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You have the right to remain silent......so let me do the talking.
The lawyer you can text anytime...
...even nights and weekends.
- (205) 799-3800
30 Years of Proven Results.
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Read Even More Great Reviews for Michael J. Upton, Attorney at Law:
Criminal Defense
Felonies ● Misdemeanors ● Citations ● Youthful Offender ● UA Student Affairs ● Warrants ● Probation ● Bond Reduction ●
DUI
Driving While Suspended ● Leaving Scene of Accident ● Attempting to Elude ● Reckless Driving
Defense of All Drug Charges
Trafficking ● Distribution ● Possession ● Marijuana ● Cocaine ● Heroin ● Methamphetamine ● Prescription Drugs
Michael J. Upton, Attorney at Law | Text or Call Now: 205.799.3800
With 30 years of experience as a Tuscaloosa Criminal Defense Lawyer, and also representing those injured in auto accidents, I have handled thousands of cases in every local court and many other courts around the state.
I am a courtroom lawyer.
What this means is very simple: I do my best work when your life and livelihood are on the line in Court. Whether it's a murder case, or injuries or death of a loved one as a result of an accident, you want someone that will stand in the courtroom with no fear, and fight for you, even when nobody else is on your side.
My experience as a Tuscaloosa Criminal Defense Attorney includes representation in over 20 capital murder cases, none of which have resulted in a capital murder conviction. In other words, none of my clients in Capital Murder cases have ever received a 'death penalty' sentence or a sentence of 'life without the possibility of parole'. Several of those clients are either already out of prison, or will be paroled at some point, because I was able to negotiate a positive settlement on their behalf. See the links below for examples of Capital Murder cases where the clients were found "not guilty" after a jury trial.
I have also represented clients in every type of felony charge, ranging from murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, robbery, theft and burglary to less serious felonies (including all drug offenses) all misdemeanors, all alcohol offenses, specifically 'Driving Under the Influence', 'Public Intoxication', 'Open Container', 'Improper I.D.' and 'Minor in Possession of Alcohol'. I also represent those whose Driving Privileges have been suspended or revoked (Driver License Suspension) by the Department of Public Safety. Under a new law, I can also help to 'expunge' (clear) your arrest record.
Regardless of the nature of the charge, nobody should go to court alone, and those accused should only hire an attorney that specializes in criminal defense.
My approach is straightforward: if you are accused of a crime, it is only that...an accusation. Based on our constitution, the law presumes that you are innocent. It is the government's burden to prove someone guilty of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. This 'burden of proof' is the same in every case, whether the charge is capital murder or public intoxication.
Simply put, my job is to make sure your constitutional rights are protected, regardless of the accusation, and to do my very best to make sure you get a good result.
Click here to watch Michael J. Upton, Attorney at Law, interview with WVTM NBC Channel 13 regarding the 2017 arrest of heavyweight boxing champ Deontay Wilder
Following the 2017 arrest of heavyweight boxing champ Deontay Wilder for Possession of Marijuana, WVTM Channel 13, the Birmingham NBC TV station, contacted me to provide some insight.
Deontay has made a positive impact in the Tuscaloosa community, and as you can see from watching my interview on NBC, he may have a valid defense that leads to a "not guilty" verdict. Contrary to "actual possession", in this case the City of Tuscaloosa will attempt to prove that he was in "constructive possession", a complicated term with many legal factors to be considered by the Judge or jury.
This case is a great example of why defendants should only retain the best, most experienced criminal defense lawyers that routinely defend complicated criminal allegations, instead of just hiring any attorney.
If you are arrested, text me and schedule your free consultation with an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney.
2300 Facebook followers can't be wrong...My office is very close to the University of Alabama campus. Tuscaloosa Municipal Court is just one block away, and my office is only four blocks from Tuscaloosa District Court & Tuscaloosa Circuit Court.
Text me immediately after your first contact with law enforcement (even if they didn't arrest you yet). When we meet, I will explain the legal process, as well as potential results, depending on the specifics of your case. If you are under 21, I will walk you through the 'Youthful Offender' process.
You will meet with me, not a secretary or a law clerk.
And if you are a University of Alabama student here without transportation, I will travel to meet with you in a convenient place such as Starbucks on campus, as I've done many times for my clients.
Whether arrested (e.g. DUI, Public Intoxication, POM), or issued a citation for Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP), Open Container (Open Beverage) or Improper ID, make sure you walk into court with an experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Click here to watch Michael J. Upton, Attorney at Law, interview with WBRC Fox Channel 6 regarding the June, 2018 release of Alice Johnson from federal prison
I've been practicing law for 30 years. From time to time I am contacted by our local news media to offer insight regarding noteworthy criminal cases.
In June, 2018, Alice Johnson was released from federal prison where she had been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for a low level drug offense. It was her first conviction.
Her plight had captured the attention of a celebrity that was able to use her influence to convince the president to commute Ms. Johnson's sentence. During the interview, I discuss the notion that there are many others like her, serving outrageously harsh sentences. Our government leaders need to identify all inmates in a similar situation as Ms. Johnson, and begin the process of releasing them as well.
This should not be a one time instance of a single inmate 'hitting the lottery', but rather should become a non-partisan cause, where potentially productive members of society are released instead of rotting in our prisons.
