Your Strongest Advocate When Everything is on the Line

Being charged with a crime in Birmingham, Alabama, is a serious event that can turn your world upside down. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a life-altering felony, the full weight of the state’s prosecution is now aimed at securing a conviction. The consequences can be severe: hefty fines, lengthy jail or prison sentences, a permanent criminal record, and damage to your reputation, family, and career. In this critical moment, the most important decision you can make is to hire an experienced and aggressive Birmingham criminal defense attorney.

Mark Bishop Turner Attorney At Law is a firm built on the principle of fighting for the accused. We understand that good people make mistakes and that sometimes, accusations are false or misleading. Our sole focus is on criminal defense, allowing us to dedicate all our resources, knowledge, and experience to one goal: protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome for your case. We believe every client deserves a defense strategy that is as unique as they are, crafted with meticulous attention to detail and executed with relentless determination in and out of the courtroom. We are not just your lawyers; we are your advocates, your counselors, and your staunchest allies.

Understanding the Alabama Criminal Justice System
Navigating the criminal justice process in Jefferson County or Shelby County can be daunting. From the moment of arrest, you are thrust into a complex system with its own rules, procedures, and key players. Understanding this process is the first step toward regaining control.

1. Arrest and Booking: This is the initial stage where law enforcement takes you into custody. You will be processed, photographed, and fingerprinted. It is crucial to remember your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. Do not answer questions or make any statements without legal counsel present.
2. Initial Appearance and Bail: Shortly after your arrest, you will have an initial appearance before a judge. At this hearing, the charges against you will be read, and the issue of bail will be addressed. Bail is a financial assurance that you will appear for future court dates. We can argue for a reasonable bail amount or for your release on your own recognizance (ROR).
3. Arraignment: This is your formal opportunity to enter a plea to the charges. The typical pleas are “guilty,” “not guilty,” or “no contest.” Pleading “not guilty” is standard practice at this stage, as it preserves all your legal rights and allows your attorney time to investigate the case.
4. Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: This is a critical phase where your defense team investigates the prosecution’s case. We file discovery motions to obtain all evidence the state has against you, including police reports, witness statements, and lab results. We then analyze this evidence for weaknesses and file pre-trial motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or to dismiss charges.
5. Plea Bargaining: In many cases, the prosecution may offer a plea bargain—an agreement to plead guilty to a lesser charge or for a reduced sentence. We will carefully evaluate any offer, advise you of the pros and cons, and negotiate aggressively on your behalf. The decision to accept a plea deal is always yours.
6. Trial: If a plea agreement cannot be reached, your case will proceed to trial. You have the right to a trial by a jury of your peers. During the trial, we will challenge the prosecution’s evidence, cross-examine their witnesses, present our own evidence and witnesses, and make compelling legal arguments to the jury. The prosecution must prove your guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
7. Sentencing: If you are found guilty or plead guilty, the final stage is sentencing. We will present mitigating factors to the judge to argue for the most lenient sentence possible, such as probation, community service, or a reduced period of incarceration.

Building Your Defense: Our Strategic Approach
A successful defense is not a matter of luck; it is the result of hard work, thorough investigation, and strategic legal planning. At Mark Bishop Turner Attorney At Law, we leave no stone unturned. Our defense strategies often include:

• Challenging Unlawful Police Conduct: The U.S. Constitution protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. We will scrutinize every detail of the police investigation to determine if your rights were violated. If evidence was obtained illegally, we will file a motion to have it suppressed, which can cripple the prosecution’s case.
• Exposing Flaws in the Prosecution’s Evidence: We meticulously review police reports for inconsistencies, challenge the credibility of state witnesses, and question the reliability of forensic evidence like DNA, fingerprints, or breathalyzer results.
• Conducting an Independent Investigation: We don’t just rely on the information provided by the police. We conduct our own investigation, which may involve interviewing defense witnesses, visiting the scene of the alleged crime, and consulting with expert witnesses (e.g., forensic specialists, medical experts, or private investigators).
• Asserting Affirmative Defenses: Depending on the facts of your case, we may argue an affirmative defense. This could include self-defense, defense of others, mistaken identity, alibi, or duress.

Why Choose Mark Bishop Turner in Birmingham?
When your freedom is at stake, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a dedicated warrior in your corner. Mark Bishop Turner is deeply familiar with the judges, prosecutors, and legal procedures in Birmingham and the surrounding areas. This local insight is an invaluable asset. We are committed to providing direct, honest communication, ensuring you are informed and involved at every step. We handle a wide range of criminal matters, from misdemeanors to the most severe felonies, and we bring the same level of intensity and dedication to every single case.

If you have been arrested or are under investigation for a crime in Birmingham, do not wait. The prosecution is already building its case against you. Contact Mark Bishop Turner Attorney At Law today for a free, confidential consultation to start building your defense.