Griffin Assault Lawyer

Griffin Assault Attorney

Being accused of assault in Georgia is extremely serious. The potential consequences of an assault conviction are significant. You could be forced to spend time in prison, pay large fines, and have difficulty securing a job after you serve your time. This is why choosing who helps you after an accusation is critical. For instance, a Griffin assault lawyer who has a deep understanding of Georgia law and the local courts can help you better understand your options.

At Miller North & Brill, we have seen firsthand how no two assaults are the same. Every situation has its own context and facts to consider. Regardless of how minor or severe your charges are, you deserve a legal team that is going to take the time to understand your position and ensure no one takes advantage of your rights. Our goal is to protect the future of all of our clients and fight for a fair outcome that aligns with their goals.

Understanding What Counts as an Assault in Georgia

Not every assault charge in Georgia is straightforward. There could be conflicting stories of what happened or minimal evidence to make a clear conclusion. Many people are surprised to learn that you can be charged with assault even if there was no physical contact between the accuser and the defendant. This is because the law defines assault broadly. It can sometimes include scenarios where someone only made a threat, or there was a perceived threat of harm.

Here is how Georgia law breaks it down:

• Simple assault. This is an attempt to cause violent injury to another person. It also includes acting in a way that puts someone in fear of immediate harm, such as raising a fist during an argument.
• Aggravated assault. This is when your interaction involves a deadly weapon. These scenarios could also be an intent to rape, rob or murder someone with a calculated plan to cause serious injury to the victim.

With over 27,000 aggravated assaults reported in Georgia, it’s clear that law enforcement is taking these allegations seriously. This also means that prosecutors are stepping in to pursue the cases. This makes having an experienced defense lawyer on your team even more critical.

Protective Orders and Their Role in Assault Cases

If you have been charged with assault in Georgia, then you may also have been issued some sort of protective order. These are often filed alongside an assault charge, especially in domestic violence situations, as the alleged victim wants to stay protected while the legal case is pending. As a defendant, these orders could restrict where you go and whom you are able to contact.

In Georgia, there are several types of protective orders that someone can request:

• Family Violence Protective Order. This is filed when the alleged violence comes from a spouse, partner, or another close family member. It can include restrictions on contact residency and even offer a new temporary child custody arrangement to follow.
• Stalking Protective Order. These are for individuals who believe someone has been following them closely. This is another example of where physical contact is not necessary, as these orders can be issued if someone claims there have been instances of unwanted contact.
• Employer Protective Order. This is filed in cases where there have been threats or violent behavior happening in the workplace.

It’s true that being the subject of a protective order can affect your life in many ways, even while you are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. It’s important that even if you don’t agree with the validity of a protective order, you respect the process and comply with its terms. Any disregard for this legal order could make it even more difficult to defend your case.

FAQs

Q: Can You Sue Someone for Assault in Georgia?

A: Yes, in addition to criminal charges, assault can also lead to a civil lawsuit. If someone believes they have been harmed by someone else’s actions, they can also seek damages through a civil lawsuit to be compensated for their medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Civil cases have their own separate set of consequences from a criminal conviction in Griffin. This is why it’s extremely important to hire a defense lawyer who can combat civil and criminal allegations.

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in GA?

A: The full cost of a criminal defense lawyer’s services will depend on the complexity of your case, how many years of experience the attorney has, and whether the case advances to trial. How they charge differs, too. Some prefer to charge a flat fee for each of their services, while others will bill you hourly. Each lawyer’s prices can vary, so it’s important to talk about this during your first consultation to ensure they fit your budget.

Q: What if I Was Reported Through the “See Something, Send Something” App?

A: Georgia’s digital reporting tools, like the “See Something, Send Something” app, have made it easier for law enforcement to receive tips on criminal activity like assaults. However, this does introduce some challenges from a criminal defense standpoint. For instance, you could find yourself the subject of a police investigation based on a vague or one-sided report of what happened. You might not even know who accused you. A defense lawyer can look into this.

Q: Can Assault Charges Be Dropped in Georgia?

A: While there are times when an assault charge can be dropped in Georgia, there is no guarantee. Once law enforcement files a report and a prosecutor agrees to move forward with a case, it becomes a matter of public interest. Even if the accuser no longer wants to press charges, the district attorney can still pursue the case. Your defense lawyer can craft a strong legal defense to combat the evidence and lead to a case dismissal.

Contact Miller North & Brill Today

If you have been accused of assault in Griffin and are not sure what to do, your next move should be to contact our firm. Our years of experience dealing with clients in similar predicaments give us the credibility necessary to take on your case as well. We look forward to hearing more about how we can help.