Criminal Law: A The job of a capable and effective trial attorney is to force the state to prove each and every material element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. But the work starts long before a case eventually goes to trial: Getting a client a bond, preparing for preliminary hearings, appearing at arraignment, filing motions, reviewing discovery, assessing the case for strengths and weaknesses, researching the law, and counseling the client about available options. Ultimately the decision about whether to go to trial or to enter a plea belongs to the client.

Although many people think of traffic violations as insignificant or inconsequential, the fact is that a moving violation can have a financial impact on your life - not just in paying a fine, but also in your insurance rates. Not to mention that some traffic offenses, such as driving under the influence of alcohol, driving on a suspended license and a number of other serious traffic offenses carry not only stiff fines and community service requirements, but also mandatory jail time. Whether a client wants to try the case or enter a plea, we do everything ethically and legally possible to minimize our client’s exposure.

Misdemeanor offenses carry, in most cases, a maximum $1,000 fine and up to one year in the county jail. In most metro-Atlanta counties, misdemeanor cases are tried in the county’s State courts. The State is represented by an attorney from the Solicitor General’s office. In some Georgia counties, misdemeanors are tried in the Superior Courts by the District Attorney because the county does not have a Solicitor General. In any event, the State will always be represented.

Misdemeanors include a wide variety of crimes from writing bad checks to assault and battery, family violence, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana and obstruction of a police officer. Being convicted of certain misdemeanors or entering a plea to certain misdemeanors can also have consequences aside from fines and jail. You may have your driver’s license suspended. You may lose your ability to own or possess a gun.

Felony offenses are crimes which carry more than a $1,000 fine and more than a year in jail. These are the crimes we usually see portrayed on television and in the movies. Crimes such as aggravated assault, rape, burglary, drug trafficking, child molestation, and murder are felonies. Although our legal system provides that every person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, just being charged or indicted for these crimes can create a stigma. Our goal is to provide you with the best criminal defense permissible under the law and under our ethical obligations as spelled out by the State Bar of Georgia.