If you are facing serious felony charges, you may feel like the system is against you. These charges come with long prison sentences, steep fines, and lasting consequences, even if you did not do anything wrong.
At Speights Law, our Cartersville criminal defense lawyers are here to help. With over 120 years of combined experience, including former prosecutors and seasoned trial lawyers, our team knows how Georgia courts work and how to defend you against the charges.
Our Cartersville serious felonies defense lawyer will explain your legal options and break down how Georgia’s laws affect your case. We believe in aggressive defense, constant communication, and client-focused representation. Call us today for a free consultation.
What Is a Serious Felony in Georgia?
In Georgia, felonies are crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. However, serious felonies go further. These violent or high-stakes offenses often carry harsh mandatory sentences. The law treats them with maximum severity.
Examples of Serious Felonies
Some serious felony charges we defend include:
- Murder or manslaughter: Causing someone’s death, either on purpose (murder) or by reckless actions (manslaughter)
- Armed robbery or home invasion: Stealing from someone using a weapon or entering a home by force to commit a crime
- Aggravated assault or battery: Attacking someone with a weapon or causing serious physical harm
- Sexual assault and child molestation: Forcing someone into sexual activity without consent or committing sexual acts involving a minor
- Drug trafficking: Selling, transporting, or distributing large amounts of illegal drugs
- Kidnapping or false imprisonment: Taking or holding someone against their will
- Burglary in the first degree: Breaking into a home or building to commit a crime while someone is inside, often with intent to harm or steal
Each of these charges can result in long prison sentences, life in prison, or even the death penalty, depending on the case.
Penalties Under Georgia Law
The penalties for serious felonies in Georgia are steep. For example:
- Murder: Life in prison or the death penalty (Ga. Code § 16-5-1)
- Armed robbery: 10 to 20 years, life imprisonment, or the death penalty (Ga. Code § 16-8-41)
- Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon: One to 20 years (Ga. Code § 16-5-21)
- Child molestation: Five to 20 years for a first offense (Ga. Code § 16-6-4)
In addition to prison time, a conviction can bring:
- Permanent criminal record
- Loss of civil rights (like voting and owning firearms)
- Sex offender registration (in some cases)
- Immigration issues for non-citizens
- Difficulty finding housing or employment
Any of these penalties can affect you for many years to come. You deserve to fight for your future. Call us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you seek the best outcome for your situation.
How Our Serious Felonies Attorneys in Cartersville Can Help
When your freedom is on the line, every move matters. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced defense lawyer guiding you through the process from the start.
Here’s how we help clients facing serious felony charges:
- Reviewing the facts and evidence: We will evaluate police reports, witness statements, and forensic results.
- Challenging unlawful arrests or searches: If law enforcement violated your rights, we will fight to suppress that evidence.
- Negotiating with prosecutors: We push for reduced charges, lighter sentencing, or dismissal when possible.
- Filing motions: From bond motions to motions to dismiss, we know how to leverage the law in your favor.
- Representing you at trial: We will build a strong defense strategy and fight in court if your case goes to trial.
- Explaining your options: We break down the legal process in plain language so you always understand what’s next.
- Filing appeals: If a conviction happens, we can review your trial for errors and file an appeal if needed.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Serious Felony in Cartersville?
You don’t have to wait until you face formal charges to secure legal representation. The earlier you call a lawyer, the better.
You should reach out to a defense attorney if:
- You’ve been arrested on a serious felony charge
- You’re under investigation by law enforcement
- Police have asked you to come in for questioning
- You received a grand jury subpoena
Our experienced lawyer can protect your rights during interviews with law enforcement, handle communication with investigators, and start building your defense before charges are even filed.
Possible Defenses in Cases Involving Serious Felony Charges
Every case is different, but we know how to tailor a defense strategy that fits your specific situation.
Depending on the facts, our serious felony defense lawyer in Cartersville may be able to argue:
- Mistaken identity: Someone else committed the crime, but you were wrongly identified as the suspect.
- Alibi (you were somewhere else at the time): You have proof that you were in a different place when the crime happened.
- Self–defense or defense of others: You acted to protect yourself or someone else from harm.
- Illegal search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment: Police gathered evidence in a way that violated your rights, so it may not be allowed in court.
- Lack of intent or accident: You didn’t mean to commit a serious felony crime, or what happened was a genuine accident.
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution doesn’t have enough proof to show you committed the crime.
- False accusations: Someone is lying or wrongly claiming you did something you didn’t do.
We will question witnesses, cross-examine experts, and raise doubts about the prosecution’s case. In some situations, our defense attorneys for serious charges in Cartersville can work with forensic specialists and private investigators to uncover the truth.
Practical Advice While Your Serious Felony Case Moves Forward
If you’re facing serious charges, you can take steps right now to help your case:
- Stay silent: Don’t talk to police or prosecutors without a lawyer present.
- Hire a lawyer early: The sooner we’re on your side, the more we can do to help.
- Write down what happened: Your memory will fade—record details while they’re fresh.
- Avoid social media: Anything you post on a social media platform can be used against you.
- Follow your lawyer’s advice: Trust your legal team to guide you through the process.
Our Cartersville Serious Felonies Defense Lawyer Is Ready to Defend You
If you’re facing a serious felony charge—or think you might be—don’t wait. Call Speights Law now. Whether you’re under investigation or already charged, our Cartersville serious felonies defense lawyer is ready to work on your case.
We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and fight for your future. Your future is too important to leave to chance. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation.
