Felony Defense Attorney in Athens, GA
Swingle Levin LLC is a trusted and experienced felony defense attorney. Put your future in capable hands and fight for your rights.
Why You Need a Felony Defense Lawyer in Athens, GA
Are you facing felony charges in Athens, Georgia? Time is critical when facing felony charges; the decisions you make now can determine whether you go to prison or walk free. A conviction can result in years in prison, a permanent criminal record, and the loss of fundamental rights.
At Swingle Levin LLC, our experienced felony defense attorneys in Athens, GA, have successfully defended clients against serious charges, including murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and drug trafficking in Athens-Clarke County courts. We build aggressive defense strategies, challenge evidence, and fight to protect your future.
What Is a Felony in Georgia?
In Georgia, any crime punishable by more than one year in prison is classified as a felony. Unlike many states, Georgia doesn’t use traditional felony classes; instead, each offense has specific sentencing ranges defined by statute.
Georgia’s most serious felonies, known as “the seven deadly sins,” include:
- Murder
- Rape
- Armed robbery
- Kidnapping with bodily injury
- Aggravated child molestation
- Aggravated sexual battery
- Aggravated sodomy
These convictions can result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Other felonies like theft, drug possession, identity theft, and burglary carry shorter but still significant prison terms; often years behind bars, plus substantial fines.
Classification of Felonies in Georgia
In Georgia, felonies are categorized into three degrees: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree. The degree of the felony determines the severity of the punishment, with first-degree felonies carrying the most severe penalties.
- First-degree felonies: These are serious offenses that can result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Examples include murder, rape, and armed robbery.
- Second-degree felonies: This category includes crimes such as aggravated assault, burglary, and drug trafficking. Convictions for these offenses can result in a prison term of up to 20 years.
- Third-degree felonies: These are less serious offenses that carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison. Examples include theft, drug possession, and identity theft.
The Georgia Felony Legal Process
Understanding what happens after a felony arrest in Athens helps you prepare for the road ahead:
Arrest & First Appearance – Police document evidence and file reports. Within 72 hours, you appear before a judge who may set bail.
Preliminary Hearing – Your Athens defense attorney challenges whether prosecutors have probable cause to proceed.
Indictment & Arraignment – The grand jury issues formal charges. You enter a plea: guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Pretrial Motions & Discovery – We negotiate with prosecutors, review evidence, and file motions to dismiss or suppress evidence.
Trial – If negotiations fail, we present your defense before an Athens-Clarke County jury.
Sentencing or Appeal – If convicted, we fight for reduced sentences or file appeals to challenge legal errors.
Throughout this process, our Athens felony defense lawyers provide guidance, answer your questions, and protect your constitutional rights.
Penalties for Felony Convictions in Georgia
Felony convictions in Athens carry severe consequences:
- Prison time: Minimum one year to life imprisonment or the death penalty
- Fines: Thousands to tens of thousands of dollars
- Probation: Extended supervision with strict conditions
- Collateral consequences: Loss of voting rights, firearm ownership, professional licenses, and difficulty securing employment or housing
Examples of Georgia felony sentences:
- Aggravated Battery: 1 to 20 years
- Rape: Death, life without parole, or a minimum of 25 years
- Robbery: 1 to 20 years (5-year minimum if victim is 65+)
- Drug Possession (Schedule III-V): 1 to 5 years
Additional penalties may include asset forfeiture, driver’s license suspension, sex offender registration, and restitution payments.
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 tailored defense strategy to address 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 strive to 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.
- Support and Guidance: We understand the emotional strain that comes with facing felony charges. We offer you the support and guidance you need to navigate this challenging time.
Felony Cases We Handle in Athens
Swingle Levin LLC defends clients throughout Athens-Clarke County facing serious charges:
- Aggravated assault
- Aggravated battery
- Murder and homicide
- Armed robbery
- Rape and sexual assault
- Aggravated child molestation
- Drug trafficking, manufacturing, and distribution
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Aggravated stalking
- Violent crimes
No matter the charge, our Athens criminal defense attorneys commit 100% to your case and your freedom.
Why Choose Swingle Levin LLC for Your Defense?
Our Athens felony defense team brings decades of combined experience in defending clients in Athens-Clarke County Superior Court and throughout the state of Georgia. We’ve successfully represented clients facing the state’s most serious charges, securing dismissals, acquittals, and reduced sentences.
Our attorneys are well-versed in the Athens court system, including prosecutors and judges. This local knowledge helps us negotiate effectively and anticipate prosecution strategies. We’ve defended professional athletes, college students, and community members throughout Northeast Georgia—always prioritizing your rights and best interests.
A felony conviction doesn’t just mean prison time; it also carries significant consequences. It creates a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, education, credit, and family relationships for the rest of one’s life. Our goal is to minimize these consequences or eliminate them entirely.
Contact Swingle Levin LLC today to schedule a complimentary consultation. Let our experienced Athens felony defense attorneys review your case and begin building your defense.