Being accused of a serious felony in Georgia can upend your life in a matter of seconds. This reality can leave you feeling unsettled and unsure of what your future holds. Speights Law understands what you’re going through, and we help people fight the cases against them.
With over 120 years of combined experience, our Marietta criminal defense lawyers—including former prosecutors and seasoned trial lawyers—fight hard to protect our clients’ rights.
Whether you’ve just been arrested, are under investigation, or have already been charged, we will take the time to understand your situation. Our Marietta serious felonies defense lawyer is ready to offer aggressive and responsive representation. Call us today for a free consultation.
What a Serious Felony Crime Means in Georgia
In Georgia, crimes are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. Felonies are more serious and carry harsher penalties. A serious felony is a category of crime that includes some of the most severe offenses under state law.
These charges are often violent or involve significant harm, risk to the public, or major property damage.
Examples of serious felony charges in Georgia include:
- Armed robbery
- Aggravated assault
- Murder or attempted murder
- Rape or aggravated sexual battery
- Child molestation
- Drug trafficking
- Kidnapping
- Arson in the first degree
These crimes are not just serious because of the possible prison time—they also carry life-altering consequences such as a permanent criminal record, loss of civil rights, and the stigma of being labeled a violent offender.
Penalties for Serious Felony Convictions
Under Georgia law, the penalties for serious felonies can be severe:
- Armed Robbery: Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, with no parole
- Aggravated Assault: One to 20 years in prison, depending on the circumstances
- Murder: Life in prison, life without parole, or the death penalty
- Rape: 25 years to life in prison
These penalties are just the beginning. If you’re convicted, you’ll likely face various consequences, such as limited employment opportunities, loss of housing, and restrictions on owning firearms.
When to Get a Lawyer if You’re Facing Serious Felony Charges
You should contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible—even before prosecutors file formal charges. If you are being questioned by the police, are under arrest, or know you’re being investigated, now is the time to reach out.
Early legal intervention gives our Marietta lawyer for violent felony charges time to:
- Review the evidence
- Protect your rights during questioning
- Speak with prosecutors before charges become final
- Begin building a defense right away
Waiting until you’re formally charged may limit your defense options. At Speights Law, we believe that early preparation can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.
Our Lawyers for Serious Felony Crimes in Marietta Will Handle Your Case
We provide aggressive, hands-on legal representation that’s focused on your future. Here’s what our lawyers will do for you:
- Listen to your story: We never treat clients like just another case. At Speights Law, we take time to understand your side and what led to the charges.
- Explain your rights: Georgia’s criminal statutes can be complex. We’ll explain how state laws apply to your case.
- Investigate the facts: We gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and analyze police procedures to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Challenge the legality of evidence: If your rights were violated (for example, during a search or arrest), we will take legal steps to block that evidence from being used against you.
- Negotiate with prosecutors: Our background as former prosecutors gives us insight into how the other side thinks. We will use this insight to negotiate reduced charges or dismissals.
- Fight for you in court: If we must fight for you at trial, we’re prepared. Our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who know how to present a strong defense in front of a jury.
- Help with sentencing and appeals: If you’re convicted, we’ll fight for a fair sentence and handle post-trial motions or appeals.
Common Defenses Used to Fight Serious Felony Charges
No two cases are the same. Depending on the situation, our experienced felony defense attorneys in Marietta, GA, may be able to raise one or more defenses, such as:
- Mistaken identity: You were not the person who committed the crime.
- Alibi: You weren’t at the scene when the offense took place.
- You were defending yourself or another person: You acted lawfully to protect yourself or someone else in a dangerous situation.
- Absence of criminal intent: The prosecution cannot prove you intended to commit the crime.
- Violation of rights: Your arrest, search, or questioning may have violated your constitutional rights.
- Entrapment: Law enforcement pushed you into committing a crime you wouldn’t have done otherwise.
We’ll review every detail of your case and build a defense that fits your unique situation.
Preparing for Your Marietta Felony Case: What You Can Do Now
If you’re facing serious felony charges, there are some things you can do to prepare, such as:
- Don’t talk to legal authorities without a lawyer: Keep in mind that anything you say can be used against you. Let your attorney speak on your behalf.
- Collect evidence: Save any texts, emails, or photos that may help your case. We can review these during your free consultation.
- Make a timeline: Document in writing what happened before, during, and after the incident while it’s fresh in your mind.
- Stay away from social media: Avoid posting about your case. Your social media accounts are not truly private when it comes to a criminal case. Prosecutors can request access through legal channels like subpoenas or warrants.
- Follow legal advice: Trust your lawyer’s experience and follow their guidance at every step.
Speak to Our Marietta Serious Felonies Defense Lawyer About Your Case
A lot is on the line in criminal cases, which is why we treat every case with the urgency and dedication it deserves. Don’t face serious felony charges alone. Speights Law’s team is ready to help.
A Marietta serious felonies lawyer from our office will give you the time, respect, and fierce defense you deserve. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation.
