Hayden is a seasoned criminal defense attorney with a unique background in public safety and corrections. A native of Conecuh County, Alabama, Hayden began her career as an emergency dispatcher before transitioning to a role as a Classification Specialist with the Alabama Department of Corrections at Holman Prison. These early experiences inform her deep understanding of the criminal justice system from multiple perspectives.

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While pursuing her legal education, Hayden clerked for Judge Patrick D. Pinkston in Elmore County and worked in the Criminal Appeals Division of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. She also gained courtroom experience through Alabama’s Legal Internship Program, where she practiced under supervision in the 19th Judicial Circuit. Hayden later earned her Juris Doctor degree with honors.

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Admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 2020 and the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama later that year, Hayden has since built a focused practice in criminal defense, handling both trial and appellate matters. Her work has included roles at Beasley Allen Law Firm (Mass Torts) and Barfoot & Schoettker. She has served as a public defender in Montgomery Municipal Court since 2022 where she has represented hundreds of citizens charged with misdemeanor offenses. In her solo practice, Hayden advocates for clients across Central Alabama in a wide range of criminal matters. She represents both juveniles and adults and has briefed and argued cases before all of Alabama’s appellate courts.

 

EDUCATION

Juris Doctor, magna cum laude

Thomas Goode Jones School of Law (2020)

 

Master of Science 

Justice & Public Safety

Auburn University at Montgomery (2013)

 

Bachelor of Science 

Interdisciplinary Studies

Psychology, Health Sciences, & Criminal Justice

Troy University (2022)

 

Bachelor of Science 

Criminal Justice

Faulkner University (2011)

 

During her time at Faulkner Law, Hayden received numerous awards and prestigious positions, including serving as an Editor of the Faulkner Law Review for two years and being selected as a member of the Faulkner Law Board of Advocates. She represented Faulkner Law at national conventions and competitions in New York City, NY and Washington, D.C. She earned several best paper awards, the Justice Lewis Powell, Jr. award for excellence in advocacy, and the best appellate brief award. She was honored to be a member of the Faulkner Law Public Interest Society where she was recognized for completing many hours of pro bono legal work in central Alabama.

 

Hayden has spoken before Governor Ivey's policy council for criminal justice reform, and is involved with several area nonprofit organizations.

 

CURRENT ASSOCIATIONS

Attorney, Central Alabama CrimeStoppers, Inc.

Panel Attorney, Southern States Police Benevolent Association

Plan Attorney, Fraternal Order of Police

Associate, Hugh Maddox Chapter of the American Inns of Court

Member, Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association