Criminal Charges Lawyer in Mobile, AL

Been arrested or charged with a crime? Here’s what to know before your next move.

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Facing Criminal Charges in Mobile? Here’s What Happens Next

Getting arrested or notified that you’re facing criminal charges is disorienting, even for people who’ve never been in trouble before. The decisions you make in the first hours and days after being charged can shape the entire outcome of your case. Attorney Scott Crongeyer has spent years guiding people through exactly this process in Mobile County, and this page walks through what to expect and what to do first.

Your Rights When You’re Arrested or Charged

Regardless of what you’re accused of, you have certain rights that apply from the moment you’re taken into custody:

• The right to remain silent – You are not required to answer questions beyond identifying yourself. Anything you say can be used against you.
• The right to an attorney – You can request a lawyer immediately, and you should, before answering any questions or agreeing to anything.
• The right to know the charges against you – You’re entitled to understand what you’re being accused of.
• The right to a bail hearing – In most cases, you have the right to have bail set so you can be released while your case proceeds.
• The presumption of innocence – You are legally innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

What Typically Happens After an Arrest in Mobile County

While every case is different, criminal charges in Mobile generally move through a similar sequence:

1. Arrest and Booking – You’re taken into custody and processed at the local jail
2. Bail/Bond Hearing – A judge determines whether and at what amount you can be released pending trial
3. Arraignment – You’re formally informed of the charges and enter a plea
4. Pretrial Proceedings – This is where your defense attorney reviews evidence, files motions, and often negotiates with prosecutors
5. Trial or Resolution – Your case is either resolved through a plea agreement, dismissal, or taken to trial

Having an attorney involved as early in this process as possible gives you the best chance to protect your rights at every step.

What to Do (and Not Do) After Being Charged

• Do stay silent beyond providing basic identifying information
• Do contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible, ideally before any further questioning
• Do write down everything you remember about the arrest while it’s fresh
• Don’t discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney, including on social media
• Don’t agree to a plea or sign anything without legal counsel reviewing it first
• Don’t assume a charge will “just go away” on its own

Common Charges We Help Clients With in Mobile

Every case is different, and the right defense strategy depends heavily on what you’re actually charged with. Some of the criminal matters we regularly handle include:

• DUI and drunk driving
• Drug crimes
• Firearms and weapons charges
• Misdemeanor charges of all kinds
• Traffic offenses
• Murder and homicide charges
• Charges specific to college students

If you don’t see your specific situation listed, don’t wait to reach out. Not every case fits neatly into one category, and an initial consultation can help clarify your options.

After a Conviction

If you’ve already been convicted, you may still have options. Our criminal appeal and post-conviction relief services and expungement and record sealing services can help determine what paths may still be available to you.

Why Call Scott Crongeyer First

• Immediate Guidance – We can talk you through what to expect before you make any statements or decisions
• Local Court Experience – Deep familiarity with Mobile County courts, prosecutors, and procedures
• Personalized Strategy – Every case gets an approach built around its specific facts, not a one-size-fits-all script
• Free Consultation – There’s no cost to talk through your situation and understand your options

Serving Mobile County & Surrounding Areas

Scott Crongeyer provides criminal defense representation throughout Mobile, Prichard, Saraland, Chickasaw, Theodore, and the greater Mobile County area. Learn more about his background and approach on the About page.

Just Been Charged? Don’t Wait to Call

The sooner an attorney is involved, the more options you typically have. If you or someone you know has just been arrested or charged with a crime in Mobile, AL, contact Scott Crongeyer today for a free consultation.

Call 251-333-4339

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The Alabama State Bar requires the following statement: No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.