If serious felony charges are involved, you are probably thinking about the immediate and long-term consequences of a conviction, which include prison sentences, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record.
We can help you whether you’ve already been charged or believe charges may follow an investigation or other legal action. A Milton criminal defense lawyer with Speights Law will defend your rights, build your defense, and work to resolve your case.
Our trial lawyers and former prosecutors have over 20 years of handling criminal defense cases for Georgia clients. With our Milton serious felonies defense lawyer working for you, you can focus on moving forward to a new chapter. Call today for a private consultation.
What Is a Serious Felony in Georgia?
A serious felony in Georgia is a crime that can lead to severe penalties, including long prison sentences and large fines. These crimes are more serious than misdemeanors and can include offenses like:
- Murder
- Armed robbery
- Drug trafficking
- Aggravated assault
- Kidnapping
- Rape
- Child molestation
- Manslaughter
- Burglary (first degree)
- Human trafficking
- Arson (first degree)
- Sexual battery (aggravated)
These crimes carry heavy penalties and can lead to long-term consequences. If convicted of a serious felony, the consequences can affect your life for many years, including your ability to find a job or housing.
How Georgia Sentences Serious Felony Crimes
In Georgia, the sentence for a serious felony depends on the type of crime and the circumstances surrounding it. Judges must follow state law and guidelines, which set minimum and maximum penalties for each crime.
For example, some serious felonies, like murder, can result in a lifetime prison sentence or even the death penalty. People who commit kidnapping or armed robbery can face a minimum sentence of 10 years for a first offense.
Other serious felonies may have set mandatory minimum sentences, meaning the judge must give the defendant a certain amount of prison time. Aggravating factors, such as using a weapon during the crime or having previous felony convictions, can lead to harsher sentences.
We Will Explain the Charges and All Possible Outcomes
Georgia’s sentencing laws aim to punish serious crimes while considering the details of each case. Our Milton serious felonies defense attorneys will take the time to explain the potential consequences of a criminal conviction in your case.
We will walk you through the possible penalties and ways a conviction could affect your future, including your employment and personal life. By understanding what’s at stake, you can make informed decisions about your defense strategy. Call us today for a free consultation.
Our Milton Defense Lawyers for Serious Felonies Will Fight for Your Future
Facing serious felony charges can feel overwhelming, but you can be assured that our legal team will stand up for you and fight for your future. We can navigate Georgia’s legal system and build a robust defense.
Here’s how we can help:
Investigating Your Case
We will investigate the evidence against you, carefully reviewing every document, report, and piece of evidence presented by the prosecution. We will also gather witness statements and identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Building a Strong Defense for Your Case
We’ll create a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation, whether it involves proving your innocence, challenging evidence, or negotiating a plea agreement. By identifying any inconsistencies or weaknesses in the case against you, we can strengthen your strategy.
Providing Support Throughout the Process
We will explain every step of the process so that you know what to expect. From court appearances to negotiations, we’ll be with you the entire way.
Working for the Best Outcome
Whether we’re working to lessen your charges, seeking a dismissal, or preparing for trial, our goal is the same—to protect you from the severest penalties. We are committed to building a strong defense that gives you the best chance for a favorable outcome.
We can also file a criminal defense appeal on your behalf if your trial results in an unfavorable ruling.
Providing Emotional Support
In addition to handling the legal aspects of your case, we understand the emotional toll serious felony charges can take on you and your family. The process requires patience, and you have realistic expectations about how long your case can take.
Our team will keep your case on track and update you on its status. We will also support you, answer your questions, and provide reassurance throughout the process.
Potential Defenses in Serious Felony Cases
The right defense strategy for your case will depend on the details and other factors, but here are a few common defenses that may apply:
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is weak or lacks credibility, your lawyer can challenge its validity, aiming to reduce or dismiss the charges.
- Constitutional violations: If your rights were violated during the investigation or arrest—such as the police illegally searching your vehicle or failure to read your Miranda rights—this could lead to certain evidence being thrown out of court.
- Self-defense or defense of others: If the crime involved an act of violence, such as assault or homicide, your lawyer may argue that you acted in self-defense or to protect someone else.
- Mistaken identity: In some cases, the wrong person may be accused of a crime due to misidentification or poor investigation. Your lawyer can help uncover evidence to prove you were not involved.
Our Milton serious felony criminal case lawyers will consider every detail of your situation and develop a defense that is unique to your case.
Tips for Choosing the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer
Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer is also important when defending yourself against serious felony charges. Here are a few tips to help you find the right lawyer for your case:
- Experience in serious felony cases: Make sure the lawyer has a history of handling serious felony cases, as these can be more complex and carry harsher penalties than misdemeanors.
- Knowledge of Georgia law: Your lawyer should be well-versed in Georgia’s criminal laws, court procedures, and how the local courts operate.
- Track record of success: Look for a lawyer who has a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes in similar cases, whether through dismissal, reduced charges, or favorable trial results.
- Communication and support: Your lawyer should take the time to explain the charges, the possible outcomes, and the steps in the legal process. They also should answer your questions and keep you informed of all changes that occur in your case.
By carefully selecting the right criminal defense lawyer for your case, you can help your case.
Call for Help From Our Milton Serious Felonies Defense Lawyers
If you or someone you care about is facing serious felony defense charges in Milton, GA, we urge you to consider hiring a criminal defense lawyer right away. You have a right to challenge criminal charges and protect your rights while doing so.
You also have a future to fight for; the Milton serious felonies defense lawyers at Speights Law understand that a lot is on the line. Call us today to learn more about us and explore your legal options during a consultation.