Henry County Violent Crime Lawyer

Facing any kind of criminal charge in Henry County can be a daunting and potentially life-changing experience, and this is especially true for violent crimes. After any similar charge, calling a Henry County violent crime defense attorney is crucial to your future. While it is possible for some violent criminal offenses to qualify for misdemeanor prosecution, most such offenses qualify as felonies and can lead to years in prison along with many other penalties.

Defense Counsel for Violent Crime Charges in Henry County, GA

The attorneys at Miller North & Brill have extensive professional experience in criminal defense and have successfully represented many past clients in a wide range of cases. We take time to learn as much as possible about each client’s unique situation so we can address the most important variables in their case.

When you have been charged with assault or any other violent crime in Henry County, it is imperative to know your rights and the value of hiring a seasoned criminal defense attorney to represent you.

Understanding Violent Crime Charges

The most commonly prosecuted violent crimes include various forms of assault. The term “assault” is widely misconstrued as a term that defines physically attacking someone, but this isn’t necessarily true.

An assault under Georgia law entails making a threat of harm against another party. The individual must make a clear threat and demonstrate willingness and capability to follow through on the threat. If they escalate to actually making physical contact with a victim, the offense changes to assault and battery.

The penalties for violent crimes in the state vary across a wide spectrum based on the details of a situation. For example, a simple assault charge of making a threat against another party could lead to a misdemeanor conviction, whereas physically injuring another party could lead to years in prison. Penalties can also increase dramatically in cases involving domestic violence or any type of physical harm to a child.

An individual charged with a violent crime in Henry County not only faces penalties assigned by Georgia’s Criminal Code but also various civil penalties, especially if they inflicted any harm on a victim. For example, a defendant may not only face criminal prosecution for assault and battery but also a personal injury claim from the victim, who may seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Know Your Rights After Arrest

When you are arrested for any criminal offense in Henry County, you have the right to remain silent until you can speak with a legal representative. You do not need to answer any questions from the police and should comply with arresting officers’ directions through the arrest and booking procedures so you do not face additional charges.

Once you have the ability to make your phone calls, it is vital that you reach out to a Henry County violent crime defense attorney you can trust to help prepare a defense against the charges filed against you. Miller North & Brill can respond immediately to your request for legal representation, and we will help identify the most effective defenses available to you in this challenging situation.

FAQs About Henry County, GA Violent Crime Laws

Is Verbal Assault a Crime?

Yes, it is possible for an individual to be criminally charged for verbal assault in Georgia under certain conditions. The state defines verbal assault as any verbal communication meant to threaten or intimidate another party, usually threats of violence. For example, if an individual threatens to physically injure another person, this is a verbal assault. If they follow through with the threat and make physical contact, this will escalate the situation to assault and battery.

Is Assault a Felony?

Assault charges are either simple or aggravated. Simple assault can be completed by making a threat of harm against another person while demonstrating the capability to follow through with the threat. Assault qualifies as aggravated when the defendant has brandished a weapon of any kind or if they have assaulted someone with the intent to rob, rape, or murder them. Simple assault may be charged as a misdemeanor, but aggravated assault is a felony in Georgia.

What Is the Penalty for Assault?

When an individual is charged with simple assault, this is likely to be a misdemeanor punishable by fines of up to $1,000 and up to one year in county jail. Felony assault carries much harsher penalties, which can include many years in state prison, larger fines, and restitution to the victim. Ultimately, the severity of the penalties assigned to a defendant in an assault case depends on the extent of the harm they have done to the victim.

What Are Possible Defenses in an Assault Case?

The most viable defense against an assault charge in Henry County would be to prove that you were forced to act in self-defense or in defense of another person and/or property. It is also possible to prove that you had no intent to harm or that you were falsely accused. Your Henry County violent crime defense attorney can assist you in determining your most effective defenses.

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Cost to Hire?

It is understandable to be worried about how much it could cost you to hire defense representation in an assault case or any other violent crime case in Georgia, but this is an important investment into your own future. Your attorney can help mitigate the penalties you face or even help avoid conviction entirely.

Most defense attorneys bill their clients by the hour, so the more time they need to spend on the case, the more expensive it is for the client. Take time to review a potential attorney’s billing policy so you aren’t surprised about your legal expenses at billing time.

The attorneys at Miller North & Brill have years of professional experience with all types of criminal cases, including those pertaining to violent crimes. These are some of the most serious criminal charges anyone can face, and if you find yourself in this situation, it is imperative to have legal representation you can trust on your side.

Our firm is ready to provide the guidance and support you need for any violent crime case, so contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a Henry County violent crime defense attorney.