If you are facing a criminal charge, prosecutors will pursue your criminal case thoroughly. They can gather strong evidence to make the judge or jury think you are guilty. A criminal charge can affect your future. And it can put a burden on your family and friends. So, it is in your best interest to fight a criminal charge.
However, filing paperwork, talking to the police, posting bail, and fighting a criminal charge can overwhelm you. That’s why you should hire a skilled and aggressive Scottdale criminal defense attorney. Criminal defense lawyers understand the judicial system. And they can protect your future.
At the SHElaw firm, we have the experience to fight for you and your future. We are committed to providing you with the best legal representation to ensure you get excellent results. We have handled many cases like yours before. We provide thorough and aggressive defense representation to our clients in Scottdale, Georgia.
Contact us today at 470-378-1162 for a free case evaluation and consultation with a criminal defense attorney.
What Are Your Rights as a Criminal Defendant in Georgia?
If you are accused of a crime in Georgia, understanding your rights can help you fight your criminal charge. A criminal defense lawyer will understand your rights and fight to defend them.
Here are the Constitutional Amendments related to the rights of criminal defendants in the United States:
The Fourth Amendment
According to the Fourth Amendment, police officers cannot carry out unjustified seizures or unwarranted searches. The police do not have the power to seize and search you, your property, and your home without a warrant. The police must obtain a warrant from a judge before seizing or searching you, your property, and your home.
The Fifth Amendment
According to the Fifth Amendment, you cannot be judged twice for the same criminal charge, you cannot be compelled to give testimony against yourself, you have the right to a fair trial, and you have the right to a jury trial. The Fifth Amendment protects criminal defendants against self-incrimination and double jeopardy.
The Sixth Amendment
According to the Sixth Amendment, you have the right to a jury of your peers, be told the criminal charges brought against you, and know your accusers and confront them. The Sixth Amendment also guarantees the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, the court provides one for you.
The Eighth Amendment
According to the Eighth Amendment, you have the right to post bail and you cannot get unusual or cruel punishments. The court cannot give you unusual or cruel punishments. The Eight Amendment protects you from getting an excessive fine or bail amount.
What Is a Misdemeanor vs a Felony in Georgia?
A misdemeanor is a less serious crime with less severe consequences. According to the Georgia statute O.C.G.A. 17-10-3, the fine for a misdemeanor does not exceed $1,000 and the jail term does not exceed 12 months or both. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, you will serve time in a county or city jail.
A felony, on the other hand, is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a minimum of 12 months, imprisonment for life, or even death. In Georgia, there are statutes stipulating the maximum penalty based on the crime. So, there are crimes with enhanced penalties in Georgia.
Should I Consult a Lawyer Before Speaking to the Police?
Yes! You should consult a criminal defense lawyer before speaking to the police. The Fifth Amendment protects you from giving testimony against yourself. The police cannot force you to give testimony against yourself, so you do not have to talk to the police while in police custody.
The police can use what you say against you. Contact our Scottdale criminal defense attorney at 470-378-1162 before you speak to the police.
What Is the Habitual Offender Law?
The habitual offender law allows the court to give more severe punishments to someone who has been declared a repeat offender. The court can declare you a repeat offender if you have been convicted of three serious felonies within the last five years. The judge can modify your punishment based on your previous convictions.
How Can a Scottdale Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me?
A criminal charge can completely change your life. It can leave your family with burdens. For instance, if your family depends on you and you lose your source of income, you will leave them with financial burdens. Hiring a skilled criminal defense lawyer can help you get back your life.
Here is how a criminal defense lawyer can help you:
Prepare Your Case
Your criminal defense lawyer prepares a strong case on your behalf and guides you throughout the whole process. Your lawyer investigates your cases, interviews witnesses, collects evidence, and works with expert witnesses. They use the evidence to build a strong case for you.
Plea Bargains
In some cases, it is in your best interest to enter a plea bargain. Your lawyer goes through the circumstances and the facts of your case to determine if you have a strong case. If your lawyer believes you do not stand a chance if your case goes to trial, you can enter a plea bargain. A plea bargain can reduce your punishment and prison time.
Ability to Gauge Case Outcomes
Experienced criminal defense attorney handles criminal cases regularly. Your lawyer might have handled a similar criminal case to yours before. So, your lawyer can accurately gauge the outcome of your case. They can help you come up with the best strategy for fighting your case. Your lawyer can even recommend taking a plea deal.
Know the Law and Court Rules
Criminal defense attorneys in Scottdale know the criminal justice system of the state of Georgia. Your lawyer can have your criminal case dismissed. How? They can easily identify loopholes or infringements to have your case dismissed. They are also familiar with the prosecution and judge.
Trial Experience
Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney increases your chances of winning your criminal case in court. Experienced and reputable lawyers win cases in court regularly. They can help you secure your freedom. You do not even have to enter a plea deal. Your lawyer can use their experience to prepare your case and take your case to court. Your lawyer, then, works hard to prove your innocence.
What Is the Cost of Legal Representation?
The cost of legal representation depends on the type of your criminal case, the severity of your crime, and the experience of your criminal defense attorney. If your criminal case goes to trial, you are more likely to spend more money on your legal representation.
Is There a Benefit to Having a Private Attorney vs. a Court-Appointed Attorney?
It is better to have a private attorney than to have a court-appointed attorney.
A private attorney usually focuses on a few cases and has access to more resources. If your private attorney focuses on your case only, you are more likely to win your case. Your lawyer will dedicate as much time as possible to your case. They hire private investigators and expert witnesses to help with your case.
A court-appointed attorney, on the other hand, works for the government. They represent criminal defendants who do not have the finances to hire their own lawyers. They are usually underpaid and overworked. And they work on several cases at the same time. So, they may not get enough time and resources to focus on your case.
Looking for a private Scottdale defense attorney? Contact SHElaw firm at 470-378-1162. We are ready to help you with your case. We can hire all types of expert witnesses and even private investigators. We will focus on your case to ensure you get excellent results.
Can You Represent Yourself?
Yes! You can represent yourself in your criminal case. We do not, however, encourage you to represent yourself. Representing yourself increases your risk of getting severe punishments or even spending longer time in jail. Hire a criminal defense attorney with several years of experience to represent you.
Should I Accept a Plea Bargain?
Sometimes accepting a plea bargain to reduce your punishment is the best course of action. However, do not rush to accept a plea bargain. Hire a good criminal defense lawyer to go through your criminal case before accepting a plea bargain. Your lawyer determines whether to accept a plea bargain or not accept the plea bargain.
Appealing a Conviction in Georgia
If you are convicted for a criminal offense in Georgia, you have the right to appeal the conviction. Murder cases must be appealed to the Georgia Supreme Court, while the Court of Appeals handles other criminal appeals. Having a Scottdale criminal defense attorney on your side drastically improves your chances of successfully appealing a conviction.
Contact SHElaw firm® to Help You Fight Your Criminal Charge
A criminal conviction can leave you and your family with financial burdens. You can lose the support of your friends and family. You are more likely to feel hopeless and helpless. It is, therefore, imperative to hire a criminal defense attorney to safeguard your freedom and future.
An experienced criminal defense attorney in Scottdale, GA protects your rights and builds a strong defense on your behalf. Your lawyer can provide the support you need and help you understand the charges you are facing. Your lawyer can reduce your charges or even get your criminal case dismissed.
At the SHElaw firm, our Scottdale criminal defense lawyers understand the law. We can help you understand the charges and penalties you are facing. We take care of the paperwork. We will not let you get taken advantage of. We are devoted to protecting your rights and defending you.
Contact us today at 470-378-1162 for a free case review and consultation.
