Violent Crimes

​Being accused of a violent crime in Alabama can have life-altering consequences. These charges carry some of the harshest penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record. If convicted, you could face restrictions on employment, housing, and other essential aspects of life. Early legal intervention is crucial to building a strong defense and protecting your future.

Strategic Defense for Violent Crime Charges

If you have been charged with a violent crime, the stakes are high. A conviction can lead to serious penalties, but the right defense strategy can make a significant difference in your case.

If you are facing charges for a violent offense, securing experienced legal representation is critical. At JB Brown Criminal Trial Practice, we provide dedicated defense strategies to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.​

Understanding Violent Crime Charges in Alabama 

Alabama law classifies violent crimes as offenses that involve the use of force or the threat of harm against another person. Common violent crime charges include: 

Assault and Battery (Ala. Code § 13A-6-20 to 13A-6-22) ​

• First-Degree Assault: Intentionally causing serious physical injury with a deadly weapon (Class B felony). 
• Second-Degree Assault: Causing injury with intent to harm, including reckless use of a weapon (Class C felony). 
• Third-Degree Assault: Causing physical harm through reckless or negligent actions (Class A misdemeanor). 

Manslaughter and Murder (Ala. Code § 13A-6-2 to 13A-6-3) ​

• Murder: Intentional killing of another person with malice aforethought (Class A felony, possible life sentence or capital punishment). 
• Manslaughter: Killing due to reckless behavior or heat of passion (Class B felony). 

Domestic Violence (Ala. Code § 13A-6-130 to 13A-6-132) 

• First-Degree Domestic Violence: Involves serious injury or use of a deadly weapon (Class A felony). 
• Second-Degree Domestic Violence: Includes assault, stalking, or intimidation (Class B felony). 
• Third-Degree Domestic Violence: Covers harassment, reckless injury, or menacing (Class A misdemeanor). 

Robbery and Armed Robbery (Ala. Code § 13A-8-40 to 13A-8-43) 

• First-Degree Robbery: Use of a deadly weapon or causing injury during theft (Class A felony). 
• Second-Degree Robbery: Occurs when an accomplice is involved (Class B felony). 
• Third-Degree Robbery: Involves force or intimidation but no weapon (Class C felony). 

Kidnapping (Ala. Code § 13A-6-43 to 13A-6-44) 

• First-Degree Kidnapping: Holding someone for ransom or harm (Class A felony). 
• Second-Degree Kidnapping: Involves abduction without intent for ransom or harm (Class B felony). 

Defense Strategies for Violent Crime Cases 

Every violent crime case is unique, and a strong defense strategy depends on the facts of the case. Our firm employs a range of defense tactics, including: 

• Self-Defense: Demonstrating that the accused acted in defense of themselves or another person. 
• Mistaken Identity: Challenging unreliable eyewitness accounts or flawed investigative methods. 
• Lack of Intent: Arguing that the accused did not intend to commit harm. 
• Violation of Rights: Examining whether law enforcement violated constitutional rights during the investigation or