Andrew Appling Smith, Criminal Defense Attorney in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and General · 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatAndrew A Smith
Tuscaloosa, AL
Practicing criminal defense in Tuscaloosa since 1986.
- 40+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Andrew Appling Smith?
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Quick answer
Andrew Appling Smith is a member based in Tuscaloosa, AL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and General. Andrew has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Andrew A Smith. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- Experience
- over 40 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Family Law · General
- Handles Criminal Defense, Family Law, and General matters from Tuscaloosa, AL.
- Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Andrew Appling Smith: Andrew Appling Smith is a member based in Tuscaloosa, AL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and General. Andrew has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Andrew A Smith. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Andrew's practice areas in Tuscaloosa
Andrew concentrates on criminal defense, family law, general, litigation, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Andrew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Family Law
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General
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Litigation
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Probate
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Criminal Defense cases in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Andrew takes criminal defense matters in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Andrew agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Andrew takes family law matters in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Andrew agrees to represent you.
General cases in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Andrew takes general matters in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Andrew agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Andrew takes litigation matters in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Andrew agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Andrew takes probate matters in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Andrew agrees to represent you.
Biography
Andrew Appling Smith, criminal defense attorney serving Tuscaloosa
Andrew Appling Smith is a member based in Tuscaloosa, AL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and General. Andrew has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Andrew A Smith. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review. Andrew works from Tuscaloosa, Alabama and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Mr. Andrew Appling Smith is a lawyer practicing criminal litigation, civil litigation, probate and 3 other areas of law. Andrew received a B.A. degree from University of Alabama in 1982, and has been licensed for 40 years. Andrew practices at Andrew A. Smith in Tuscaloosa, AL.
Working with Andrew on a criminal defense matter
Mr. Andrew Appling Smith is a lawyer practicing criminal litigation, civil litigation, probate and 3 other areas of law. Andrew received a B.A. degree from University of Alabama in 1982, and has been licensed for 40 years. Andrew practices at Andrew A. Smith in Tuscaloosa, AL.
Who Andrew represents
Andrew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, family law, and general matters in Tuscaloosa and the surrounding Alabama area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Andrew studied and practices
University of Alabama
J.D. · 1985
University of Alabama
B.A. · 1982
Jurisdictions
Andrew's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1988 · ACTIVE
Alabama
1986 · ACTIVE
Andrew studied at J.D. in University of Alabama and B.A. in University of Alabama.
Law school and academic background
Andrew completed J.D. in University of Alabama and B.A. in University of Alabama. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Andrew runs in Alabama is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Andrew's legal honors and published work
Andrew has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Andrew's professional memberships and bar associations
Tuscaloosa County and American Bar Associations Alabama State Bar The Association of Trial Lawyers of America
membership
Locations
Andrew Appling Smith's office in Tuscaloosa
Andrew's primary office is at 2316 University Blvd., Tuscaloosa, AL, 35401-1544. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Andrew Appling Smith — 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Andrew. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Tuscaloosa.
4.5
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Andrew Appling Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Andrew Appling Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Andrew usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Andrew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Andrew's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Andrew will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Andrew
Andrew discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Andrew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Andrew's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Andrew Appling Smith
How much does it cost to hire Andrew for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Andrew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Andrew offer a free consultation?
Andrew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Andrew's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Andrew's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Alabama typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Andrew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Andrew take my case if I'm outside Tuscaloosa?
Andrew is licensed in Alabama. Matters governed by Alabama law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Andrew will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Andrew?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Andrew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Andrew accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Andrew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Montgomery in Alabama
Andrew handles criminal defense matters throughout Alabama. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Alabama
If Andrew's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Tuscaloosa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





