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About Patrick
Biography
Put 45 years of law and law enforcement experience to work for you!
Mr. Mahaney is a retired Alabama state trooper, a graduate of the FBI National Academy, and served over 22 years with the Alabama Department of Public Safety prior to retirement in 2000. After retiring from state service, Mr. Mahaney served over five years as a civilian police advisor for the U.S. State Department in Kosovo, Jordan, and Iraq. Mr. Mahaney served 18 months in Iraq as the executive officer for the U.S. police advisory mission (2005 - 2006).
After completion of the Iraq tour of duty, Mr. Mahaney established his law practice in Montgomery, Alabama in July 2006, concentrating in the areas of DUI defense, driver license law, drug crimes and offenses, and general criminal practice. As of 2026, Mr. Mahaney had successfully defended well over two thousand five hundred clients charged with DUI, serious traffic offenses, traffic homicide and traffic assault offenses, drug crimes, and other felony or misdemeanors. He has also represented many clients needing legal assistance in the area of driver license suspension or revocation cases and petition for driver license reinstatement.
Mr. Mahaney has been licensed to practice law for over 36 years and has been a member of the Alabama state bar since May 1989. He is licensed to practice in both state and federal court. Mr. Mahaney is also a retired commissioned officer, having served 28 years military service with the U.S. Army. During his 28 years of military service, he served as an infantry officer, military police officer, and as a military intelligence officer. He was airborne and ranger qualified and served in light infantry and Army special operations units, including Special Forces.
Mr. Mahaney previously served as an assistant attorney general for the Department of Public Safety, as a municipal court prosecutor for the City of Montgomery, and since 2006, as an attorney in private practice.
Mr. Mahaney is the primary author of the treatise Alabama DUI Defense: The Law and Practice, 5th Edition published by Lawyers & Judges Publishing Company. He is a frequent lecturer and trainer in the area of DUI law and criminal procedure and is widely regarded as an "expert" in Alabama DUI law and practice. In 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019 and again 2021, Mr. Mahaney was selected by the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association to recieve the 'President's Award' for outstanding contributions to the ACDLA and superior advocacy in criminal defense. Mr. Mahaney is a founding member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA) and also a member of the prestigious National College for DUI Defense where he currently serves as the state delegate for the NCDD. Over the past decade, Mr. Mahaney has completed a number of advanced level training courses to gain greater proficiency in DUI defense, to include completion of the NCDD 'Serious Science' five-day course in forensic science and trial techniques, the Axion Analytical Laboratory & Training Institute five day course in forensic chromatography (twice), and the Impaired Driving Associates advanced-level training course in field sobriety testing.
Patrick Mahaney is an aggressive and experienced criminal defense lawyer. Don't delay - call today!
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
80%
37 years | 2,500 cases
Administrative Law
10%
37 years | 800 cases
Criminal Defense
10%
37 years | 400 cases
Fees and Rates
Awards
2025 2024 2023
...
+
11
Licenses
Licensed in Alabama for 36 years
State: Alabama
Acquired: 1989
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Patrick Mahaney's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
27 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (27)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 11 - 11 of 11 reviews | Recommendation
Posted by anonymous | March 28, 2014 | DUI & DWI
In over his head.
Mahaney has a specialty. DUI and traffic court. He has much experience in this area. Beyond that I would recommend finding an experienced attorney. In my case he had little specific knowledge to apply to my case and actually misfiled important documents. Leaving me little room for appeal.
Patrick Mahaney
Replied last March 28, 2014The former client who posted this diatribe is a convicted sex offender, convicted in an out of state court, who did not want to be subjected to the Alabama Sex Offender Registry. This individual actually had a good legal defense in that the act complained of took place out of state, and under Alabama law, would not have been a criminal offense. Our theory of the case was that an act that was not an offense under Alabama law could not be the basis for registration as a "sex offender" under Alabama law. I allowed the client to make a 50% 'down-payment' on the legal services contract with the written agreement that the balance was to be paid in 30 days. At that point, I conducted detailed legal research and filed an extensive brief with the Administrative Law Judge responsible for hearing the contest to the registration requirement. The hearing then proceeded as scheduled. In the meantime, thirty days passed without payment, then sixty days passed, and after two written demand letters and two telephone calls to request payment, the client stated that he was unable to pay, I then filed for withdrawal and provided the client his file. The fact is the client breached the terms of the legal services contract and did not pay for his legal services. There is no truth to the claim that I "misfiled" important documents.
