Law Offices of Elliott Owen Lipinsky
Selma and West Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyer
A criminal charge is not a conviction. The first decisions after an arrest, investigation, or court notice can shape the case. Attorney Elliott Owen Lipinsky is a former Alabama prosecutor who now defends people in Selma, Dallas County, the Black Belt, Montgomery, and the River Region.
Start a free case review or call (334) 230-7986. Your inquiry goes directly to the Law Offices of Elliott Owen Lipinsky—not a national intake service.
When should you contact a criminal defense lawyer?
Do not wait for a case to become more complicated. Call if you have been arrested, learned of a warrant, been asked to meet with investigators, received a grand-jury or court notice, face a bond or probation-revocation issue, or believe charges may be coming. A lawyer can help you understand the allegation, the court, the next deadline, and what not to do while the case is pending.
Criminal cases the office handles
-
Theft, burglary, robbery, and property offenses.
-
Assault, domestic-violence, weapons, and other violent-offense allegations.
-
White-collar, financial, and computer-related investigations.
-
Bond hearings, probation matters, youthful-offender requests, and post-charge strategy.
Every case is different. The charge on a complaint or warrant is only the starting point; the evidence, procedure, possible defenses, and client’s goals all matter.
What happens after an Alabama arrest?
The path depends on whether the case is a misdemeanor or felony and on the court involved. It may include a first appearance and bond decision, a preliminary hearing, grand-jury review, arraignment, discovery, motion practice, plea discussions, and trial. Some cases end earlier; others require sustained investigation and litigation. The office explains each stage in plain language and prepares for the next decision rather than treating every case the same.
What does a defense investigation examine?
A careful review may test the legality of a stop, search, warrant, arrest, or interrogation; the reliability of an identification; laboratory and chain-of-custody evidence; phone, message, video, location, or social-media evidence; witness credibility; and whether the State can prove knowledge, intent, possession, causation, or another required element. The right issues depend on the facts. Early preservation of messages, photographs, receipts, video, names, and timelines can be important.
How does former-prosecutor experience help?
Before representing the accused, Elliott Lipinsky prosecuted cases in Alabama. That experience provides a practical view of how the State develops evidence, evaluates witnesses, approaches charging decisions, and prepares for court. It does not promise a particular result. It does help the defense identify the questions that should be asked and prepare the case from both sides of the courtroom.
Where does Elliott Lipinsky defend criminal cases?
The firm is based in Selma and serves clients throughout Dallas County and West Alabama’s Black Belt, as well as Montgomery and the River Region. Visit the Locations hub for Dallas, Wilcox, Perry, Lowndes, Bullock, Montgomery, Pike, and Elmore County resources.
What should you do right now?
-
Use your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer.
-
Do not consent to a search simply because an officer asks.
-
Do not discuss the facts on calls, texts, or social media.
-
Save documents, messages, photographs, and names that may matter.
-
Write down what happened while your memory is fresh.
-
Follow bond and court orders exactly, and do not miss a court date.
Frequently asked questions
Should I explain my side to the police?
It is generally safer to speak with a lawyer first. Even a well-intended explanation can be misunderstood, incomplete, or used in a way you did not expect.
Can a charge be reduced or dismissed?
Possible outcomes depend on the evidence, procedure, law, prosecutor, court, and facts unique to the case. No lawyer can promise a dismissal or reduction, but a thorough review can identify weaknesses, defenses, and realistic options.
What if this is my first arrest?
A first arrest can still carry serious consequences. Depending on the charge and circumstances, diversion, youthful-offender treatment, mitigation, or other alternatives may be relevant. Eligibility is case-specific.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?
The initial consultation is free. Fees depend on the charge, court, expected work, and complexity. The office explains the fee before representation begins.
Discuss your case directly with the firm
Call (334) 230-7986 or request a free and confidential case review. Contacting the office does not create an attorney-client relationship. Representation begins only after the firm accepts the matter in writing.