Atlanta Criminal Defense Lawyer

Getting arrested can be a scary experience, but most of that anxiety is due to a fear of the unknown. Without advice from a seasoned professional, it’s hard to know how serious the charges are against you and what the likely outcome might be. After any arrest, it’s always worthwhile to talk to a lawyer. Call Hawkins Spizman, and our Atlanta criminal defense lawyers will review your case at no charge to let you know where you stand and how we can help you. With our firm onboard working on your case, our experienced legal team will investigate, analyze and discover evidence, and explore all available defenses, along with the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case against you. We take the time to discuss your options with you so you can make smart decisions about your future. Count on our experienced Georgia criminal defense lawyers to create a winning strategy and pursue your case with confidence and vigor.

There is literally no time to waste in contacting a lawyer after an arrest. The process of booking, initial appearance, preliminary hearing, indictment and arraignment can all take place within hours of an arrest. Advice and representation at these critical stages can set you up for the best chance at success, while failing to speak with an attorney can lead to a negative outcome and much harsher treatment by the judge and prosecutor. With Hawkins Spizman on your side, you’ll be in the best position for a positive result.

What Offenses Does Hawkins Spizman Handle?

With over 20 years of experience in Georgia courtrooms, our lawyers have represented the accused across the spectrum of Georgia criminal law. Call Hawkins Spizman for assistance with any Georgia felony or misdemeanor offense, including:

What Is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?

Any criminal conviction can lead to serious consequences, including steep fines, court costs and surcharges, and possible jail time. In addition, a criminal record can follow you around for years, keeping you from getting or keeping the job you want, preventing you from living where you would like, and impacting your ability to get good credit, obtain an occupational license, possess a firearm, or exercise your right to vote. Every arrest should be taken seriously, and you should always talk to an attorney before giving a statement to the police or entering a guilty plea.

All crimes are serious, but crimes classified as felonies are more serious than misdemeanors. In Georgia, a felony offense is punishable by prison terms up to 25 years imprisonment or even life in prison. The death penalty can also be imposed after conviction for felonies such as treason, aircraft hijacking, or murder, rape, armed robbery, or kidnapping under certain circumstances.

In contrast, a misdemeanor is a crime that is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to a year in jail. Georgia law also imposes fines as high as $5,000 for certain offenses classified as high and aggravated misdemeanors.

Whether any particular offense is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony depends on how it is defined in the Georgia Code. Many offenses have different degrees of severity, and some can be prosecuted as either felonies or misdemeanors. These offenses are commonly known as “wobblers” since they can be charged either way. If you get arrested for a wobbler, one of the things we can do is work with the prosecutor to make sure the crime is charged as a misdemeanor instead of a felony or negotiate a plea agreement for the lesser offense. We do this by putting together a strong defense, pointing out weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case, and letting them know our experienced trial lawyers are ready to go to court with a powerful defense.

Importantly, section 17-10-5 of the Georgia Code gives judges the discretion to impose a misdemeanor punishment for felonies punishable by imprisonment for a maximum term of ten years or less. If you were found guilty of a felony that fits this description, our experienced Georgia criminal defense attorneys can prepare and present a compelling argument to the judge for a misdemeanor punishment as opposed to a lengthy prison term.

Make Your First Call After Any Georgia Arrest Be to Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers

Call Hawkins Spizman for immediate assistance after an arrest in Georgia. Our dedicated Atlanta criminal defense legal team is standing by and ready to help you. Experience Matters. Let Hawkins Spizman protect your record, your career, and your reputation. Call 770-685-6400 for immediate help and a free case review.

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Meet Our Experienced Team

Michael Hawkins brings a wealth of trial experience to protecting the rights of those who have been injured. Perhaps more importantly, he brings the mindset of a relentless advocate who has fought against the State for many years, to now representing the rights of those who have been injured and are up against insurance companies and corporations that should be held accountable to compensate them as victims. Hawkins is a trial lawyer with over 27 years of experience. Hawkins cut his teeth as an advocate for victims as prosecutor, where early in his career he served as an Assistant Solicitor in DeKalb County, and an Assistant District Attorney in Rockdale County. After several years of representing the State of Georgia in criminal cases, he was made an offer he couldn’t refuse by a defense lawyer whom he had tried several cases against. The offer was to leave prosecution, and to undertake to protect the rights of those accused of DUI and related cases. For over 20 years, Michael Hawkins has focused on seeking justice for his clients, both as a prosecutor and a defense attorney. With that experience, he craft a solid defense on your behalf.

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Super Lawyers elected Spizman a Rising Star Every year since 2014. Since 2014 and every year thereafter, The National Trial Lawyers Association selected Spizman as a Top 40 Under 40 and as part of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America. Georgia Trend Magazine continues to recognize Spizman as part of their annual Legal Elite publication, from 2013 to the present. He has achieved a perfect rating on Avvo, a preeminent professional rating and review website, with over 170 five star reviews by his peers and former clients. Spizman regularly speaks nationally on trial strategies, defending DUI and criminal cases, and cross-examining police witnesses. Spizman works diligently with his clients to sculpt a meaningful and detail-oriented defense to their cases to ensure they obtain the best possible outcome. There is no case too big or too small. Spizman is admitted to practice law in the State of Georgia, all State and Superior Courts, the Georgia Court of Appeals, and the Georgia Supreme Court. He is a member of The State Bar of Georgia, The State Bar of Georgia Criminal Division, The Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, The National College for DUI Defense and Georgia Defense of Drinking Drivers.