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:
- Arson
- Assault
- DUI Defense
- Bond Hearings
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Crimes
- Embezzlement
- xpungement
- Extortion
- Failure To Appear
- Fraud
- Gun Crimes
- Manslaughter
- Private Warrant Applications
- Probation Revocation
- Property Damage
- Prostitution
- Sex Crimes
- Solicitation
- Student Defense
- Theft
- Traffic Ticket Defense
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.
