Dothan Criminal Defense Lawyers

What should I do if I have been arrested in Dothan?

If you have been arrested in Dothan, the most important things are to stay calm, stay quiet about the facts, and talk to a criminal defense lawyer before you talk to anyone else. An arrest is not a conviction. You are presumed innocent, and the State has to prove its case.

Whether the arrest was made by the Dothan Police Department, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, or a state trooper, the same basic rules protect you. These steps help keep your options open:

• Use your right to remain silent. Be polite, but do not answer questions about what happened without a lawyer present.
• Clearly say, “I want to speak with a lawyer.”
• Do not consent to a search of your phone, car, or home. Do not physically resist or interfere with officers.
• Keep every piece of paperwork: citations, bond papers, booking documents, and court notices.
• Write down your next court date and which court it is in.
• Do not talk about the case on social media, by text, or on jail phone calls, which are usually recorded.

What if police want to talk to me but I have not been charged?

If an officer or investigator calls and asks you to “come in and clear things up,” talk to a lawyer first. Investigations often start before anyone is arrested, and statements made during that time can become the center of the case later.

Being contacted does not mean you are guilty, and it does not always mean charges are coming. A lawyer can find out what the investigation is about, communicate with law enforcement for you, and help you avoid saying something that is misunderstood. In some cases, early involvement can affect whether charges are filed at all.

How does a criminal case work in Houston County?

Most criminal cases in Dothan follow the same general path, although the details depend on the charge and the court. City charges are usually heard in Dothan Municipal Court. State misdemeanors start in Houston County District Court, and felonies generally move to Circuit Court at the Houston County Courthouse after a grand jury returns an indictment.

1. Arrest or citation. You receive paperwork showing the charge and a case number. Many people are booked into the Houston County Jail and released on bond.
2. Bond and first appearance. A judge reviews the charge, explains your rights, and sets or reviews conditions of release, such as bond amounts or no-contact orders.
3. Arraignment. You are formally told the charge and enter a plea. For felonies, there may be a preliminary hearing and a grand jury review before this step.
4. Discovery and investigation. Your lawyer reviews the State’s evidence, such as police reports, body camera and dash camera video, lab results, and witness statements, and gathers facts of your own.
5. Motions and negotiation. The defense may ask the court to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, and may discuss resolutions with the prosecutor.
6. Resolution. A case may end in dismissal, diversion, a plea to a reduced charge, or a trial.

For a closer look at each stage, read our guide to what happens after an arrest in Houston County. You can also read more about alabama legal guides resources.

Alabama-specific: Raynor Clifton began his legal career as a prosecutor with the Houston County District Attorney’s Office. That experience gives him a working understanding of how cases in this county are charged, reviewed, and negotiated.

What kinds of criminal charges do you handle?

Dothan Law Group represents people charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Dothan, Houston County, and the surrounding Wiregrass counties, including Dale, Henry, Geneva, and Coffee. Common charges we handle include:

• DUI and refusal cases, including underage and commercial driver DUI, along with related license issues.
• Drug charges, from possession of marijuana and controlled substances to distribution and trafficking.
• Assault and violent crimes, including assault in the first, second, and third degree, robbery, and self-defense cases.
• Domestic violence charges and related protection-from-abuse orders.
• Theft and property crimes, such as shoplifting, burglary, fraud, and embezzlement.
• Probation violations and outstanding warrants.
• Expungement of eligible arrests and charges.

We also handle weapons offenses, traffic charges such as reckless driving and driving on a suspended license, juvenile matters, and other criminal cases.

How does a defense lawyer help with my case?

A defense lawyer’s job is to hold the State to its burden of proof and to protect you at every stage. That means looking closely at how the case was built, not just at what the police report says.

In practice, that work often includes:

• Reviewing whether the stop, search, or arrest followed the law.
• Examining video, lab testing, witness statements, and the chain of custody of physical evidence.
• Interviewing witnesses and gathering facts the police may not have collected.
• Filing motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence or to dismiss defective charges.
• Exploring options such as diversion, reduced charges, or probation when they fit your goals.
• Preparing for trial when that is the right path.

Every case is different, and no lawyer can promise a particular result. What we can promise is that you will understand your situation, know your next step and your next court date, and make decisions with clear information.

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?

A criminal defense consultation requires a consultation fee, which we explain when you schedule. If you hire us, we usually charge either a flat fee or an hourly fee. Which one makes sense depends on the type of charge and how much work the case is likely to require. We explain the fee, what it covers, and what it does not cover before you decide anything, and we confirm all terms in writing.

What should I bring to my first meeting?

Bring whatever paperwork you have, even if it seems minor. Helpful items include:

• Arrest paperwork, citations, and bond documents
• Any court notices, including dates and courtroom information
• Names of officers or the agency involved, if you know them
• Names and contact information for anyone who saw what happened
• Any deadlines you have been told about, such as a license notice

If you do not have everything, that is fine. We can often find what is missing.

Is what I tell you kept private?

Yes. Conversations with a lawyer about your legal matter are confidential. Many people who call us are worried, embarrassed, or unsure whether they even need a lawyer. You can ask questions and learn your options without anyone else being told that you reached out. When you are ready, call (334) 793-4354 or send a message, and we will talk through what happened and what comes next.