Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyers
Loss of liberty is a serious matter. In a criminal case, it is important to obtain a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. We have successfully handled many criminal jury trials and hundreds of criminal cases, including criminal appeals.
Felony Cases
Felonies are tried in the Superior Courts. These involve a range of offenses, from the most serious crimes such as murder, armed robbery and sex offenses to other crimes such as drug offenses, assault, and fraud. Felonies are punishable by one or more years in prison. You are entitled to a jury trial for felony offenses, and the district attorney has discretion regarding plea deals. As experienced criminal defense lawyers, we have successfully tried many felony cases, as well as convincing the District Attorney to dismiss the charges against many of our clients.
Misdemeanor Cases and DUI
Misdemeanors are usually tried in Georgia’s State Courts, Municipal Courts and Probate Courts. They are generally punishable by a fine and up to 12 months in jail. Misdemeanors include offenses such as DUI and other traffic offenses, possession of under an ounce of marijuana, and simple assault and battery, among many others. In DUI cases there are very strict timelines associated with the loss of one’s driving privileges. If you are charged with DUI, you should contact a DUI attorney immediately to avoid the automatic suspension of your license. Some offenses can be charged as felonies or misdemeanors, based on the circumstances surrounding the case. In many instances, misdemeanors can be handled in such a way as to avoid a criminal record.
Probation
If you are arrested while on probation, and charged with violation of probation, you can be jailed for the original offense even if the new offense is less serious. Often, the ramifications of violating probation far outweigh those of the new offense. And the standard of proof is lower for the violation of probation hearing. Therefore, timely and thorough preparation is needed. If you or a loved one has been charged with violation of probation, you should seek the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Bond Hearings
Bond (or bail) hearings are very important. Without bond, you could wait months or longer in jail for a trial. The factors which determine if a defendant gets bond are different from those which determine guilt or innocence. Generally, a criminal defendant might wait days or even weeks before a judge will consider bail. However, if the offense is bondable, we are often able to get an agreed bond, and get our clients out of jail faster.
Juvenile Court
Georgia’s Juvenile Courts operate differently from courts in which adult cases are tried. Juvenile defendants have specific prosecutors and judges. Juvenile defendants need a juvenile defense lawyer who is familiar with the juvenile court system. As experienced juvenile defense attorneys, we will work to protect your child's identity and reputation, and help keep his or her criminal record clean.
Common Types of Cases We Handle
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Murder, Aggravated assault, Aggravated battery, Kidnapping, False imprisonment, Cruelty to children, Aggravated stalking, Sodomy, Rape, Statutory rape, Child molestation, Enticing a child, Sexual battery, Child pornography, Entering auto, Burglary, Armed robbery, Computer and internet crimes, Theft, Forgery, Fraud, Possession of tools for the commission of a crime, Criminal damage, Arson, Obstruction, False statements, Terroristic threats and acts, Unlawful possession of firearm or knife, Possession of firearm by convicted felon, VGCSA (Drug crimes), Possession of drugs (such as cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, ecstasy, lortab, and xanax), Possession with intent to distribute drugs, Drug trafficking, Habitual violator, Vehicular homicide, Hit and run, Attempt, Conspiracy, RICO, Criminal gang activity, Tampering with evidence, Party to a crime
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Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), Possession of marijuana, Battery and simple battery, Simple assault, Cruelty to children, Reckless conduct, Stalking, Sexual battery, Public indecency, Theft, Theft by shoplifting, Fraud, Giving false name, False report of a crime, Criminal trespass, Criminal damage, Obstruction, Affray, Disorderly conduct, Public drunkenness, Loitering or prowling, Carrying a weapon without a license, Carrying a weapon in unauthorized place, Traffic offenses, Registration offenses, Insurance offenses, License plate offenses, Driver’s license offenses, Driving with suspended license, Speeding, Texting while driving, Following too closely, Failure to maintain lane, Window tint violation, Open container, Hit and run