Michael P. Hanle

Michael P. Hanle is a lawyer and partner at Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., focused exclusively on criminal defense law in state and federal courts. His practice includes white-collar crimes, drug offenses, violent crimes, sex crimes, and computer-related charges. He has tried numerous cases in federal and state courts and has secured not guilty verdicts in both systems. His work includes serious felony matters, capital murder cases, and complex federal criminal defense.

Mr. Hanle earned his B.A. from Louisiana State University. He later attended Southern University Law Center, where he received his J.D. His legal education prepared him for a career centered on criminal defense and trial advocacy. He began practicing in Louisiana before moving to Alabama, where he continued developing a practice focused on defending individuals facing state, federal, and local criminal charges.

Mr. Hanle previously operated his own criminal defense practice from 1996 through 2015. His work during that period concentrated on drug defense, white-collar criminal cases, and federal criminal defense. He relies heavily on pretrial motion practice and has handled numerous jury trials. He has further served on criminal defense, sentencing, jury instruction, and indigent defense committees within Alabama’s legal community.

Michael P. Hanle is admitted in Alabama and has practiced before several federal courts, including the Eleventh Circuit. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers in criminal defense since 2011 and by Best Lawyers in America since 2010. His professional involvement includes leadership roles with the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and participation in committees addressing death penalty litigation, legislation, sentencing standards, and appointed counsel.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C.
• Member, Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Executive Committee
• Member, Greater Birmingham Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Executive Committee
• Member, Alabama Supreme Court, Pattern Jury Instruction Committee, Criminal
• Chairman, Alabama Sentencing Standards Committee
• Member, Alabama State Bar, Appointed Counsel & Indigent Defense Committee
• Member, Louisiana State Bar Association

Licensed State

• Alabama
• Louisiana

Education

• Southern University Law Center
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Louisiana State University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges