Pending Criminal Charges in Georgia

If you are charged with a criminal matter in Georgia, you are innocent until proven guilty. You deserve a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer who understands that and who will fight for you every step of the way. I have handled hundreds of criminal matters, from city ordinance violations to serious violent felonies. I understand that people facing criminal charges of all kinds are experiencing the most stressful time of their lives.

If you fall into that category, you want a lawyer who will believe you, who will return your calls, who will protect your rights, who will give you honest and candid advice, who will examine every possible defense, and who will fight to get you the best possible outcome in your case. If that’s the kind of lawyer you want, contact me today.

How a Criminal Case Works in Georgia

Being charged with a crime can be overwhelming, especially if you have never been through the court system. While every case is different, most Georgia criminal cases follow a similar path:

1. Arrest and bond. After an arrest, you may be released on your own recognizance; in others, a bond hearing may be needed.
2. First appearance. If you are held in custody, you will be brought before a judge who explains the charges and addresses bond.
3. Accusation or indictment. Misdemeanors are usually charged by accusation. Most felonies are presented to a grand jury, which decides whether to return an indictment.
4. Arraignment. You formally enter a plea, usually not guilty, to the charges.
5. Discovery and investigation. Your attorney reviews the State’s evidence, including police reports, video, lab results, and witness statements, and conducts an independent investigation.
6. Motions. Pretrial motions can challenge illegal searches, improper statements, and other problems with the evidence.
7. Negotiation or trial. Many cases are resolved through negotiation, but if the State cannot prove its case, you have the right to a trial.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Charges in Georgia

Georgia divides criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies. A misdemeanor generally carries up to 12 months in jail and/or a maximum fine of $1,000.00. A “high and aggravated” misdemeanor carries higher fines and stricter custody rules. A felony is any crime punishable by more than one year in prison. Felonies are usually handled in superior court and carry long-term consequences, including the loss of certain civil rights.

Alternatives That May Protect Your Record

A conviction is not the only possible outcome. Depending on the charge and your history, options may include:

• Pretrial diversion programs, which can lead to dismissal after completing conditions.
• First Offender treatment, which allows eligible defendants to avoid a conviction and have the charge or charges discharged from their criminal record if they successfully complete their sentence.
• Conditional discharge for certain first-time drug possession charges.
• Accountability courts, such as drug, mental health, and veterans courts, that focus on treatment instead of incarceration and could result in a dismissal of all charges if the program is completed successfully.

For the above options, if successfully negotiated by an experienced criminal defense attorney, one can have their record restricted after a dismissal or successful completion of a program.

Where I Handle Cases

I represent clients in courts throughout the state of Georgia. I will travel within 1 hour to 2 hours of any direction of Atlanta, Georgia. My office is in Buckhead in Atlanta and I handle criminal matters in the metro Atlanta area including Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties, as well as municipal courts across the region and other courts throughout Georgia.

Why Early Representation Matters

The sooner you have a lawyer, the sooner evidence can be preserved, witnesses can be interviewed, and deadlines can be met. Early involvement can also influence charging decisions and bond conditions. Do not talk to investigators about your case before speaking with a criminal defense attorney. And, MOST IMPORTANTLY, never make any statements to law enforcement. Contact me first!!!

Every case is different. Contact me today or call (404) 403-2665 for a free, confidential consultation about your situation.