A criminal charge can affect your freedom, your record, your job, and your family. The decisions you make in the first days of a case often shape its outcome for years. Hankey Law Firm provides careful, honest criminal defense to clients across Cullman County and the surrounding areas.
Being charged with a crime is one of the most stressful experiences a person can face. The system moves quickly, the language is unfamiliar, and the consequences are real. You deserve a lawyer who will explain what is happening, tell you the truth about your options, and prepare your case as if it is going to trial — even when it isn’t.
At Hankey Law Firm, we represent people accused of misdemeanors and felonies in district, municipal, and circuit courts across North Alabama. Our approach is built on the principles that guide every matter we handle:
You will hear from your attorney directly. You will understand what is happening at every stage. And you will receive an honest assessment of your case — not a sales pitch.
Alabama DUI charges carry potential jail time, license suspension, mandatory programs, and a permanent criminal record. An arrest also triggers a separate administrative proceeding with a strict 10-day deadline to protect your driving privileges.
Misdemeanor charges — including disorderly conduct, harassment, criminal mischief, and minor drug offenses — can carry jail time, fines, and a record that follows you long after the case is closed. We handle misdemeanor matters in both district and municipal courts throughout North Alabama.
Domestic violence charges in Alabama carry consequences that extend well beyond the criminal case itself, often including no-contact orders, firearm restrictions under federal law, and serious implications for ongoing or future custody matters. Our background in family law gives us a particular understanding of how these cases intersect.
Alabama treats drug offenses seriously, and even simple possession can be charged as a felony depending on the substance. We defend clients facing possession, paraphernalia, and related charges, and work to identify diversion or treatment-based alternatives where appropriate.
A probation violation can result in revocation and the imposition of a previously suspended sentence. These hearings have lower evidentiary standards than a criminal trial, which makes early preparation and effective representation essential.
Juvenile cases proceed under different rules, with different standards and different consequences. Our experience in juvenile court — through our dependency and family law practice — informs our approach to juvenile delinquency matters.
A confidential consultation. We start by listening. You tell us what happened in your own words, and we explain the charges, the process, and the realistic range of outcomes.
A clear engagement. Our representation begins with a written agreement that sets out the scope of the work and the fees. No surprises.
Direct access to your attorney. You will not be passed off to staff for substantive questions about your case. When you have a concern, you call us.
Thorough preparation. Every case is investigated and prepared with the assumption that it may go to trial. Cases are often resolved short of trial — but only when that resolution is genuinely in your interest.
Honest counsel. When the evidence is strong against you, we tell you. When there are real defenses to raise, we raise them. Your decisions about your case will be informed ones.
Common questions that are helpful to know early on in the process.
Generally, no — not without a lawyer present. Politely declining to answer questions is your constitutional right, and exercising that right cannot be used against you at trial. If officers want to speak with you, the safest response is: “I’d like to speak with an attorney before answering any questions.”
A misdemeanor is generally punishable by up to one year in county jail, while a felony carries the possibility of more than one year in state prison. Felonies are classified A, B, C, or D, with Class A being the most serious. The classification affects sentencing, record consequences, and certain civil rights.
Alabama’s expungement statute (Ala. Code § 15-27-1 et seq.) was significantly expanded in recent years and now allows expungement of certain convictions in addition to non-convictions. Eligibility depends on the nature of the charge, its disposition, and the time that has passed. We can review your record and tell you whether expungement is an option.
Many criminal matters are handled on a flat-fee basis, with the fee depending on the charge, the court, and whether the case is anticipated to go to trial. Fees are discussed openly during your consultation, before you make any decision about hiring us.
Yes. We regularly appear in courts throughout North Alabama. Travel may affect the fee for cases at a significant distance from our office.
Hankey Law Firm is a Cullman, Alabama firm serving clients across North Alabama. We are deliberately structured to give clients the attention their cases deserve — which means we are selective about the matters we accept and the clients we represent.
If you are facing a criminal charge, we invite you to call. Even if your case is not one we can take, we will do our best to point you in the right direction.
Helping North Alabama individuals & families navigate the emotional and legal burdens of law disputes.
