Spalding County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Spalding County Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal charges have the potential to change your entire life. If convicted, you can face fines from hundreds to thousands of dollars, spend days in jail to years in prison, and end up followed by a permanent criminal record for the rest of your life. When you are faced with the criminal justice system, it’s important to work with a Spalding County criminal defense lawyer, even if you did not commit the crime. Otherwise, you could face a conviction for something you didn’t do.

An attorney can help you navigate a criminal justice system that may feel poised against you. They can also work to build a strong defense that applies to the unique situation of your case. When you are arrested and charged with a crime, you have the right to legal representation. Take advantage of that right, and hire an advocate who can mitigate or eliminate the penalties you face.

Miller North & Brill: Criminal Defense Lawyers in Spalding County

The attorneys at Miller North & Brill have worked in criminal defense law for more than 30 years. Our team is proud to defend those in our community, and we have a deep understanding of the flaws present in our criminal justice system. We want to give the individuals and families in Spalding County the strong and precise legal defense they need to protect their rights and future.

Our firm has experience in both state and federal courts, and our attorneys have defended clients against crimes like theft offenses, drug crimes, domestic violence, and sex crimes. We believe that everyone deserves an effective criminal defense and that anyone charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty.

Our team fights for you, and we could build a defense that dismisses the charges you face. If that isn’t possible, we can work to limit the penalties you receive. If you are wrongfully convicted, we can represent you in appellate court. Working with our experienced attorneys could provide you with a better outcome for your criminal case.

Defense Cases Our Firm Has Experience With

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a crime, it’s important to find an attorney quickly. However, every criminal case is unique, and you want to find a criminal defense attorney with local experience and success with charges like the ones you face.

A lawyer who has experience in a type of criminal charge knows the possible defenses available, the evidence that is important, and how to avoid potential challenges. This can make your defense strong and result in more efficient representation.

At Miller North & Brill, we have handled many criminal defense cases, including:

• Drug Offenses: Drug crimes include drug manufacturing, drug possession, and drug trafficking. These offenses can have significant penalties, and most drug offenses are charged as felonies. The severity of charges relies on what controlled substance was involved, how much of it was present, and its planned use.
• Theft Crimes: Penalties for theft largely depend on the value of the items stolen and if there were aggravating factors. Offenses include robbery, petty larceny, grand larceny, and shoplifting.
• DUI: Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol is illegal. A driver can be arrested for a DUI because they were over the legal limit or by driving with their faculties impaired, even if they weren’t over the limit. DUI consequences increase significantly for repeat offenses. Other aggravated factors for DUI charges include whether a child was in the vehicle or if the driver caused an accident that resulted in injury or death. These aggravating factors can make even a first-time DUI a felony.
• Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is an act of violence and abuse against a romantic or sexual partner, a close family member, or a member of the same household. A conviction for domestic violence can result in fines, imprisonment, protective orders filed against you, removal from your home, and the loss of child custody.
• Kidnapping: Penalties for kidnapping are felony charges with a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years. Kidnapping charges are often filed at the same time as false imprisonment charges, but the two are different crimes.
• Sex Crimes: Sex offenses include prostitution, public indecency, and sexual assault. These charges often result in social, personal, and career consequences, and a conviction can require you to register as a sex offender. Effective legal defense is essential in these cases.
• Violent Offenses: Most violent crimes are felonies, and these include charges such as manslaughter, assault, murder, and other crimes that were committed with a deadly weapon.
• White Collar Crimes: These include offenses such as insider trading, fraud, bribery, racketeering, money laundering, and embezzlement. It also includes many types of fraud, such as credit card fraud, tax fraud, and healthcare fraud. White-collar crimes are usually nonviolent, but they can be related to other criminal activity. In addition to criminal charges for white collar crimes, those charged may also face civil claims for monetary damages by those harmed.

Even if you are convicted of a crime, it is not always the end. Your attorney can review your circumstances to determine if you can appeal the decision to a higher court, which could result in the conviction being overturned.

What Impacts the Outcome of a Criminal Case?

If the charges you face are handled in a criminal trial, there are several factors that can affect your case. These include:

• Prior criminal record or repeat offenses. If you have an existing criminal record or have been convicted of a similar offense before, a conviction for this crime will result in more significant penalties. Judges are less likely to be lenient or allow alternate sentencing when you have prior convictions.
• Any other aggravating or mitigating factors. In addition to criminal history, other aggravating factors on your unique charge will impact the outcome. The use of a deadly weapon or whether anyone was injured are common aggravating factors. Your case outcome may also rely on mitigating factors, such as simply being present at a crime or having no prior convictions.
• The judge and prosecutor on the case. The judge and prosecutor on your case, their goals, and how they interpret the law will impact the outcome of your case. When you work with an attorney who has local experience in Spalding County, they will have professional relationships with many prosecutors and judges who may be on your case. This may mean that your attorney knows what to expect and how to respond.
• The evidence against you and the specifics of your arrest. If there is insufficient evidence against you or certain evidence was obtained illegally, you are less likely to be convicted. If your rights were violated at any point during the arrest, certain evidence or charges could be dismissed.
• Your attorney’s ability and experience. A more experienced attorney who has had success in criminal trials may be more likely to achieve a beneficial outcome for your case.

The sooner you begin working with an attorney after you are arrested, the quicker your attorney can begin assessing your circumstances and building your defense.

FAQs About Spalding County, GA Criminal Defense Laws

What Is the Hourly Rate for Criminal Defense Attorneys in Georgia?

The average hourly cost of a Georgia defense attorney is $200. This varies based on many factors, including the:

• Attorney’s experience
• Location of the law firm
• Complexity of your case
• Severity of your charges

It will also be affected by whether the case is expected to go to trial. Always discuss costs with an attorney prior to hiring them to be sure that you can afford their services throughout the case.

What Happens If You Are Not Indicted Within 180 Days in Georgia?

Indictments are typically only for capital felonies, and the court has a statute of limitations of 4 years to indict an individual. The indictment is not a charge. Instead, it is the decision by a grand jury that there is enough evidence to press charges. If the grand jury indicts, the prosecution can press formal charges and arrest an individual.

If the individual is arrested and refused bail, they have the right for the grand jury to hear the potential charges within 90 days of being arrested. This can be extended once for 90 days. If the grand jury does not hear the evidence within those 180 days, the individual should receive bail.

What Crimes Require Indictment in Georgia?

Grand jury indictments are generally for capital felonies, whether the death penalty is sought or not. An indictment is not a conviction. A grand jury reviews the evidence that the prosecution has gathered and determines if there is sufficient evidence to press formal charges. If there is, the prosecution can begin their criminal case at any point.

Do First-Time Felony Offenders Go to Jail in Georgia?

A first-time felony offender will go to prison if it is part of their sentence after being convicted. In some cases, a first-time offender qualifies for the state’s First Offender Act. Requirements include:

• Having no prior felony convictions
• Never being charged through the First Offender Act
• Facing certain charges that are not a sexual offense, violent felony, DUI, or child pornography offense

The individual can plead guilty or no contest and avoid a conviction under this act, although they may still be required to complete a sentence.

Work With a Qualified Spalding County Defense Attorney

At Miller North & Brill, we work diligently for your justice and your rights. Contact our team today to learn how we can help you navigate the criminal justice system.