What Happens Between Plea and Sentencing in the Northern District of Alabama?

by jwilliamslaw15 | Jul 8, 2025 | Criminal Defense, Federal Criminal Defense

Entering a guilty plea in federal court can feel like a huge step—but it’s not the end of the road. In fact, for many people facing federal charges in the Northern District of Alabama (Birmingham Division), the time between the plea and sentencing is one of the...

Can the Feds Use My Phone Records or Social Media Against Me?

by jwilliamslaw15 | Jul 1, 2025 | Criminal Defense, Federal Criminal Defense

If you’re facing a federal criminal investigation or charges, one of the first questions you may have is:“Can the government use my phone records or social media against me?” The short answer is yes—and they often do. In today’s digital world, federal agents and...

Facing Federal Charges? Here’s What You Need to Know About the Federal Sentencing Guidelines

by jwilliamslaw15 | Jun 25, 2025 | Criminal Defense, Federal Criminal Defense

If you’re reading this, chances are you—or someone you care deeply about—is staring down a serious federal charge in the Northern District of Alabama. Maybe you’ve already been indicted. Maybe you’ve taken a plea. Or maybe you’re just trying to...

What Is a Proffer Agreement in a Federal Criminal Case?

by jwilliamslaw15 | Jun 18, 2025 | Criminal Defense, Federal Criminal Defense

If you’re under investigation or facing federal charges in Birmingham, you may hear the term “proffer” come up — sometimes called a “Queen for a Day” agreement. This is a critical turning point in many federal criminal cases. It can be a step toward a better...

Plea Bargaining Stage of a Federal Case: What You Need to Know Before Making a Life-Changing Decision

by jwilliamslaw15 | Jun 13, 2025 | Criminal Defense, Federal Criminal Defense

If you’re facing federal charges, the plea bargaining stage of a federal case could decide everything—your sentence, your record, even your freedom. Most federal cases never go to trial. That means plea bargaining isn’t just a possibility—it’s often the main event. At...

Federal Criminal Discovery and Pretrial Motions in the Northern District – Birmingham, Alabama

by jwilliamslaw15 | Jun 6, 2025 | Criminal Defense, Federal Criminal Defense

When you’re facing federal criminal charges in Birmingham or anywhere in the Northern District of Alabama, the early stages of your case are some of the most important. What happens before trial—specifically during federal criminal discovery and pretrial motions—can...