job, as well as renting or buying a home.
Where You Arrested For A Felony Offense?
If you are being investigated or have been accused of a felony crime, the Attorneys at Blume & Blume have the skill, knowledge and experience to help you. They have represented clients in hundreds of felony cases, such as:
Drug Crimes: Trafficking, Manufacturing, Sale, Distribution, Possession and Prescription Drug Crimes.
Theft Crimes: Robbery, Burglary, Theft, Auto Burglary, Forgery, Embezzlement, Identity Theft, Shoplifting and Credit Card Theft.
Violent Crimes: Murder, Manslaughter, Criminally Negligent Homicide, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Stalking, Terrorists Threats, Hate Crimes, and Domestic Violence.
Sex Crimes: Rape, Sodomy, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Misconduct and Pornography.
Retaining the services of Blume & Blume will not only protect your rights, but will also greatly increase your chances of obtaining a favorable verdict in court. The staff and attorneys at Blume & Blume are committed to fighting in behalf of their client’s best interests, and insuring that they obtain justice under the legal system.