A Decatur criminal lawyer who devotes his or her practice exclusively to criminal law is likely extremely knowledgeable in many aspects of forensic science, including fingerprint and DNA evidence, gunshot residue, ballistics, and collection of sex crime medical evidence. There are often law enforcement errors in the collection of this evidence which can result in the suppression of that evidence, dismissal of the case, or acquittal.
A seasoned Decatur criminal lawyer also understands the different interview methods utilized by law enforcement when interviewing victims and witnesses, and how those methods may be used to slant the evidence against a defendant unfairly.
Have You Been Charged?
A criminal lawyer in Decatur may have experience defending clients against a multitude list of different charges, including:
- DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs): The state of Georgia has some of the strictest DUI laws in the nation, with up to a year in prison possible for a first-time offender.
- Drug Crimes: Penalties for possessing marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, methamphetamine and others can range from a felony prison sentence to misdemeanor conviction. The process of preparing a case for trial and learning the weaknesses in the State’s evidence may enable your criminal lawyer in Decatur GA to get your case dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge before trial.
- Domestic Assault: A first offense could lead to jail time, years of probation, and typically six months of court ordered counseling. Conviction for an immigrant can lead to deportation.
- Robbery: Georgia has mandatory minimum sentences, but if a deal can be made between your Decatur criminal lawyer and the prosecutor, a lesser sentence might be possible.
- Sex crimes: Being convicted of a sex crime can lead to prison, probation, and restrictions on where you live and where you can work.
- Assault, Manslaughter, Attempted Murder and Murder: If you are convicted, it can affect you for years to come, long after the days in prison are over and the time spent on probation has ended.
- Kidnapping: If the victim was 14 years of age or older, punishment is a minimum of ten years in jail. For victims under 14, punishment is a minimum of 25 years in jail followed by probation for life. Punishment is life imprisonment or death if the kidnapping was for ransom or if the person kidnapped received bodily injury.
- Illegal Firearm or Weapons Possession: A defendant convicted of being a “felon in possession of a firearm” faces a mandatory minimum fifteen-year jail sentence. Your Decatur criminal lawyer may investigate your case from a number of angles and may also examine your criminal history to lessen the charge or discredit it altogether.
- Probation Violations: Violation of a misdemeanor probation sentence can lead to being resentenced to jail for the remaining time on probation. Decatur criminal lawyer The Lynch Law Group has handled hundreds of probation violations.
- Traffic Violations: A traffic violation is a misdemeanor crime in Georgia and most convictions will be reported to the Department of Driver’s Services and your insurance company. The Lynch Law Group, a trusted Decatur criminal lawyer, understands that when you contact an attorney about a traffic violation it is typically with a specific goal in mind. We work with our clients to resolve their cases with that goal in mind.
A dedicated Decatur criminal lawyer may defend you against misdemeanor, felony, or federal criminal charges, as well as successfully represent juveniles who are facing criminal charges.
Private Attorney or Public Defender?
A Decatur Criminal lawyer understands that pending criminal charges can be overwhelming. It is reasonable to feel stressed or concerned about your case. Unfortunately, matters only become worse when you would rather not spend the money on an attorney of your own, and instead choose to be represented by a public defender. Consider the following reasons why a Decatur Criminal lawyer may suit your case better than a public defender.
Sense of Security
The unknown is a scary topic for many people. It is common for individuals to experience anxiety about a criminal trial – whether the individual is guilty or not. For many people, the best way to cope is to prepare well in advance. Unfortunately, many defendants who choose to be represented by a public defender often do not experience much face time with their attorney. The public defender is usually juggling many cases simultaneously and will generally lack the resources of a private attorney. Consider seeking a Decatur Criminal lawyer who has experience with cases such as yours and will be able to devote sufficient time to your situation.
Instructions and Guidance
A Decatur Criminal lawyer may be able to instruct you and guide you along through the process from the beginning to the end. It is not uncommon for your behavior to be scrutinized prior to your trial date; the attorney may instruct you on how to avoid or react to the scrutiny. The attorney may prepare you on how to conduct yourself and respond once you enter the court. Feeling prepared may provide you with additional peace come the trial date. Knowing you are confident in how to present yourself can provide you with a sense of security.
