Henry County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being charged with a crime in Henry County that you did not commit or did not mean to commit can be an extremely stressful experience. Criminal charges can take both a financial and emotional toll on a person and can subject them to unfair treatment for short and long-term periods of their life.

Even if you can prove that you are innocent, you still have to navigate the court system and deal with the stress and trauma that comes with defending a Georgia criminal case. For this reason, Miller North & Brill, a criminal defense firm serving Henry County, is committed to defending each case with vigor and precision in order to get charges dropped or minimized as quickly as possible.

In the case that a misdemeanor or felony defense must go to court, an attorney from Miller North & Brill is equipped with the knowledge and experience to represent you tenaciously in the courtroom. We can prepare with you extensively for trial and help expedite tedious court-related processes to ease your mind and help you focus on yourself and your own well-being.

What Is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?

In Henry County and the state of Georgia, a misdemeanor crime is considered to be less severe of a crime than a felony. Therefore, the associated penalties for misdemeanors tend to be less severe as well.

Georgia Misdemeanor Charges

Often, when it comes to being arrested and charged with a misdemeanor in Georgia, the accused might not have even been aware that they were committing a crime. Such examples of misdemeanor crimes include:

• Stealing or shoplifting objects with small value.
• Being intoxicated in public.
• Littering on the street or vandalizing property.
• Being indecent in public.
• Trespassing or loitering around property.

Typically, misdemeanor crimes are considered to be generally less violent in nature and result in less harm, whether physical, emotional, financial, or other, for the other individuals who have been subject to the crime.

Many individuals who have been charged with misdemeanors in Georgia may make the mistake of preparing less for their trial or engaging in fewer negotiations with the prosecutor because they do not see the maximum sentencing of one year in jail or a maximum $1,000 fine to be threatening.

However, it’s important to note that in addition to fines and jail time, a misdemeanor will be on your criminal record. This means that being convicted of a misdemeanor can impact your ability to pursue educational opportunities, get certain jobs, or even drive.

Additionally, you can be charged with a type of misdemeanor in Georgia that is known as a high and aggravated misdemeanor, which comes with greater associated penalties, including the following:

• Paying a fine of a maximum of $5,000 dollars.
• Spending a maximum of one year in jail.

An individual is charged with a high and aggravated misdemeanor if their crime is considered to be a part of a domestic violence situation, for example, or if the victim is 65 or older. It’s important to have a strong criminal defense lawyer who will fiercely represent your misdemeanor or high and aggravated misdemeanor case in Henry County, Georgia.

Georgia Felony Defense

Georgia felony charges can be serious and are associated with severe consequences. Typically, a Georgia felony will involve causing destruction or damage to property or harm to a person. While many Georgia felonies are of a violent nature, some are of a nonviolent nature as well. Examples of felonies in Georgia include the following:

• Theft that involves items or assets of high value.
• Forms of sexual assault, including rape.
• Possession of a certain amount of drugs.
• Burglary, robbery, or kidnapping.
• Serious DUI charges or repeat-offense DUIs.

If you are being charged with a felony in Henry County, it’s important to work with a local lawyer who has experience covering cases similar to your case. For example, if you are being charged with a white-collar crime, such as fraud or insider trading, then it’s important to work with criminal defense attorneys who have extensive experience defending people who have been charged with white-collar crimes.

An experienced felony criminal defense lawyer can help minimize your penalties. For example, if your charge allows for it, they may be able to work to get you probation time instead of prison time as your sentencing. Because the outcome of your felony case will have far-reaching impacts on the rest of your life, it’s important to be sure that you are working with a Henry County lawyer who will put their whole heart into your case.

Going to Trial in Georgia: What Factors Will Influence Your Case Outcome

If your case goes to trial in Georgia, you may be wondering how you and your attorney can mount a strong defense and what chances you may have to win your case or minimize your sentence. The outcome of a case will be reliant on many factors, including the following:

• Whether or not the defendant has an existing criminal record – In the trial, the judge will consider whether the defendant has been convicted for similar existing crimes or any crimes in general. If the current crime is considered to be a repeat offense or part of a long criminal history, then this could cause them to decide on stricter penalties for the associated charges.
• Which judge and prosecutor is presiding over the case – Case outcomes do vary based on who the associated prosecutors and judges are and how they typically interpret Georgia law when it comes to sentencing. A criminal lawyer who knows the Henry County court ecosystem will be aware of who the key judicial players are and how to interact with them in order to push for optimal case outcomes.
• The evidence against you and how it was obtained – If the evidence that the prosecution is holding against you is weak and cannot prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, then you will have a greater chance of winning your case. Additionally, if the evidence against you was obtained illegally or in a way that infringed upon your rights, then it cannot be used against you in court.
• The criminal defense lawyer who is representing you in court – Whether or not your lawyer is experienced with fighting for clients like you in the courtroom and negotiating with prosecutors over cases similar to yours will have a large influence on the outcome of your case.

While going to court can be a stressful and intimidating process, it does not mean that you have missed the window of opportunity to have a positive outcome for your case. Hiring the right lawyer, negotiating beforehand with the prosecutor, and preparing adequately for trial can help influence your chances of getting your desired case outcome.

FAQs About Henry County, GA Criminal Defense Laws

When Is It Time to Get a GA Criminal Defense Lawyer?

There is no specific way or indication that triggers the need for a criminal defense lawyer. However, if you are facing criminal charges in Georgia and you lack thorough knowledge of criminal law in the state, as well as how the court system and other legal processes generally function for criminal cases, then it’s recommended to get a lawyer to defend you.

How Do I Find a Good GA Criminal Defense for My Case?

When you are searching for a criminal lawyer to represent you against your charges, it’s important to conduct thorough research. Search online for accredited lawyers who have experience working on cases similar to yours and who are ideally practicing in the area that you have been charged. Ultimately, it’s important to meet face-to-face with every lawyer that you are vetting and make sure you have a clear understanding of each other’s expectations.

How Can I Get My Criminal Charges Dropped in Georgia?

In Georgia, whether or not you can get criminal charges against you dropped depends on the circumstances of your case. Usually, in order to get such a charge for crimes dropped, you will need to show the prosecution that the evidence used against you was obtained illegally, that your rights were validated during arrest, that you were not there at the scene of the crime, that you were not in the right mental capacity, or employ other tactics.

What Will Happen to Me if I Am Convicted on Criminal Felony Charges?

Being a convicted felon can lead to exorbitant fines and long prison sentences. However, beyond that, it can have impacts that can follow you for the rest of your life. Having a felony on your criminal record can lead to restrictions on your personal freedoms, such as the right to secure housing, stable employment, educational opportunities, voting, and firearm ownership.

How much do criminal defense lawyers typically charge in Henry County, Georgia?

In Henry County, Georgia, the cost of criminal defense lawyers can vary. On average, you can expect to pay hourly rates ranging from $150 to $300, depending on factors such as the attorney’s experience, the location of the law firm, the complexity of your case, and the severity of charges. It’s important to discuss the fee structure and any potential additional costs with the attorney before hiring to ensure transparency and a clear understanding of the financial commitment involved in your case.

Work With Henry County Criminal Defense Lawyers Who Have What It Takes

When it comes to defending your misdemeanor or felony criminal charges, it’s important to get your defense strategies right the first time and not wait until it is too late. Unfortunately, many innocent individuals in Georgia have been convicted in the past with severe penalties, and this could have been avoided if they had had a proper criminal defense lawyer on their case. Schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers today to start mounting your Henry County defense.