Patrick Mahaney's Lawyer Endorsements
"Truly exceptional and professional attorney with an outstanding reputation in the legal field for providing high quality representation and results for his clients! I endorse Mr. Patrick"
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Mahaney is probably the most detail oriented attorneys I know. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the DUI defense field that few lawyers in Alabama possess. One of the best at his craft."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Mahaney wrote the book on DUI's and Driver License's Issues in Alabama (Alabama DUI, Traffic and Driver License Handbook) He has the practical experience of being an Alabama State Trooper for 20+ years, trying cases as a city prosecutor, and his mastery of the law and regulations. He is the Attorney to call if you have a DUI or License Issue in Montgomery or the River Region of the state."
"I endorse and highly recommend Mr. Mahaney. He has extensive knowledge of the law and is always willing to help offer his guidance and experience. Anyone looking for a criminal defense lawyer should consider Pat."
"Patrick is a Superb Criminal and DWI Lawyer. If your in trouble with the law Patrick is the one to call. I'm just glad his office is not near mine! I endorse him!"
"I endorse Mr. Mahaney enthusiastically. He is a very learned counselor with the ability to make complex matters simple. In front of a jury, that is a powerful thing."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"I endorse this lawyer. Patrick is a retired Alabama State Trooper and integrates an exceptional amount of knowledge and common sense from the arresting Officer's point of view in developing the appropriate defense strategy in your case. He is also a person of strong moral conviction and published in his field. I would let Patrick represent a family member. Trey Norman"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Patrick. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Patrick Mahaney for a little over four (4) years now, and anytime I have an issue with an Alabama-licensed driver my first recommendation is for them to contact Mr. Mahaney immediately. His abundance of knowledge regarding Alabama DUI and driver's license laws is incredible."
"Simply put, Patrick Mahaney is an outstanding DUI and traffic law attorney. He is highly respected in the legal community. His clients praise his zealous advocation on their behalves. If its important to you to keep your driving record clean and your insurances rates low, then Patrick Mahaney is the person in Montgomery to call. I endorse this stellar attorney."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. He is the lawyer's lawyer when it comes to anything related to DUI law in Alabama. Highly recommend."
"I gladly endorse this lawyer. I have known Patrick for over five years. He literally wrote the Alabama DUI Handbook (http://www.mahaneylaw.com/lawyer-attorney-1499263.html) about DUI laws in Alabama. He is as knowledgeable about DUI and traffic laws as any attorney I have had the pleasure of practicing around. I have been to several of his seminars where he teaches other attorneys how to handle DUI cases."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer who is a skilled litiagator and knows the law and rules of evidence."
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Experience
Honors
2024
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2023
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
President's Award, Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
President's Award, Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2016
President's Award, Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2015
President's Award, Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2015
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
President's Award, Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2006 - Present
Attorney, Law Office of Patrick Mahaney
Associations
2016 - Present
Montgomery, Alabama Hugh Maddox Inns of Court / American Inns of CourtMaster of the Bench
2015 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseState Delegate
2014 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationGeneral Member
2006 - Present
National College for DUI DefenseGeneral Member
2005 - Present
Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationGeneral Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Implied Consent requirement
Acquitted of all charges
Criminal Procedure - Warrant Requirements
Case dismissed - client acquitted
Alabama's 'Arrest at the Scene' Requirement
DUI Case Dismissed
Education
1988
Faulkner University, Jones School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1973
The Citadel
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2025
Alabama Municipal Court Judges Annual Training Conference
Forensic Aspects of DUI
2021
University of Alabama School of Law
Alabama's New Implied Consent Law and DUI Update
2021
Annual Training Conference
Alabama's New Implied Consent Law
2015
DUI/Traffic Homicide Seminar
DUI Defense Law Update
2014
Practical Criminal Defense Seminar
Alabama's New DUI Laws
2014
DUI Defense Seminar
Ignition Interlock and DUI
2013
Continuing Legal Education
DUI Law Update
2011
'Four-Corners' Training Seminar
Traffic Law Update
2011
'DUI Boot Camp'
Alabama DUI and Traffic Law
2009
DUI Defense: A Day with the Experts
DUI Defense
Publications
2021
Alabama DUI Defense: The Law and Practice, 5th Ed.
Alabama DUI Defense
2011
Understanding Blood Analysis in DUI and Traffic Homicide Cases
Forensic Blood Analysis
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Patrick earned significant contribution points in 2025.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I plead Not guilty for a failure of signal ticket
14 Apr 2026
Q&A
In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, how often does the grand jury come back with a true bill versus no bill?
12 Apr 2026
Q&A
Do i half to produce I.D if I am not the driver on a routine traffic stop?
10 Apr 2026
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Alabama's "points" for traffic violations
26 Nov 2017
Legal Guide
Alabama's "Arrest at the Scene" Requirement for Alcohol Involved Accidents
24 Dec 2010
Legal Guide
Alabama's Guest Suit Statute
04 Aug 2010