Felony Defense Attorney Atlanta

Defending Those Accused of Felony Charges in Georgia

If you are facing felony charges in Georgia, your future is at risk. Without the help of an experienced Atlanta felony crimes attorney, you may be unable to beat the prosecutor’s case and will likely be forced to serve a severe sentence.

For over 29 years, the Atlanta criminal defense attorneys at The Abt Law Firm, LLC has been a voice for those who are facing some of the most life-altering moments they will ever encounter. We know that every person has the right to a fair trial and that your version of events deserves the strongest possible representation in a court. We are proud to be the influencing factor in decisions that change lives, and we believe that our clients deserve only the best.

Contact our Atlanta felony criminal lawyer at (678) 582-2272 today for a free consultation.

Felonies Charges in Georgia

Felonies are the most serious type of charge that a person can face in Georgia. The state does not handle felonies like other states, as it does not sort them by class. Instead, the penalties for a Georgia felony vary on a crime-by-crime basis. The most serious felonies are punishable by death. While some prison terms are shorter, many felony crimes are serious enough to carry a minimum of 10-25 years of prison time.

A person often continues to pay for their crime even after they have fulfilled their prison sentence. Felonies are notorious for causing hardship in the lives of people who have them on their record. They remain on your record and can negatively impact your employment opportunities, living situation, and other vital areas of your life.

At The Abt Law Firm, LLC, our felony lawyer is here to provide the aggressive defense you need to fight your charges in Atlanta, GA.

Understanding Felony Charges in Georgia

Facing felony charges can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. It's important to understand the severity of these charges and the potential consequences they carry. Our team of experienced felony defense attorneys in Atlanta is dedicated to providing you with the information and guidance you need to navigate the legal process.

Some key points to know about felony charges in Georgia include:

• The potential for lengthy prison sentences
• The impact on your future employment and housing opportunities
• The importance of having a strong legal defense

At The Abt Law Firm, LLC, we are committed to protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a consultation with our felony defense lawyers.

"Wobbler Crimes" in Atlanta

The term “wobbler” is popularly used to describe crimes that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Wobbler crimes are notable because having a competent Atlanta felony crimes lawyer handle your case could mean the difference between a small charge and a lifelong burden. An attorney will fight to have a felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor whenever possible. Having the right lawyer might mean the difference between serving a prison sentence or paying a fine and doing community service.

Examples of Felonies in Georgia

The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) contains various statutes concerning felonies.

A few offenses falling under this classification include, but are not limited to:

• Aggravated assault: A person commits aggravated assault when they attempt to cause violent injury upon another or engage in conduct that produces this result. Additionally, they carried out the offense with the intent to murder, rape, or rob the other; by using a deadly weapon or dangerous object; or by firing a gun from a moving vehicle. Generally, a conviction may result in 1 to 20 years in prison. However, if aggravated factors were present at the time of the offense, the penalties may be enhanced.
• Aggravated battery: This offense occurs when a person maliciously causes another to lose a body part or render it useless or they seriously disfigure someone. If they are convicted, a court can sentence them to a maximum of 20 years in prison.
• Aggravated stalking: Anyone who, in violation of an order or bond, follows another to harass or intimidate them may be charged with this crime. A conviction can result in imprisonment for 1 to 10 years and a maximum fine of $10,000.
• Burglary: This crime is committed when a person unlawfully enters or remains in a structure with the intent to commit a felony or theft therein. A person convicted of first-degree burglary may be sentenced to 1 to 20 years in prison. A second-degree burglary conviction may result in imprisonment for 1 to 5 years.
• Home invasion: A person may be charged with first- or second-degree home invasion if they enter a dwelling without permission with the intent to commit a forcible felony or misdemeanor while there. Additionally, the alleged offender must have had a deadly weapon on them at the time of the offense. First-degree is punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison, and second-degree by 5 to 20 years in prison. A fine of up to $100,000 may also be assessed.
• Kidnapping: If a person abducts another without lawful authority or permission, they may be charged with this offense. Depending on the circumstances, they could be sentenced to anywhere from 10 years to life in prison. In the most severe cases, the punishment is death.
• Murder: A person may be charged with this offense if they unlawfully take another’s life. If the defendant is convicted of murder, they may be imprisoned for life. If they are convicted of second-degree murder, they may be sentenced to between 10 and 30 years in prison.
• Possession of a Schedule I or II drug: Anyone who has on their person a Schedule I or II controlled substance may be charged with a crime. Depending on the amount of the drug, they could face anywhere from 1 to 15 years in prison.
• Rape: If a person forcibly and without consent engages in sexual conduct with another, they could be sentenced to 25 years to life in prison, or, in some cases, death.
• Robbery: A person who takes another’s property by force, intimidation, or sudden snatching may be charged with robbery. Upon a conviction, a court can sentence them to a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment.

