03/09/2025
For more than 100 years, the attorneys at The Powell Law Firm have successfully represented clients in a variety of criminal charges -- ranging from Minor in Possession of alcohol and DUI to R**e, Murder, and everything in between. Some of the more common criminal offenses are as follows:
Possession of Ma*****na
In the state of Alabama, there are two separate possession of ma*****na charges: first degree and second degree. Possession of ma*****na second degree (also referred as possession of ma*****na for personal use) is a Class A Misdemeanor which is punishable by a fine of up to $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to one (1) year. Possession of ma*****na first degree is either a Class D Felony (if you are charged with possession of ma*****na after already having a conviction for possession of ma*****na first or second) which is punishable by a prison sentence of up to five (5) years OR a Class C Felony (if you are charged with possession of ma*****na for other than personal use) which is punishable by a prison sentence of up to ten (10) years. Having a conviction for possession of ma*****na can create issues with future employment, insurance premiums, and many other things. If charged under this statute, you need an experienced attorney who handles these types of cases every week.
Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance
Unlawful possession of a controlled substance is a Class D felony in most cases punishable by a prison sentence from one (1) to ten (10) years. This statute encompasses methamphetamine, he**ine, co***ne, crack co***ne, and most prescription pills including Lortabs, Xanax, etc. Having a conviction for possession of controlled substance can create issues with future employment, insurance premiums, voting rights, gun rights, and many other things. If charged under this statute, you need an experienced attorney who regularly handles these types of cases.
Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Unlawful distribution of a controlled substance is a Class B felony punishable by a prison sentence from two (2) to twenty (20) years. A person commits the crime of distribution of a controlled substance if he or she sells, furnishes, gives away, delivers, or distributes a controlled substance including methamphetamine, he**in, co***ne, crack co***ne, and most prescription pills including Lortabs, Xanax, etc. Having a conviction for distribution of controlled substance can create issues with future employment, insurance premiums, voting rights, gun rights, and many other things. If charged under this statute, you need an experienced attorney who is experienced in handling these types of cases.
Illegal Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Illegal possession of drug paraphernalia is one of the broadest criminal statutes in the state of Alabama. The statute states, “paraphernalia means equipment, products, and materials of any kind which are used, intended for use, or designed for use, in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance.” This could be anything including a grinder, rolling paper, pipes, one-hitters, baggies, etc. Illegal possession of drug paraphernalia is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one (1) year in jail. Having a conviction for possession of drug paraphernalia can create issues with future employment, insurance premiums, and many other things. If charged under this statute, you need an experienced attorney who handles these types of cases regularly.
Resisting Arrest
In the state of Alabama, resisting arrest is a class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six (6) months in jail. A person commits the crime of resisting arrest if he or she intentionally prevents or attempts to prevent a peace officer from affecting a lawful arrest of himself or of another person. Having a conviction for resisting arrest can create issues with future employment, insurance premiums, and many other things. If charged under this statute, you need an experienced attorney who handles these types of cases every week.
DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
DUI is quite possibly the most serious misdemeanor charge in the State of Alabama. It is a class A misdemeanor punishable by a jail sentence of up to one (1) year. A person is said to have committed the act of DUI if he or she is in actual physical control of a vehicle and 1) There is 0.08 percent or more by weight of alcohol in his or her blood;(2) Under the influence of alcohol; (3) Under the influence of a controlled substance to a degree which renders him or her incapable of safely driving;(4) Under the combined influence of alcohol and a controlled substance to a degree which renders him or her incapable of safely driving; or(5) Under the influence of any substance which impairs the mental or physical faculties of such person to a degree which renders him or her incapable of safely driving. The Alabama DUI statute includes a “look back” provision. In other words, when being charged with a DUI, the charging agency will look back at the last ten years of your criminal history/driving record. For every previous conviction you have, the punishment range is increased; this includes fines, jail time, driver’s license suspension, alcohol/drug classes, and ignition interlock (a fairly new device which serves as a breathalyzer in your automobile). A conviction for DUI can affect employment opportunities, insurance costs, driver’s license privileges, and many other things. If charged under this statute, you need an aggressive and experienced attorney who handles these types of cases daily.
