For many people, the first time they need to hire a lawyer is the first time they have been either charged with a crime or injured in an accident. It is an emotional time. It can be a frightening time. My name is Joel Sogol and I have been a litigator since 1974. That means I don't just threaten the prosecution with going to court — it means I actually go to court to defend my clients' rights. My extensive trial experience includes both civil and criminal litigation and appeals in the Alabama and federal appellate courts.