Even if your case seems complex, don’t lose hope. Instead, call our felony lawyer in Atlanta today. We’ll discuss your legal options and seek the best possible result on your behalf.

Common Mistakes People Make After Being Charged with a Felony

Being charged with a felony is a stressful and overwhelming experience, and it's common for people to make mistakes in the aftermath that can significantly impact their case. Some of the most frequent mistakes include:

• Talking to Law Enforcement Without a Lawyer: One of the biggest mistakes is making statements to law enforcement without first consulting with an attorney. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court, and without legal guidance, you may inadvertently incriminate yourself.
• Ignoring Legal Advice: Disregarding the advice of a seasoned attorney can lead to severe consequences. Legal professionals understand the nuances of the law and have the experience to navigate complex legal situations.
• Failing to Appear in Court: Missing court dates can result in additional charges, such as contempt of court, and can severely impact the outcome of your case.
• Posting on Social Media: Sharing information about your case or even unrelated personal details on social media can provide prosecutors with evidence that could be used against you.
• Delaying Legal Representation: Waiting too long to hire an attorney can hinder your chances of building a robust defense. Early legal intervention is crucial for gathering evidence and constructing a solid case strategy.
• Contacting Victims or Witnesses: Attempting to intimidate, persuade, or even communicate with victims or witnesses can lead to additional charges or a restraining order being placed against you.
• Taking Plea Deals Without Counsel: Accepting a plea deal without understanding its full implications can lead to harsher sentences and long-term consequences that might have been avoided with proper legal advice.

How a Felony Attorney in Atlanta Can Help Avoid These Mistakes

A felony attorney in Atlanta can provide invaluable assistance to individuals charged with felonies by helping them avoid common pitfalls and strategizing effectively.

Firstly, an attorney will ensure that you do not make incriminating statements by advising you to exercise your right to remain silent and speaking on your behalf during interactions with law enforcement.

Secondly, they will offer informed legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances, helping you make sound decisions throughout the judicial process. An experienced attorney will also keep track of court dates and ensure that you meet all legal obligations, thereby preventing additional charges.

They will guide you on the implications of sharing information on social media, ensuring that nothing you post can be used against you in court. From the moment you are charged, your attorney will start building a strong defense, collecting evidence, and interviewing witnesses to support your case. They will also manage all interactions with victims or witnesses to avoid any potential legal issues.

Finally, if a plea deal is offered, your attorney will thoroughly review the terms and negotiate on your behalf to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Through these actions, a felony attorney can significantly improve your chances of a favorable resolution and help you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your future.

Felony Lawyers Near Me

For the last two decades, Abt Law is proud to have handled more than 2,500 cases. Our Atlanta felony defense attorney knows that your future is at stake and works to ensure that you are given the legal counsel you deserve.

We are proud of our work and are prouder when we improve a client’s life for the better, even in situations that look hopeless.

Contact The Abt Law Firm, LLC today for a free consultation with our Atlanta felony attorney at (678) 582-2272.