Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.9 /5.0
212 Client Reviews
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Russell Wilson Crumbley
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About Russell
Biography
My life has been about making things happen ... without regard to the odds or the difficulty. Experience. Knowledge. Relentlessness. This is my commitment to you!
Relentlessness:
I worked full time and put myself through x-ray school which took 2 years. When finished, I worked full time and put myself through a degree in chemistry and bio-chemistry. When finished, I worked full time - in Huntsville, AL - and put myself through law school - in Birmingham, AL. I drove over 200 miles, round trip, every day for 3 years to complete this last effort.
Knowledgeable:
I worked in the medical field for 13 years doing trauma and surgical x-rays. Additionally, I used my chemistry degree by working in the nuclear consulting industry prior to going to law school. I have now (May 2013) worked as an attorney for 15 years.
Experience:
18 years. Thousands of cases. Approximately 3000 DUI cases alone. I have tried numerous jury trials including, but not limited to assault charges, burglary, rape, DUI, drugs (including drug trafficking and possession) and murder cases.
Huntsville Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney - Serving Huntsville and surrounding areas in Alabama.
National Trial Lawyers "Top 100 Trial Lawyers". Experience! Resources! Results!
National Trial Lawyers "Top 100 Trial Lawyers". Experience! Resources! Results!
National Trial Lawyers "Top 100 Trial Lawyers". Experience! Resources! Results!
National Trial Lawyers "Top 100 Trial Lawyers". Experience! Resources! Results!
National Trial Lawyers "Top 100 Trial Lawyers". Experience! Resources! Results!
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
50%
Criminal Defense
20%
28 years | 7,000 cases
Bankruptcy and Debt
10%
Divorce and Separation
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2023 2021 2020
...
+
7
Licenses
Licensed in Alabama for 28 years
State: Alabama
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
Crumbley-Blackwell & Associates, P.C.
2304 Memorial Parkway SW, Huntsville, AL, 35801
crumbleylaw.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Russell online.
Russell Wilson Crumbley's Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (193)
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (75)
DUI & DWI (33)
Lawsuits & Disputes (32)
Expungement (10)
Divorce & Separation (7)
Drug Crime (6)
Litigation (5)
Domestic Violence (4)
Administrative Law (3)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (3)
Adoption (2)
Child Custody (2)
Employment & Labor (2)
Juvenile (2)
Military Law (2)
Personal Injury (2)
Violent Crime (2)
Appeals (1)
Bankruptcy & Debt (1)
Car Accidents (1)
Civil Rights (1)
Constitutional (1)
Education (1)
Mediation (1)
Motorcycle Accident (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (128)
Advocacy (80)
Recommendation (79)
Professionalism (51)
Practice Area Knowledge (32)
Communication Style (30)
Responsiveness (28)
Cost of Services (27)
Staff & Support (26)
General Knowledge (23)
Compassion (22)
Trustworthiness (22)
Character & Conduct (20)
Punctuality (4)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 26 - 30 of 30 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Jeff | July 01, 2013 | Criminal Defense
Game warden.
Russell handled my case like a pro. The GW was wrong on a trespass charge and Russ knew it. He handled it professionally and kept me informed and the charge was dropped.
Posted by anonymous | June 30, 2013 | Divorce & Separation
Child Support with out-of-state Spouse
My ex-spouse lives across the country and Russ took great care to learn the laws and handle this case properly and in a timely manner. Russ kept me informed of the process the entire time and researched other avenues of approach to the case to ensure a fair ruling.
Posted by anonymous | April 19, 2013 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Excellent support, clear communication, and a sucessful defense!
Mr. Crumbley and the rest of his staff provided excellent support over the entire duration of my court case. The entire process was clearly communicated to me every step of the way by everyone on his team. The final outcome was my case was dropped completely! I couldn't be happier with the results.
Posted by Todd | February 08, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Lazy, unprepared, took money and didn’t meet agreement
I hired Russell Crumbly for 3 different issues while going through a divorce. Praying internet it showed him as highly rated. How is that possible? He took a lot of money and was not confidence inspiring to say the least. He was lazy toward the material, unprepared in court, kept me in the dark, ...