Having Leverage
The prosecution will be familiar with the system and the nuisances to influence it. However, a public defender trying your case may be less familiar with the loopholes or habits of the prosecution, jury, or judge in similar cases. A criminal lawyer in Decatur GA, however, may have the time and additional resources to effectively prepare and review your case many times over to verify your testimony. They may also be aware of the habits or tactics of the prosecution in similar cases and may be able to respond effectively to predicted arguments.
A Better Defense
Ultimately, the state will decide on your conviction and consequences. However, the attorney you choose can impact a judge’s or jury’s decision. It is in your best interest to choose a criminal lawyer Decatur GA clients trust that takes action based on your best interest. Public defenders tend to lack the time and resources of a private attorney and may produce less favorable results. Consider hiring a Decatur Criminal lawyer for your criminal case. Learn about Can the Police Search My Vehicle?
Contact The Lynch Law Group Today
If you are being investigated for a crime, or have already been charged, it is critical to contact an experienced criminal lawyer right away. The sooner an attorney can begin building your defense, the better your chances may be. Depending on the severity of the criminal charges, you could be facing jail or prison time, probation, fines, or loss of your driver’s license. A criminal conviction can wreak havoc on the rest of your life — long after you have served your sentence — by affecting your ability to find a job, housing, or even financial aid for school.
The Lynch Law Group is available to discuss your case with you. He has been named to “Georgia’s Top Rated Lawyers” each year for the past five years and has been awarded the status of “AV Preeminent,” which is the highest rating possible. For the past four straight years in a row, The Lynch Law Group has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Georgia by The National Trial Lawyers. He was also named as a “Super Lawyers Rising Star” in 2015 and 2016, a distinction awarded to only 2.5 percent of the Georgia Bar.
How to Prepare for First Consultation with Your Criminal Lawyer
If you have been arrested, it is important to speak with a Decatur criminal lawyer promptly. A criminal charge can carry heavy consequences, so it is good to have someone with knowledge and experience on your side. Your first step is to schedule a consultation. Here are a few tips for preparing your initial meeting with a criminal lawyer.
- Collect relevant documents. If possible, you should not come to your initial consultation empty handed. The more information your lawyer has to go on, the sooner he or she can start building your case. Besides your driver’s license, you may want to bring police reports, bail paperwork, details about your next court date and documents about prior charges or convictions. Put these documents in a folder to keep everything organized.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your background and case. During the initial meeting, your criminal lawyer will want to find out more about you. Therefore, you can expect your lawyer to ask multiple questions about your personal background and criminal case. For example, your lawyer may want to know what you do for a living and what type of education you have. He or she may also want to know if you have any previous convictions and if you’ve talked to the police yet. It is important to be completely honest and provide as many details as possible.
- Identify witnesses. Do you have names of witnesses who can corroborate your story or testify to your background or character? If so, you will want to provide these names to your Decatur criminal lawyer.
- Bring a list of questions. During your initial consultation, your lawyer should not be the only one asking questions. It’s also important for you to ask questions of your own. For example, you may want to ask questions about the lawyer’s background, such as where he or she attended law school or how many years he or she has been practicing criminal law. You may also want to find out about the strengths and weaknesses in your case and legal fees. The more information you have, the better. Consider writing these questions down so that you do not forget them.
- Take notes. At your first consultation, your criminal lawyer may throw a lot of information your way, which can be overwhelming. That’s why it may be helpful to bring a notebook and take notes of everything your lawyer says. If you don’t understand something, do not be afraid to ask for clarification.
- Don’t be embarrassed. There is no doubt that getting charged with a crime can be an embarrassing ordeal. However, the one person you should not feel embarrassed around is your Decatur criminal lawyer. He or she has helped many other clients in similar situations and won’t judge you. Don’t feel too ashamed to tell your lawyer anything. The more your lawyer knows, the better he or she can help you with your case.
To schedule an appointment with a skilled Decatur criminal lawyer, call (404) 373-7735 today, or fill out a contact form available on our website.
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