Johns Creek Criminal Defense Lawyer
Facing criminal charges or the possibility of prosecution can be overwhelming, and it is best not to do it on your own. Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense, a Johns Creek criminal defense lawyer could provide crucial legal representation that can make a difference in the outcome.
A skilled attorney could safeguard your constitutional rights, including the right to protection against self-incrimination and the right to the presumption of innocence. A lawyer at Hawkins Spizman can assist you in learn more about the criminal process and what to expect before, during, and after court.
Crimes and Offenses in Johns Creek
Criminal offenses prohibited in Johns Creek are outlined in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated under Title 16. Offenses are organized into several distinct categories, each of which is covered in a separate chapter within the title. Examples of some of the categories and types of offenses described in Title 16 include:
- Offenses involving criminal conspiracy or attempt
- Crimes against persons (e.g., assault, battery, stalking, kidnapping)
- Sexual offenses — (e.g., rape, statutory rape, child molestation, prostitution)
- Offenses involving property (e.g., burglary, home invasion, arson)
- Offenses involving theft (e.g., shoplifting, robbery, extortion)
- Offenses involving controlled substances (e.g., drug manufacturing or trafficking, possession with intent to distribute, and simple possession)
- Offenses involving forgery or fraud (e.g., identity fraud, bad checks)
In addition to the offenses listed above, several other categories and types of offenses are also listed in Title 16. A Johns Creek criminal lawyer could answer questions about laws on various offenses and develop a legal strategy for defending a person against any type of criminal charges.
Consequences for a Misdemeanor Offense
The general penalties for misdemeanor offenses in Johns Creek include a fine of $1,000 or less, confinement for 12 months or less, or both. Alternatively, in some cases, the court can defer criminal proceedings and impose a period of probation if it is a first offense.
Misdemeanor offenses that are considered to be of a high and aggravated nature can still be sentenced to imprisonment for up to 12 months, but the amount of the fine that can be imposed increases from $1,000 to $5,000. An example of such an offense is simple battery against a person over 65 years of age, or a repeat DUI offense. A lawyer who provides criminal defense in Johns Creek could explain the penalties for a misdemeanor offense, and determine whether the charge is considered high and aggravated.
Penalties for Felony Offenses
The penalties for felony offenses in Johns Creek vary based on the specific offense. For instance, trafficking methamphetamine is a felony offense, but the penalties vary based on the amount trafficked. The mandatory minimum prison sentence can range from ten years for trafficking between 28 and 200 grams to 25 years for trafficking more than 400 grams.
Certain types of felonies committed by serious violent offenders are associated with higher mandatory minimum sentences than if committed by defendants not categorized as serious violent offenders. For example, offenses committed by a serious violent offender that involve rape, kidnapping a child, aggravated child molestation, or aggravated sexual battery are punishable by a mandatory minimum prison term of 25 years and probation for life. A criminal defense attorney in Johns Creek could explain the punishments associated with different felonies.
Contact a Johns Creek Criminal Defense Attorney
You do not have to fight criminal charges on your own. A Johns Creek criminal lawyer could help by preparing a legal defense to the charges and fighting to attain the best possible resolution to your case.
Another reason working with an attorney is critical is to have someone advocating for you and protecting your legal rights. Contact an attorney about your case today.
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