Russell Crumbley
Replied last February 08, 2019Wow! I REALLY hate to hear you feel this way. After 3 ½ years, this is the very first I have heard that you were not happy. You hired me in October of 2015. Having said that, I will respond to each of the three matters separately. CASE #1: On this case, my representation of you was limited to Municipal Court. Continued representation in Circuit Court, which would be likely, would require an additional retainer. The fee agreement that you signed spelled this out with particularity and included a spot for you to initial - which you did. We specifically did this part of our agreement this way to make the initial financial impact of your three separate legal matters less burdensome at the outset by not including the Circuit Court attorney fees at that time – basically, putting off those fees until later. Case #1 was associated with your divorce, but separate, and the issues were complex and overlapping. The portion of the fee you paid for this case was actually very modest (about what I charged for my first case 20 years earlier) and it became even more modest each time I went to court without additional cost to you. In fact, we went to Municipal Court on THREE separate occasions (2-4-16, 5-26-16 & 10-6-16). You never suggested, one time, that I seemed unprepared or that you were displeased in any way. In fact, you seemed to have had a good understanding of everything that was happening, and why, and you were always in good spirits about things. The nature of our interactions was always positive and productive. We reviewed a video (involving cell phones and such) and I was very prepared for court – each time. I can still see that video in my mind today – not that there was anything special about the video but because I viewed it more than once. Everything I did was an attempt to put you in the best position possible – even the flexible fee schedule. We attempted, at each court appearance, to leverage a favorable position for you. We were unable to do so at the Municipal Court level. I communicated this process to you. You seemed to have understood it completely. You never questioned it - or me. We appealed your case to Circuit Court. Despite our efforts to communicate what was going on at the Circuit Court level, you never hired us for Circuit Court. CASE #2: On this matter, you hired me to send a letter on your behalf to a different person with whom you had legal issue and I did - on Nov. 24, 2015. This accounted for a VERY SMALL portion of the money you spent for these three matters and ONLY contemplated an initial inquiry with the other party. The other party did not respond to my letter and further action by us would have required: 1) an additional retainer on your part; 2) the filing of a lawsuit; and, 3) the payment of court costs, up front, in order for the courts to accept our lawsuit. We discussed these things. You never retained me to move forward on that issue. CASE #3: We filed your divorce on Nov, 19, 2015. Ultimately, there was a settlement entered, along with a final divorce decree, on Mar. 8, 2017. When you initially hired us, you were working with another lawyer in our firm on the divorce and when she left our firm to pursue a solo practice, you chose to stay with her for the divorce since she was most familiar with that case and had done substantial work on it. You and I had more than one conversation about all your matters, including what to do when the other lawyer left, as you tried to decide how best to move forward – and, even AFTER you went with the other lawyer for your divorce, I was available to you. I answered your questions and tried to direct you as best I could relative to the multiple decisions you were having to make. To the extent you and I discussed things, your decisions were very sound. Obviously, I don’t know what your total bill was for the divorce. I am quite certain it was not cheap as divorces do seem to be expensive. I remain available and wish you nothing but the best. ~ Russell
Posted by JOHN | August 29, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
STAY AWAY
He talks a good game and sounds very confident. Of course I wanted the head lawyer in the firm assuming he had the most experience so I paid the premium and hired him. I felt like I had made the right decision hiring him. At the trial his "associate" showed up. The man was very knowledgeable of the c...
Russell Crumbley
Replied last August 21, 2018I am extremely sorry you feel this way. I make myself available to my clients every single day. My office staff schedules appointments for clients to meet with me every single day. And, we can nearly always accommodate a meeting within 24 – 48 hours of a call. There is just no way you would not have been able to get an appointment with me with over a month to go before the trial (my staff values their jobs too much for such a thing). I appreciate your acknowledgment that you were prepared for the conviction in Municipal Court with an associated appeal to Circuit Court. That was a part of the process called a “stipulation and appeal”. When I initially meet with clients I explain how we operate. I explain the process and that includes what I just referred to as the “stipulation and appeal”. There are two written documents that are generated when I am hired that address both of your complaints. First: my fee agreement makes it very clear that associates will appear in court on what I refer to as “non-critical” court dates. There are several places in the fee agreement that you initial acknowledging that you understand and accept those terms. I explain that the reason for this is so that the time you spend waiting in court is always minimized. Our approach allows us to reduce a possible wait time of up to 2 to 3 hours to 30 minutes or less on most occasions. It also states that the “critical” court date is the jury trial (if you elect to have us try your case). The second document is a “client engagement letter”. This letter discusses these very issues in even more detail. I highlight, with a yellow highlighter, THE TWO PORTIONS of this engagement letter that address your complaint. The two highlighted portions of the letter are: 1) the part that discusses our associates appearing in court to reduce your wait time, and 2) the instructions for meeting with your attorney to discuss your case. The letter makes it clear that if you just call the office and want to speak that we will not be able to accommodate you. But, it also makes it clear that you may ALWAYS schedule an appointment. It even states (and is highlighted in yellow) that your appointment may be a phone consultation for your convenience. Finally, I place a copy of the client engagement letter in a folder with our name, phone number and logo on it for your convenience. I tell each client to keep up with this folder and refer to it from time to time and also keep the court notifications that we send you in that folder. Lastly, given the fact that we were obviously unable to get your case dismissed or otherwise favorably resolved for you, you still had the option of a jury trial. I am the one who would have tried your case (as indicated by our agreement) and, if you contact me immediately, we may still have time to ask the Court to rescind your agreement and have a jury trial on your case. If you would like to discuss this with me please just call my office and tell them you need to schedule an appointment with me. You may make it a phone consultation if you like. I promise, they will schedule it for you. ~ Russell
Russell Wilson Crumbley's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. I've actually seen him have jury trials on 3 different DUI cases. Mr. Crumbley did an excellent job in all aspects--everything from striking the jury to his closing arguments were smooth, clear and personable. It is clear that he is well-familiar with the law and how it applies in the cases he handles!"
