THOUSANDS OF CRIMINAL CASES SUCCESSFULLY HANDLED

Asserting the right to an attorney and refusing to answer any questions is the best thing to do after being arrested. There are many different ways to get into trouble when volunteering information, even with innocent charges. The investigating officers and prosecutors are skilled at getting people to make incriminating statements, so it is vital to wait for an attorney to guide a person through the process.

Although there are a number of different distinctions, a misdemeanor generally is a less serious offense that is punishable by up to 12 months in jail, as opposed to prison. Felonies involve more serious penalties, including lengthy prison terms and large fines. Also, a person who has been convicted of a felony may lose other rights after completing a sentence, including the right to bear arms and the right to vote, as well as employment opportunities. Often, a charge can be negotiated down from a felony to a misdemeanor.

The range of penalties depends on the nature of the charges and any extenuating circumstances that may be used to bring a more serious charge. A person may face a sentence that involves a fine or probation. However, violent crimes carry the potential for decades in prison and large fines that can decimate the family of the convicted individual.

Absolutely. There are few cases where contesting the charges and succeeding with a reduction in penalties or dismissal of charges is not possible. However, the actual outcome is going to depend on the facts of the case, the investigative procedures of the officers, the actions of the prosecutors, and the skill of the criminal defense attorney. It is important to discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense firm in Atlanta as soon as possible.

The costs of defense will vary depending on the nature of the charges and the length of the case. To accommodate our clients, the Abt Law Firm, LLC does offer different payment plans. Our clients get the experience and dedication of an experienced attorney who is ready to try to get the right results for our clients. We know the courts throughout DeKalb, Gwinnett, Fulton, and many more. This means that our clients are getting zealous and effective representation.

A criminal defense lawyer protects the rights of individuals charged with a crime. They review the evidence, challenge unlawful police conduct, negotiate with prosecutors, represent clients in court, and build a defense strategy to minimize penalties or achieve a dismissal. Whether you're facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, a defense attorney makes sure that your side of the story is heard and that you receive a fair legal process.

You should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as you suspect you are under investigation or immediately after arrest. Early intervention can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. An attorney can guide you on what to say (or not say), help protect your rights during questioning, and start building your defense right away. Waiting too long can result in missed opportunities to resolve your case before charges are even filed.

After you’re charged, you’ll typically go through several legal steps, starting with an initial appearance (or first court date), followed by arraignment, where you enter a plea. The case then moves into pretrial motions, negotiations, and possibly trial. Throughout the process, your defense attorney will work to uncover evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case, and explore options for dismissal, reduction of charges, or plea agreements. Every case is different, so having a lawyer on your side from the start is key to navigating the process.

Yes, in some cases, a criminal record can be restricted (commonly referred to as expungement) in Georgia. Record restriction is available for certain offenses that did not result in a conviction or were dismissed. Recent updates to Georgia law have also expanded eligibility in some situations, however, serious felonies and violent crimes are often excluded. An experienced criminal defense attorney can review your case and determine whether you qualify for record restriction or sealing.

Not necessarily. In fact, most criminal cases are resolved through negotiations, plea deals, or dismissal before ever reaching trial. Whether your case goes to trial depends on factors like the strength of the evidence, the nature of the charges, your criminal history, and your goals. If your case does go to trial, your attorney will represent you in front of a judge or jury and present a strong defense. A good defense lawyer prepares every case as if it might go to trial — even if the goal is to resolve it beforehand.