Top Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Birmingham, AL

A partner at Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., Michael P. Hanle dedicates his practice entirely to criminal defense, focusing particularly on litigation. Mr. Hanle represents clients throughout the Birmingham, Alabama, metropolitan area who have been accused of criminal offenses. He handles a variety of cases ranging from drug offenses to white collar crimes and practices in both federal and state courts.

Mr. Hanle began his career by attending Louisiana State University, where he earned an undergraduate degree with honors in business. He then went on to attend the Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and was awarded his Juris Doctor with honors in 1991. In the same year, Mr. Hanle became admitted to practice in Louisiana. In 1995, he was admitted to practice in Alabama.

Mr. Hanle is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts of the Northern, Southern and Middle Districts of Alabama as well as before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. In order to forge professional relationships and better his practice, Mr. Hanle holds membership in organizations such as the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Greater Birmingham Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and has served as President of both organizations. He gives back to his community by performing pro bono work on behalf of Project Homeless Connect, Homeless Court and the Birmingham Bar Association's Volunteer Laywer Program.

Highly regarded by his fellow professionals, Mr. Hanle has earned a number of accolades throughout his career. He was first selected as a Super Lawyer in 2012 and has continued to achieve that recognition through 2019.  From 2014 to 2017, he earned the President's Award from the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. In 2014 and 2015, he also received the association's Merit Award as a result of exceptional represenation in the courtroom. In addition, Mr. Hanle has received a 10.0 "Superb" peer-review rating through Avvo.