Criminal Defense

It can be a frightening and overwhelming experience when you’re charged with a crime. While your charge is pending, uncertainty can take over your thoughts and life. You may be wondering about the possibility of going to jail and serving time. You may be thinking about your family and how they are going to deal with the possibility of income loss if you are charged and end up incarcerated. Losing your job is a real possibility as well, whether you serve time or not. Many scenarios can happen. Without the proper defense from a skilled criminal defense attorney in Atlanta, GA, your case will most likely result in an unfavorable punishment and higher penalties.

Criminal cases are complex and seeking the professional assistance of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can prove invaluable. A savvy criminal defense attorney can put his skills to work by aggressively fighting for your rights. A proficient criminal defense attorney may be able to lessen your charge, jail time, penalties, and punishment. Depending on your case, your defense attorney can also petition for probation, work with the prosecution for a plea bargain, or even get the charge dropped.

As soon as you’re charged with a crime, it is wise to seek the best representation possible. An experienced criminal defense attorney in Atlanta, GA, such as Attorney George C. Creal, will work with you to obtain the best solution and outcome.

Types Of Crimes

Criminal charges vary by the offense. The offense can be a property or personal crime. In Georgia, severe crimes are classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. Depending on the seriousness of the crime, the punishment will fall under one of these classifications. The degree of a misdemeanor or a felony conviction will identify the type of punishment a person receives during a trial.

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The classification of the type of charge determines how a case is prosecuted in court. In other words, the proceeding of a case will depend on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. Due to the challenging nature of the legal system and the varying degrees of penalties and punishment that can be imposed, it is imperative to acquire a criminal defense attorney who will build an aggressive defense.

Misdemeanor

A misdemeanor is considered a lesser crime than a felony. However, it carries significant legal weight. In Georgia, misdemeanors are differentiated from felonies by the severity of the penalty. The nature of the offense does not dictate whether a crime will be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.

A person who committed a misdemeanor criminal offense is subject to jail up to 12 months and a maximum fine of $1,000. Aggravated and high misdemeanors which are considered more serious can provoke a fine as high as $5,000. Misdemeanors include the following:

• Petty Theft
• Public Intoxication
• DUI
• Simple Battery
• Vandalism
• Trespassing
• Prostitution

Even though misdemeanors are considered a lesser crime, they still carry significant penalties. Penalties can include jail, loss of a driver’s license, loss of financial aid for education, and community service. A permanent criminal record will also be initiated once a person is convicted of a misdemeanor.

Felony

A Felony is much more severe than a misdemeanor. In the state of Georgia, criminal law assigns sentences on the basis of the crime and not by class levels such as “Class 1” or “Class 2.” Instead, felony crimes in Georgia are classified by degree, such as first, second, or third-degree. Individuals are convicted and sentenced based on the factors in correlation to their case.

Georgia also incorporates the death penalty as punishment for the severest felonies or life in prison. Depending on the severity of the crime, an individual can serve a minimum sentence of 10 or 25 years in prison. However, the minimum amount of prison time a person may serve under a lesser felony degree is one year.

Felonies include the following:

• Aggravated Assault
• Drug Crimes
• Arson
• Grand Theft
• Felony Assault
• Kidnapping
• Manslaughter
• Murder
• Rape
• Tax Evasion

Criminal charges are a serious matter. Regardless if it’s a misdemeanor or felony, the consequences can be severe. Offenses can result in months of jail time or years if it’s a felony conviction. A criminal record is also inevitable once you’re convicted. Depending on the nature of your offense, the consequences might include:

• Serving a jail sentence or a prison term
• Acquiring a permanent criminal record
• Losing your driver’s license
• Probation
• Mandatory completion of programs for substance abuse
• Paying high criminal fines, court costs, or restitution
• Job loss or being denied employment
• Denial of rental housing
• Loss or denial of a professional license

Every case is unique, depending on the crime and charge. However, with the right criminal defense attorney in Atlanta, GA, on your side, a favorable outcome is attainable. An experienced criminal defense attorney will research all the facts and evidence and present an aggressive argument for your case. The arguments made on your behalf by your defense attorney will be an influential factor in the case’s result, and it’s the reason why having excellent representation matters.

An expert criminal defense attorney can determine whether your constitutional rights were violated anytime during the investigation or your arrest. Your defense attorney can also work with the prosecution to get your charges dropped or lessened on the premise of lack of evidence, or if the evidence is too weak for a charge to become a conviction.

At the law firm of George C. Creal, J.R. P.C., his firm will stand to protect your rights. When facing a criminal charge, it’s vital to hire a qualified defense attorney with exceptional experience and background to defend your case. He is committed to representing his clients in all aspects of their case from beginning to end.

Criminal law is complex, and an experienced defense attorney familiar with its laws will ensure that charges against their client are mitigated as much as possible. Even a small offense can change your life forever for years to come. It’s imperative to seek the counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney in Atlanta, GA, for legal guidance. Your criminal defense attorney will explain and outline the process in detail on how to best present your case.