Defending Yourself Against Georgia Criminal Charges
Last updated on July 23, 2024
Being convicted of a criminal charge can have long-lasting negative effects on the rest of your life. As such, it is of the utmost importance to have qualified criminal law defense attorneys who are willing to fight to have the charges against you reduced, dismissed or acquitted. Our criminal defense legal team does everything possible to protect felony and misdemeanor clients charged with:
- Assault and battery
- Child abuse and neglect
- Misdemeanors and college offenses
- Sex crimes
- Theft
- Vehicular homicide
- DUI and DWI
- Drug crimes
- Other serious felonies
Penalties for convictions in Georgia include heavy fines, jail time, the loss of your license and possibly the loss of parental rights. At Dodd & Burnham, our criminal law attorneys will provide efficient, effective criminal defense representation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Charges In Georgia
Being arrested is a shocking experience for most people. Here are some of the questions our criminal lawyers hear most often:
What should I do if I’ve been arrested in Valdosta, Georgia, and what are my rights?
The most important thing you can do is remain calm, exercise your constitutional right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer.
How does the criminal court process work in Georgia?
Once you have been arrested, the process generally follows these steps:
- You will be taken to the police station, sheriff’s department or local jail for booking, where you will be photographed and fingerprinted. If there is a predetermined bond for your alleged offense, you may be able to quickly post a bond and secure your release almost immediately after your basic information has been collected.
- If bond is not predetermined, you will be given an initial appearance before a judge within 72 hours of your arrest (less if the arrest was made without a warrant), where the charges against you will be explained. You will also be asked if you have a lawyer or need one appointed for you. This is also usually when you learn what bail and other conditions are required to secure your release pending trial.
After that, the process can involve numerous steps and not all cases will follow the same trajectory. An experienced attorney can help you understand what to expect in your case.
What happens at a preliminary hearing?
The purpose of a preliminary hearing is to determine whether the prosecution has sufficient “probable cause” to support the charges against you. It does not determine your guilt or innocence, merely whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a case. A seasoned defense attorney can sometimes demonstrate to the court why a case should be dismissed at this stage.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Georgia?
A misdemeanor is punishable by no more than 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. A felony is punishable by heavier fines and more than a year in prison – all the way up to the death penalty for serious offenses.
Can I refuse to answer police questions without an attorney present?
You can and should. Clearly state your intentions by saying something like, “I decline to answer any questions without my attorney’s guidance.”
Call Today For A Free Consultation To Learn More About Your Valdosta Criminal Defense Options
Attorney Roger Dodd has more than 30 years of experience deftly navigating the criminal justice system in Valdosta, southern Georgia and other areas of the United States. Contact Dodd & Burnham at 229-474-3609 to discuss your legal matter with a seasoned criminal defense attorney. We offer free initial consultations to all prospective clients.