McDonough Misdemeanor Lawyer

If you have been arrested for a misdemeanor crime in McDonough, GA such as a minor DUI crime, then you may be anxious and wondering what the consequences of your criminal case will be. Facing charges for a misdemeanor can be stressful, especially for first-time offenders who are not used to dealing with the criminal justice system, including people who might not have even been aware that they were breaking the law.

Although misdemeanor crimes are considered to be less serious than felony crimes in that the penalties are less severe and the long-term impact on your personal freedom is minimal, the impact can still be far-reaching. Therefore, it’s critical to have an experienced McDonough criminal defense lawyer who can tackle your case and work towards getting you an optimal case outcome.

At Miller North & Brill, our criminal defense attorney team only handles criminal defense cases and has been working for over 30 years on cases similar to yours. A criminal attorney from our firm can work closely with you to address your concerns, inform you about the details of the case and associated potential outcomes, and work to develop a strong defense tactic to get your penalties minimized or your case dropped.

What Is a Georgia Misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor in the state of Georgia is considered to be a less serious offense than a felony, which can lead to penalties of a maximum of one year spent in county jail or a fine of up to $5,000 dollars. In contrast, a felony crime will have higher penalties, including long periods in prison and even greater fines.

Many Georgians who are charged with misdemeanors may be feeling overwhelmed and even startled, as they might not have known that they were breaking the law at the time of arrest. Some examples of Georgia misdemeanors include the following:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Shoplifting a small amount of merchandise.
• Trespassing onto private property.
• Vandalizing property that is public or private.
• Drinking as an underage minor.
• Possessing small amounts of marijuana.

In some cases, it is possible to have a misdemeanor upgraded that is considered to be of an aggravated nature. For example, in the case that the misdemeanor was particularly severe, such as certain forms of domestic violence or extremely reckless driving, then it can be upgraded even if the accused has not committed similar crimes before.

If the misdemeanor is of a less aggravated nature but has been committed multiple times by the individual, then this can get the case upgraded and can come with higher associated penalties. It’s important to work with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney, despite the severity of your case, in order to be sure that your associated penalties or case outcome is fair and congruent to your case offense.

Georgia Misdemeanors and the Prosecution Process

In Georgia, a misdemeanor case will be prosecuted differently than a felony case. In McDonough, your misdemeanor case will be likely to go through the low-level court system, such as the county or municipal court system. Although your case may entail some pre-trial preparations, the number of preparations required will be dependent on how serious your charges are and the complexity of the case.

Felony cases, which are heard in higher-level courts, such as state or federal courts, require much more complex legal processes, such as pre-trial procedures. Therefore, individuals will spend more time working on the preparations for a felony case defense.

In some cases, Georgians may take their misdemeanor charges less seriously as a result and neglect to hire a criminal defense lawyer or prepare for trial. This common mistake can lead to defendants suffering serious, unnecessary penalties that can impact their lives for years to come.

FAQs About McDonough, GA Misdemeanor Laws

Can Getting a Misdemeanor Mean Going to Jail in Georgia?

In the state of Georgia, it is possible to have to spend up to one year in jail for a misdemeanor offense. However, it is also possible to be sentenced to a lesser time in county jail, be sentenced to probation, or have to pay a fine. By working closely with a defense attorney, you can more deeply understand what the potential penalties associated with your misdemeanor charges might be.

How Much Does a Georgia Misdemeanor Lawyer Cost?

The price of hiring a misdemeanor lawyer in Georgia will vary depending on the location of the firm, the complexity or seriousness of your case, and other associated factors. Usually, Georgia defense lawyers will charge an hourly rate for their services, which can range from $100 to $800 dollars per hour, with the average price being around $300 per hour. It’s important to discuss pricing with your lawyer upfront to ensure transparency and budget accordingly.

Do I Have to Get an Attorney for My GA Misdemeanor?

It is possible to represent yourself in court for your misdemeanor charges, but if you do not have deep knowledge of the GA court system and criminal law in the state, then it is not advisable to do so. Misdemeanor charges can seriously impact your life and lead to jail time and large fines, and they may subsequently cause you to miss educational, vocational, and housing opportunities.

Can I Get My Georgia First-Time Misdemeanor Dismissed?

Getting a misdemeanor case dismissed is possible in the state of Georgia, but it depends on many factors, such as whether you can prove that the evidence being used by the prosecution against you was illegally obtained. There are certain strategies that can be employed to get cases dismissed, but this requires experience and extensive knowledge of the law. Therefore, it is advisable to hire a misdemeanor defense attorney if you are working toward getting your charges dismissed.

Don’t Leave Yourself Vulnerable — Work With Our Fierce McDonough Defense Team

Whether you are facing charges for a serious misdemeanor crime or are confused about why you were arrested in the first place, our loyal criminal defense lawyers at Miller North & Brill are here with you every step of the way. We have decades of experience working with a wide range of cases and offenses, and we are ready to employ our knowledge and experience toward cracking your case and working toward minimum penalties. Reach out to a member of our team today to get started.