Your Felony Defense Attorney in Georgia
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Felony Defense Lawyer
When navigating the complex legal terrain of felony charges in Georgia, having a dedicated and experienced felony attorney by your side can make all the difference. Felonies are serious offenses, often carrying significant consequences, including extended prison sentences and life-altering penalties.
In this article, we delve into the critical role of felony attorneys in Georgia, exploring their profound impact on cases involving crimes such as murder, armed robbery, sexual assault, and more. Whether you or a loved one faces felony charges, understanding the importance of a skilled felony attorney is the first step towards securing an effective defense and safeguarding your future.
What Is a Felony in Georgia?
In Georgia, all crimes punishable by more than one year in prison are considered felonies. Georgia does not have different classes of felonies, but instead, the sentencing range is set by the statutes for each specific offense.
The most serious felonies in Georgia are murder, rape, armed robbery, kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated child molestation, aggravated sexual battery, and aggravated sodomy (also known as “the seven deadly sins.”). Convictions for these offenses can result in lengthy prison sentences spanning decades and even the entirety of your life. Less serious (although still grave) felonies include theft, identity theft, financial card transaction fraud, drug possession, and distribution, resulting in generally shorter sentences.
Classification of Felonies in Georgia
In Georgia, felonies are categorized into three degrees: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree. First-degree offenses involve the most serious felonies, like murder. Second-degree offenses are less severe than first-degree crimes, while third-degree offenses include the least serious felonies, such as forgery and arson.
Penalties for Felonies in Georgia
In Georgia, felony penalties may include the following:
- Incarceration for one year or more in prison.
- Hefty fines
- Probation
- Capital punishment
- Parole ineligibility
- Life imprisonment
Additional consequences for a felony conviction may include a permanent criminal record, removal of voting rights, or loss of the right to bear arms.
Jail Time and Legal Ramifications for Felonies in GA
As compared to misdemeanors, felonies are more serious offenses that carry harsher criminal penalties and fines. In Georgia, misdemeanors carry up to 12 months of jail time. By contrast, all felonies carry a minimum prison sentence of 12 months or more.
The length of a prison sentence varies depending on the nature of the crime committed. Below are just a few examples of penalties for felony offenses in Georgia:
- Aggravated Battery: 1 to 20 years in prison.
- Rape: Death, life imprisonment without parole, or at least 25 years of imprisonment followed by probation for life.
- Robbery: 1 to 20 years in prison, with a minimum sentence of five years for robbery of a person 65 or older.
- Possession of a Schedule III, IV, and V Substance: 1 to 5 years in prison.
There are other penalties associated with felonies in Georgia. For example, individuals charged and convicted of a felony may be subject to asset forfeiture, the loss of driving privileges, sex offender registration, and payment of restitution to the victim of a crime.
How Long Do You Go to Prison for a Felony in Georgia?
The amount of time you will spend in prison for a felony in Georgia will vary depending on the severity of the charge and the specific circumstances of your case. Generally, the sentence consists of a minimum of one year in prison to a maximum of life imprisonment or even death.
Felony crimes can be very complex and challenging to navigate. For this reason, consider consulting a felony defense lawyer at Swingle Levin LLC to learn your options.
How Can a Felony Defense Attorney Assist You?
At Swingle Levin LLC, our criminal defense lawyers are dedicated to assisting you through the complexities of defending against a felony charge in Georgia. We stand by your side throughout the entire legal process, providing support at every crucial juncture, including the following:
- Legal Guidance: Our criminal defense attorneys possess extensive criminal law knowledge, offering insights into your case’s intricacies and potential defenses.
- Strategic Defense: We can craft a strong defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances, challenge evidence, question witnesses, and negotiate for reduced charges.
- Courtroom and Legal Representation: We can cross-examine witnesses, advocate on your behalf in the criminal court, and present compelling arguments to support your criminal case and protect your rights.
- Mitigation and Sentencing: We work to try and secure favorable plea deals or, if necessary, minimize sentencing, aiming for a favorable outcome.
- Appellate Support: In case of an unfavorable verdict, a criminal defense lawyer from our firm can file appeals, scrutinize legal errors, and advocate for your rights during the appeals process.
Felony Cases Handled by Us
At Swingle Levin LLC, we handle a variety of felony charges, including but not limited to:
- Aggravated Assault
- Aggravated Battery
- Aggravated Child Molestation
- Aggravated Stalking
- Purchase, possession, manufacture, distribution, or sale of controlled substances
- Murder
- Embezzlement
- Rape
- Sex Crimes
No matter the criminal offense, we stand by your side, ready to navigate the Georgia criminal justice system, and are 100 percent committed to your case. Our team also has drug crime lawyers who can help you navigate drug offenses such as those listed above and categorized as felonies.
Felony Defense Lawyers From Swingle Levin LLC Can Help You!
If you are facing felony charges in Georgia, consider having an experienced attorney by your side. Aside from criminal sentencing, the collateral consequences of a felony conviction can have a long-lasting impact on the quality of your life. A criminal record can limit your ability to find housing, seek education, own firearms, vote, and obtain credit or personal loans. A criminal defense attorney from Swingle Levin LLC can help you protect your future and freedom.
We understand that facing serious criminal charges can be scary, and finding the right criminal defense attorney can be intimidating, but don’t worry. We are here to listen to your story, review the facts of your criminal case, and begin working on your defense. Contact our office to set up a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney today.
We look forward to serving you.