Fulton County Criminal Defense Lawyer
No matter what the offense in question is, it is important to take any criminal allegations made against you seriously. While misdemeanor offenses often may only lead to a fine upon conviction, more serious or repeated offenses could result in much more severe consequences, including loss of civil rights and significant time in jail.
Contesting serious criminal charges in court is a complex ordeal that no defendant should try to handle by themselves. In order to effectively pursue a positive outcome in your case, it is essential that you contact and hire a skilled Fulton County criminal defense lawyer.
What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?
Criminal offenses in Georgia are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. By the letter of the law, these categories are differentiated only by the severity of associated penalties upon conviction rather than what specific actions the offense involved. That being said, more serious offenses in the eyes of state courts typically result in more severe penalties.
Misdemeanor offenses are typically non-violent criminal actions such as shoplifting, marijuana possession, and traffic offenses, the last of which Georgia state law does not differentiate from other forms of misdemeanors. As per Official Code of Georgia §17-10-4, misdemeanors may be considered “high and aggravated” and punished more severely under specific circumstances, usually when the defendant in question has been convicted multiple times for the same offense.
Unlike some other states, Georgia does not separate felony offenses into subcategories. Generally, violent felonies like armed robbery are punished more harshly than non-violent felonies, but there are exceptions in certain situations. A criminal defense attorney could help a person accused in Fulton County understand the nature of the charges against them and structure their defense strategy accordingly.
