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Ratliff Legal Group - Criminal Law

Our firm has aggressively represented individuals charged with federal crimes throughout the United States. We have an extensive history of representing individuals in appellate and post-conviction litigation including sentencing. As the United States Supreme Court continues to modify the rules of criminal procedure and Congress continues to be “tough on crime” by reducing the availability of appeals and other post-conviction litigation, it has become increasingly important to have representation by counsel familiar with the intricacies of post-conviction litigation.

Our firm is devoted to vigorously representing each of our clients. We are devoted to providing the highest level of service to each clients. Our staff will regularly communicate with you and your family to discuss the progress of your case, and we will respond personally to your inquiries.

Facing a criminal charge can be a frightening and stressful experience. The possibility of losing your rights, your property, and/or your freedom, can be overwhelming. Our job is to do the best we can to shield you from conviction and avoid or minimize the negative impact a criminal case has on your life. When the government tries to convict you of a crime, they will act aggressively to achieve a conviction. Your only defense is an attorney who is willing to defend your rights.

About arrests
According to the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the police can only arrest a person when they have probable cause, which means that they have to have a good reason to believe there's been a crime and that the suspect committed it.
Administrative hearing
When the police arrest a criminal suspect, the case passes to a prosecutor, who examines the evidence and decides whether or not to file charges. In felony cases, which are crimes carrying penalties of a year or more in prison, the prosecutor may enlist the help of a grand jury.
Bond hearings
When a suspect has been charged with a crime, a trial date is set by a judge at a hearing or arraignment. At this time, the judge will also decide whether or not the defendant is to be returned to custody or be released on bail until the trial.
Constitutional rights
The U.S. Constitution protects you from unjust detention or unfair treatment by the authorities in a number of ways. According to the Fourth Amendment, the police are not allowed to arrest you unless they have probable cause.
Posting bail
Bail is an amount of money, or the equivalent, that you give to the court as a guarantee that you'll appear for trial as ordered. You can post bail in the form of cash, a check, property, or a bond.
Release alternatives
If you've been charged with a misdemeanor, you'll generally be released from custody immediately and ordered to appear in court at a certain time. If you've been charged with a more serious crime, you'll appear before a judge at an initial hearing or arraignment, at which time bail will be set.
Resisting arrest
According to U.S. Code, if you resist arrest by any person designated to make arrests, you can be fined and imprisoned for up to a year. State laws vary, but generally anybody who willfully resists, delays, or obstructs a peace officer in the performance of his or her duty is in violation of the Penal Code.
Your rights when arrested
Technically, you're under arrest when you're no longer free to walk away from the arresting officer, who is obliged to inform you that you're under arrest.


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Ratliff Law Firm
Robert RatliffRobert Ratliff is one of the Country’s most dedicated post-conviction and criminal defense attorneys. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh where he received a B.A. and the University of Cincinnati Taft College of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate, Mr. Ratliff has practiced law in the State of Ohio and Alabama and has appeared in State and Federal courts throughout the United States. Mr. Ratliff is admitted to practice before all Federal Courts of Appeal, the United States Supreme Court and numerous District Courts.

Mr. Ratliff is a tireless advocate of the constitutional rights of individuals. He has represented people charged in criminal matters throughout the United States and overseas. At every opportunity Mr. Ratliff has fought for the rights of individuals and against the oppression of the Government. Mr. Ratliff is also the publisher and author of the monthly newsletter, Ratliff’s Law Review which has provided attorney’s, inmates and their families with concise and updated legal analysis on today’s most important criminal defense developments.*

*The following language is required pursuant to Rule 7.2, Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct: No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

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