Brian Austin Oakes, Criminal Defense Attorney in Birmingham, Alabama
Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Employment, and Family Law · 3.1/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatThe Gardner Firm P C
Birmingham, AL
Practicing criminal defense in Birmingham since 1996.
- 30+
- Years practicing
- 3.1 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Brian Austin Oakes?
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Quick answer
Brian Austin Oakes is an of counsel based in Birmingham, AL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Employment, and Family Law. Brian has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Gardner Firm P C. Rated 3.1 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Birmingham, AL
- Experience
- over 30 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Employment · Family Law
- Handles Criminal Defense, Employment, and Family Law matters from Birmingham, AL.
- Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with CV Notable.
About Brian Austin Oakes: Brian Austin Oakes is an of counsel based in Birmingham, AL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Employment, and Family Law. Brian has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Gardner Firm P C. Rated 3.1 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Brian takes on
Brian concentrates on criminal defense, employment, family law, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Brian handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Employment
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Family Law
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Probate
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Criminal Defense cases in Birmingham, Alabama
Brian takes criminal defense matters in Birmingham, 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 Brian agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Birmingham, Alabama
Brian takes employment matters in Birmingham, 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 Brian agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Birmingham, Alabama
Brian takes family law matters in Birmingham, 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 Brian agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Birmingham, Alabama
Brian takes litigation matters in Birmingham, 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 Brian agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Birmingham, Alabama
Brian takes personal injury matters in Birmingham, 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 Brian agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Brian Austin Oakes — criminal defense lawyer in Birmingham
Brian Austin Oakes is an of counsel based in Birmingham, AL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Employment, and Family Law. Brian has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Gardner Firm P C. Rated 3.1 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. Brian Austin Oakes is a lawyer practicing negligence/personal injury, family law, criminal law and 4 other areas of law. Brian received a B.A. degree from University of Alabama in 1992, and has been licensed for 30 years. Brian practices at The Gardner Firm, P.C. in Birmingham, AL.
How Brian handles criminal defense matters
Mr. Brian Austin Oakes is a lawyer practicing negligence/personal injury, family law, criminal law and 4 other areas of law. Brian received a B.A. degree from University of Alabama in 1992, and has been licensed for 30 years. Brian practices at The Gardner Firm, P.C. in Birmingham, AL.
Who Brian represents
Brian reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, employment, and family law matters in Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Alabama
J.D. · 1996
University of Alabama
B.A. · 1992
Jurisdictions
Brian's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1997 · ACTIVE
Alabama
1996 · ACTIVE
Brian studied at J.D. in University of Alabama and B.A. in University of Alabama.
Law school and academic background
Brian 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 Brian runs in Alabama is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Brian has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
CV Notable
Legal awards and honors
CV Notable.
Affiliations
Brian's professional memberships and bar associations
Morgan County and American Bar Associations Association of Trial Lawyers of America
membership
Locations
Brian Austin Oakes's office in Birmingham
Brian's primary office is at 1117 22nd St., S., Birmingham, AL, 35213-1161. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Brian Austin Oakes — 3.1/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Brian. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Birmingham.
3.1
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Brian Austin Oakes claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Brian Austin Oakes — 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 Brian usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Brian charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian'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; Brian will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Birmingham, 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 Brian
Brian 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. Brian confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Brian'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 Brian Austin Oakes
How much does it cost to hire Brian for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Brian walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Brian offer a free consultation?
Brian charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Brian'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. Brian gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Brian take my case if I'm outside Birmingham?
Brian 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 — Brian 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 Brian?
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. Brian will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Brian accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Brian'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 Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile in Alabama
Brian 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 Brian's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Birmingham handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