"As a former prosecutor the best endorsement I can give Mr. Crumbley is that I hated to see him walking into Court. I knew that whatever case he was on I would have to be ready on. He was always prepared and fought to achieve the best outcome for his client. I highly recommend him to anyone needing representation on a DUI or any criminal case for that matter. In addition he is a man of integrity and Christian values."
"I endorse Russell Crumbley. He is an experienced and professional attorney that is well respected in the local legal community and has provided high quality legal representation to thousands."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Truly exceptional and professional attorney with an outstanding reputation in the legal field for providing high quality representation and results for his clients!"
"I have known Russ for more than 30 years. He works hard for his clients and is the guy to call for DUI defense in the North Alabama area. Give him a call, you won't be sorry."
"Russell is an excellent criminal defense attorney. I have had many battles in court with Russell, and he does an excellent job for his clients."
"I endorse Russell. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Russ is one of the go-to guys in the area for DUI cases, and represents his clients extremely well. I wouldn't hesitate to send a friend or family member his way who was ever in need of a criminal defense attorney."
"This is a very good attorney and highly respected by peers in Huntsville. I am happy to endorse him!"
"I endorse this lawyer. He has been practicing law in this county for many years and is well known among the judges and his peers, specifically in the area of DUI defense."
"Russ is an intelligent, driven, very capable defense attorney who is dedicated to obtaining successful outcomes for his clients."
"Russ is a really good attorney with the right temperament and legal ability to do well in the many jury trials he's had over the years."
"I have had the opportunity to work with Russell's firm as the opposing counsel in a few cases and have always found him and his associate to be easy to work with and knowledgeable in their areas of practice."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Crumbley and I have a mutual client in which he represented the client's criminal-defense interests and I simultaneously represented the client's immigration interests. Mr. Crumbley came prepared for the criminal trial. Mr. Crumbley considered my input on the immigration consequences of any criminal plea bargain though he did not have to do so. He rejected thr plea-bargain offer after discussing it with the client. He tried the case to an acquittal. The client is happy and I am happy. I will work with Mr. Crumbley in the future any time."
"I endorse this lawyer. He has been practicing law in the community for many years and is well known among the judges and his peers."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked against Russ on several cases and he is a knowledgeable advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Russ is a highly competent and personable attorney who is able to connect with judges and juries. He believes that adequate preparation is the key to successful representation of each and every client."
"I endorse this lawyer. Russ and I have worked together for several years. Russ is an incredible lawyer. He is extremely comfortable and confident in the courtroom. His extensive knowledge of the law and the legal system makes him a powerful advocate for our clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I refer clients to Russell for representation on criminal matters. He provides excellent service to every client."
Jonathan Blackwell
Criminal defense lawyer
Matthew Wisda
Divorce and separation lawyer
Mark Hopper
DUI and DWI lawyer
Donald Christian
Commercial real estate lawyer
G. John Dezenberg
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Ronald Smith
General practice lawyer
Larry Marsili
Criminal defense lawyer
Marcus Polson
DUI and DWI lawyer
Thomas Jarvinen
Criminal defense lawyer
Johnny Beal
Criminal defense lawyer
John Brinkley
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2024
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2023
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2013
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2013
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Top Lawyers of Alabama, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Nation's Top DUI Attorneys, National Advocacy for DUI Defense
2013
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Tha National Trial Lawyers
Work Experience
1998 - Present
Attorney, Crumbley Law Firm, PC
Associations
Huntsville-Madison County Bar Association
Member
Alabama State Bar
Member
American Bar Association
Member
Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
City vs A.D.
Case Dismissed
State v. M.D.
Case dismissed
State v. JDF
Case Dismissed after Jury Trial
State vs. M.M.
Case Dismissed
City vs. C.H.
Case Dismissed
City vs. J.G.
Case Dismissed
State vs. B.C.
Case Dismissed
City vs. T.J.
Dismissed
State vs. M.R.
Case thrown out after half of a jury trial. Dismissed by Judge.
State vs. E.W.
Case Dismissed
City vs. J.C.
Not Guilty by Jury Verdict
State vs. L.F.
Case Dismissed.
State v. C.H.
Dismissed
City vs. C.M.
Jury Verdict - Not Guilty
State v. T.B.
Found Not Guilty by Jury
State vs. J.A.
Dismissed
City vs. K.S.
Case Dismissed
City vs. L.A.
Dismissed
Education
1998
Birmingham School of Law (Birmingham, AL)
JD - Juris Doctor
1991
University of Alabama
Undergraduate
1985
Huntsville Hospital School of Radiologic Technology
America Registry of Radiologic Technologists
Speaking Engagements
2015
Lunch & Learn
DUI Nuts & Bolts
2014
Last Chance Continuing Legal Education Seminar
Ignition Interlock/Restricted Driver's License Law
Publications
2012
DUI Blog
DUI Blog
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can fingerprints on a box package containing drugs convict you alone?
09 Jun 2013
Q&A
Are there lawyers in Athens/Huntsville area that accept payment plans?
17 Apr 2013
Q&A
How much are court costs in Huntsville, Alabama for a criminal defense case.
13 Apr 2013