Capital Murder

Capital Murder Lawyers in Alabama

A capital murder charge is one of the most serious legal charges a person can face. You need more than a lawyer. You need a dedicated offender. That’s where we come in.

Understanding Capital Murder Charges

A capital murder charge is different from any other criminal allegation in the Alabama justice system. It means that death was intentional, alongside specific "aggravating circumstances". This creates a complex legal process. If convicted, the prosecution will try to justify life without parole, or the death penalty.

At JB Brown Criminal Trial Practice, our job is to dismantle that narrative piece by piece.

What Qualifies as Capital Murder in Alabama

Under Alabama Code § 13A-5-40, capital murder involves intentional homicide with one or more aggravating circumstances, including: 

• First-degree robbery or attempted robbery 
• First-degree burglary 
• Kidnapping 
• Rape or sodomy 
• Murder of a law enforcement officer 
• Murder of a victim under 14 years old 
• Multiple homicides committed during the same act 
• Murder committed using a deadly weapon while the victim was in a vehicle 
• Murder committed from a moving vehicle (drive-by shooting) 

Penalties for Capital Murder in Alabama

A capital murder conviction has the harshest punishments under Alabama law. You can face the death penalty (if aggravating circumstances apply), or life imprisonment with the possibility of parole.

Juvenile Offenders

If the defendant was under 18 at the time of the offense, they cannot receive the death penalty. Instead, a judge may sentence them to life with the possibility of parole.

The Capital Murder Trial Process

For a case to be eligible for the death penalty, prosecutors must prove at least one of fourteen aggravating circumstances. Death penalty cases follow a unique two-phase trial structure:

Phase 1: Determining Guilt or Innocence

The jury determines whether the defendant is guilty of capital murder.

Phase 2: Penalty

If convicted, the same jury hears additional evidence to decide between life without parole or the death penalty.

How Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Fight for You

In a capital case, the defense cannot afford to miss a single detail. We treat every case as if it is going to a jury from day one. Our approach is about more than contradicting the evidence. We conduct a proactive, exhaustive investigation to protect your life and your future.

Challenging Evidence

We investigate forensic flaws, DNA testing errors, and questionable witness testimony.

Self-Defense Claims

We argue that the accused acted lawfully to protect themselves or others.

Mistaken Identity

We highlight unreliable eyewitness accounts or improper law enforcement procedures.

Suppression of Illegally Obtained Evidence

We identify constitutional violations that could lead to evidence being thrown out.

Mental Health and Mitigation Strategies

If applicable, we present evidence of diminished capacity or mental illness.