Michael J. Upton, Attorney at Law

With 30 years of experience as a Tuscaloosa Criminal Defense Lawyer, and also representing those injured in auto accidents, I have handled thousands of cases in every local court and many other courts around the state. I am a courtroom lawyer. What this means is very simple: I do my best work when your life and livelihood are on the line in Court. Whether it’s a murder case, or injuries or death of a loved one as a result of an accident, you want someone that will stand in the courtroom with no fear, and fight for you, even when nobody else is on your side. My experience as a Tuscaloosa Criminal Defense Attorney includes representation in over 20 capital murder cases, none of which have resulted in a capital murder conviction. In other words, none of my clients in Capital Murder cases have ever received a ‘death penalty’ sentence or a sentence of ‘life without the possibility of parole’. Several of those clients are either already out of prison, or will be paroled at some point, because I was able to negotiate a positive settlement on their behalf. See the links below for examples of Capital Murder cases where the clients were found “not guilty” after a jury trial. I have also represented clients in every type of felony charge, ranging from murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, robbery, theft and burglary to less serious felonies (including all drug offenses) all misdemeanors, all alcohol offenses, specifically ‘Driving Under the Influence’, ‘Public Intoxication’, ‘Open Container’, ‘Improper I.D.’ and ‘Minor in Possession of Alcohol’. I also represent those whose Driving Privileges have been suspended or revoked (Driver License Suspension) by the Department of Public Safety. Under a new law, I can also help to ‘expunge’ (clear) your arrest record. Regardless of the nature of the charge, nobody should go to court alone, and those accused should only hire an attorney that specializes in criminal defense. My approach is straightforward: if you are accused of a crime, it is only that…an accusation. Based on our constitution, the law presumes that you are innocent. It is the government’s burden to prove someone guilty of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. This ‘burden of proof’ is the same in every case, whether the charge is capital murder or public intoxication. Simply put, my job is to make sure your constitutional rights are protected, regardless of the accusation, and to do my very best to make sure you get a good result.