Alpharetta Criminal Defense Lawyer
When a person is arrested for a criminal offense, they may feel shocked, humiliated, and uncertain about what to do next. Considering the ramifications a criminal conviction could have on your life, your primary goal under such circumstances should be to investigate the legal options available to you as soon as possible.
Due to the complex structure of our criminal justice system, it may be worthwhile to retain the services of an experienced attorney. An Alpharetta criminal defense lawyer could investigate the circumstance of your case and advise you on the most effective way of building a convincing defense.
Legal Representation Can Make a Difference
Legal advocacy and representation go far beyond merely appearing in court with individuals accused of a crime. A seasoned criminal defense attorney will take the following steps in order to place the defendant in the best position possible to fight the charges:
- Thoroughly investigate the circumstances that led to an arrest and criminal charges, and discover any additional evidence
- Weigh the evidence supporting the charges
- Develop the defense strategy that is most likely to be effective
- Present all available resolutions to help you choose the right path based on your situation
A dedicated lawyer could also identify any irregularities in procedures or violations of the law during the arrest, questioning, and charging phases of a criminal case. All too often, law enforcement officers push the boundaries to try and create an open-and-shut criminal case. When this occurs, evidence may be inadmissible, which could lead to a reduction in, or dismissal of, criminal charges.
Any delays in seeking legal advice can make a criminal case more difficult to defend. As a result, any individual facing criminal charges should not hesitate in obtaining the assistance of an Alpharetta criminal attorney.
Felony and Misdemeanor Charges
Many common, low-level offenses are considered misdemeanor charges. Repeat offenses and offenses that involve large amounts of illegal drugs or bodily injury to others can be sometimes be classified as either a felony or misdemeanor charge. Felony offenses are more serious offenses and are typically those considered to be crimes in all states, such as murder, rape, robbery, burglary, and arson.
Individuals typically sentenced to jail in a misdemeanor case—which by definition is 12 months or less in length—will serve the time in a county or local jail. Felony offenses, on the other hand, usually require a minimum sentence of one year and could result in life imprisonment for especially heinous crimes. A felony jail sentenced is generally served in the prison system, which is run by the Georgia Department of Corrections. The death penalty is also a potential penalty for murder charges in the state of Georgia under specific circumstances.
In addition, misdemeanor and felony convictions often require the payment of fines and may carry the potential for collateral consequences. For example, a DUI conviction is likely to result in a license suspension, required community service hours mandatory alcohol evaluation.
Similarly, a felony conviction creates a permanent criminal record that could preclude job and career opportunities in the future, as well as bar an individual from ever possessing a firearm under federal law. A qualified criminal lawyer may be able to fully explain all the potential ramifications of a criminal conviction in Alpharetta to individuals who are facing criminal charges.
Contact an Alpharetta Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Facing criminal charges can be an overwhelming experience, whether you have no prior experience with the criminal justice system or fears of harsher consequences due to previous convictions. An Alpharetta criminal lawyer may be able to assist you in handling all aspects of your criminal proceedings.
To have a proper legal defense, you are likely to need legal advice and counsel from the outset of your criminal proceedings. Do not hesitate to contact legal counsel at your earliest convenience.
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