ALABAMA & FLORIDA
Criminal Defense Attorney
When criminal charges threaten your freedom, your reputation, and your future, you need an attorney who will fight without hesitation. Keith Preston has defended the accused in Alabama and Florida courts for over 30 years. Every case is different. Every client deserves a defense.
Criminal Charges We Defend
From misdemeanor charges to serious felony accusations, Preston Law Office provides aggressive, experienced defense. We represent clients in Jefferson County, Shelby County, and throughout Alabama and Florida.
DUI & Drunk Driving
A DUI conviction in Alabama carries mandatory license suspension, fines, and potential jail time. A second offense brings ignition interlock requirements and enhanced penalties. We challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety testing procedures, breathalyzer calibration, and the arrest itself. Many DUI cases are defensible — do not plead guilty without consulting us first.
Drug Offenses
Drug possession, distribution, and trafficking charges carry severe penalties under Alabama law. We examine the constitutionality of every search and seizure. Evidence obtained in violation of your Fourth Amendment rights may be suppressed. From simple possession to large-scale trafficking allegations, we build the strongest possible defense from day one.
Assault & Battery
Assault and battery charges range from Class A misdemeanors to Class A felonies depending on circumstances. Domestic violence charges carry additional consequences including mandatory protective orders and firearm restrictions. We scrutinize witness credibility, physical evidence, and whether self-defense or mutual combat applies to your situation.
Theft & Property Crimes
Theft offenses in Alabama are classified by value — from Class A misdemeanor petit theft to Class B felony theft exceeding $2,500. Burglary, robbery, and receiving stolen property carry their own enhanced penalties. We evaluate every element the prosecution must prove and identify weaknesses in their evidence before trial.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence charges in Alabama trigger mandatory arrest policies and aggressive prosecution. A conviction affects custody rights, employment background checks, and federal firearm privileges permanently. We have represented clients facing domestic violence charges for over 30 years and understand how to navigate the unique pressures these cases create for families.
Weapons Charges
Unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, and possession by a prohibited person are serious charges under both Alabama and federal law. We analyze whether the stop, search, and seizure were lawful and whether you qualify for any statutory defenses or exemptions under Alabama’s firearms laws.
Federal Criminal Charges
Federal charges — including mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and federal drug offenses — are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with vast resources and a high conviction rate. Federal sentencing guidelines leave little margin for error. Keith Preston is licensed to practice in federal court and brings decades of experience navigating the federal criminal system.
Traffic & License Violations
Reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, and serious traffic violations can result in additional suspensions, points on your license, increased insurance rates, and even jail time. We handle traffic court matters throughout Jefferson and Shelby Counties and can often resolve tickets without requiring your appearance in court.
How We Build Your Defense
A strong criminal defense starts from the moment you are charged — before evidence is lost, witnesses become unavailable, or the prosecution has time to build its case. Here is how Preston Law Office approaches every case.
Presumption of Innocence
You are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. That is not just a slogan — it is the foundation of every defense strategy we build. We never let the prosecution’s narrative go unchallenged. Every allegation must be supported by admissible evidence that meets the highest legal standard.
Constitutional Rights Protection
Your Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment rights exist for a reason. We scrutinize every search, every arrest, every interrogation. Evidence obtained illegally can be suppressed. Statements taken in violation of Miranda rights may be excluded. We know the rules — and we enforce them on your behalf.
Independent Investigation
We do not simply review the police report and accept the state’s version of events. We conduct our own investigation — interviewing witnesses, obtaining surveillance footage, analyzing forensic evidence, and consulting experts where needed. Cases often look very different once a defense attorney digs into the facts.
Negotiation & Trial Readiness
Many cases resolve through negotiation — reduced charges, deferred prosecution, or dismissal. We pursue every option aggressively before trial. But if trial is necessary, we are prepared. Keith Preston has tried cases before juries in Alabama and Florida and knows how to present a compelling defense to twelve ordinary people.
Why Choose Keith Preston
Not all criminal defense attorneys are the same. Experience, local knowledge, and genuine commitment to each client make the difference between a conviction and an acquittal.
30+ Years of Experience
Keith Preston began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in Florida — prosecuting cases before switching sides to defend the accused. That prosecutorial background gives him unique insight into how cases are built and where they can be challenged.
Licensed in Alabama & Florida
Keith has been licensed to practice law in Alabama since 1994 and Florida since 1992. He understands the distinct rules, courts, and prosecutorial approaches in both states — giving clients a real advantage when charges cross state lines or when the case requires multi-jurisdiction knowledge.
Honest Case Evaluation
We will give you an honest assessment of your case from the very first consultation — not the answer you want to hear, but the answer you need to make informed decisions. Our goal is the best possible outcome, whether that means fighting at trial or negotiating the most favorable resolution available.
Charged with a Crime? Call Now.
The decisions made in the hours and days after an arrest are critical. Do not speak to police without an attorney. Contact Preston Law Office for a free, confidential consultation — we are ready to help.