Battery charges are a serious matter. They threaten your freedom, reputation, and future, and you may feel unsure of what to do if you now have a case. Our Alpharetta criminal defense lawyers understand what you’re going through, and we can help.
Speights Law has helped many Georgians with their legal matters for more than two decades. With over 120 years of combined experience, including former prosecutors and seasoned trial lawyers, we are ready to fight aggressively for your rights.
As your Alpharetta battery defense lawyers, we will listen to your situation, explain how Georgia laws apply to your case, and guide you through your legal options. Call us today for a free consultation.
Understanding Battery Charges in Georgia
In Georgia, battery involves causing physical harm or offensive physical contact to another person. There are various types of battery charges, including:
- Simple battery (Ga. Code §16–5–23): Intentionally causing physical harm or making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature.
- Battery (Ga. Code § 16–5–23.1): Intentionally causing visible bodily harm, such as bruises, cuts, or other physical injuries.
- Aggravated battery (Ga. Code § 16–5–24): Maliciously causing serious injury, such as disfigurement, loss of a limb, or permanent disability.
Penalties for Battery in Georgia
Penalties for battery depend on the severity of the charge and any prior offenses:
- Simple battery: Misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $1,000.
- Battery: Misdemeanor for a first offense but can escalate to a felony for repeat offenses. Penalties may include up to five years in prison.
- Aggravated battery: Felony with a sentence of one to 20 years in prison.
These charges carry severe penalties and long–term consequences, making it important to have an experienced defense attorney by your side. We know the laws inside and out and use that knowledge to build the strongest defense for your case.
Convictions can also lead to probation, community service, restraining orders, and a permanent criminal record.
Such a record can have serious and lasting effects on several areas of a person’s life, such as:
- Employment challenges: Many employers conduct background checks, and a criminal record can limit job opportunities, especially in industries requiring trust or security clearance.
- Housing difficulties: Landlords often screen tenants, and a criminal record may result in denied rental applications.
- Loss of professional licenses: Certain professions require state-issued licenses, which may be revoked or denied due to a criminal conviction.
- Educational barriers: Some colleges and universities may reject applicants with criminal records, and eligibility for financial aid could be affected.
- Voting rights: Felony convictions can lead to the loss of voting rights, depending on the state’s laws.
- Firearm restrictions: Convicted felons are typically prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.
- Immigration consequences: Non-citizens may face deportation, denial of citizenship, or visa issues.
- Social stigma: A criminal record can damage personal relationships and harm a person’s reputation in the community.
How Our Alpharetta Battery Defense Attorney Can Represent You
At Speights Law, we understand the intricacies of battery charges and how they can affect your life. Our aggressive defense strategies aim to protect your rights and achieve the best outcome for your case.
When you come to us, we will carefully listen to your story and ask you questions during a private consultation to understand your situation and how we can help.
If we represent you, we will handle your entire case, including the following:
- Thorough case evaluation: We review all the details of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
- Developing a strong defense strategy: We will tailor a defense plan that suits your situation, whether it involves self-defense, mistaken identity, or lack of intent.
- Negotiating with prosecutors: When we are in talks with the opposing side, we aim to reduce charges or secure favorable plea deals when appropriate.
- Representation in court: We will provide aggressive trial representation if your case goes to court.
- Guidance through legal procedures: From arraignment to sentencing, we guide you through each legal step.
- Filing appeals: If appealing a conviction in Georgia is the next step after an unfavorable case result, we will file an appeal to challenge a conviction or sentence.
When to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer for Battery Charges in Alpharetta
You don’t have to wait until you’re formally charged to seek legal help. If you are:
- Under arrest for battery
- Being investigated for a violent crime
- Questioned by law enforcement about a battery incident
Now is the time to contact an Alpharetta battery crimes defense lawyer from our firm. Early legal representation can make a difference in your case and your life. We will step in to protect your rights and start building your defense immediately. Call us today for a free consultation.
Tips for Preparing for Your Alpharetta Battery Defense Case
Facing criminal charges can be daunting, but being proactive can strengthen your defense. Here are some tips:
- Remain silent: Do not speak to law enforcement without your lawyer present. We will attend any interviews or interrogations with you to protect your rights and prevent you from saying anything that could be used against you.
- Gather evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your case, such as photos, videos, or witness contact information.
- Avoid contact with the alleged victim: Refrain from contacting the alleged victim or witnesses, as this can harm your case.
- Follow legal advice: Listen to your lawyer’s guidance and follow their instructions.
- Stay out of trouble: Avoid any new legal issues while your case is pending.
Call Us for Help from Our Alpharetta Battery Defense Lawyer
If you are facing battery charges in Alpharetta, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. You deserve representation that protects your rights and ensures your side of the story is heard.
The experienced team at Speights Law is ready to defend you, build your case, and fight for your freedom. Our Alpharetta battery defense lawyer will take the time to understand your situation, explain your legal options, and develop a strategy tailored to your case.
Call us today for a free, confidential consultation, and let us start building your defense.
