The criminal justice system can be a daunting and confusing place for any individual who finds themselves entangled with the law. From understanding what constitutes a crime to understanding the different roles of defense attorneys and prosecutors, everyone has their fair share of challenges. However, with patience, research, and careful planning, anyone can navigate their way through these complex legal systems. In addition, while many people are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of the local criminal court system, most residents know someone who has been victimized by a criminal. Because of this, there is often heightened scrutiny when it comes to police officers’ testimony during trials. As such, if you find yourself facing criminal charges in Savannah or any other part of Georgia – whether it be for offenses like assault and battery or aggravated stalking – you are not alone. It is imperative that you have competent legal representation at your side from the outset so that your rights are protected throughout the entire process.
What are the Most Common Types of Criminal Charges in Savannah, Georgia?
1. Assault and battery 2. Drug-related offenses 3. Domestic violence 4. Property crimes 5. Burglary 6. Robbery
Assault and Battery Charges
Assault and battery, also known as simple assault, can be charged in several different ways. For example, if you are accused of committing assault and battery against your spouse or someone else that is related to you by blood or marriage, you could be charged with simple assault. Before you find yourself facing these charges, it’s important to understand the difference between an intentional and unintentional battery. To determine whether your alleged victim suffered from intentional or unintentional harm, it’s important to understand the difference in intent that is necessary for these crimes. Intentional battery means that you intended to cause physical injury to your alleged victim. If it turns out that your alleged victim was not harmed by your actions – even if they were injured – then this action would constitute an unintentional battery charge instead. The severity of the charge will depend on the seriousness of your alleged victim’s injuries. The more significant the injury, the more severe the charge will be.
Bail Jumping and Detaining Charges
The first step towards a successful criminal defense is understanding the charges. For example, if you are charged with bail jumping, it is important to know this is different from being charged with disorderly conduct. The latter can result in fines and potential jail time for infractions of the law that fall short of robbery or homicide. However, bail jumping can result in serious penalties such as jail time and an automatic felony conviction. If you find yourself facing bail-jumping charges, it is imperative that you have a competent attorney on your side who knows how to defend against this charge effectively and efficiently. Additionally, if you are detained due to these charges, it is important to know what rights you have during this process.
Drug Crimes
The criminal justice system can be overwhelming for anyone with drug charges on the docket. From understanding what constitutes a drug crime to understanding the different roles of defense attorneys and prosecutors, everyone has their fair share of challenges. But because drugs are so prevalent in society and have such a significant impact on individuals’ lives, people must be able to navigate these complex legal systems. Moreover, if you find yourself facing drug charges in Savannah or any other part of Georgia – whether it be for offenses like possession or trafficking – you are not alone. You must have competent legal representation at your side from the outset so that your rights are protected throughout the entire process.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Liquor Control Offenses
DUI and liquor control offenses are two of the most common criminal offenses in Georgia. It is important to understand how these are different from one another to ensure your rights remain protected. In Savannah, a DUI offense occurs when a person drives while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. The consequences for this crime vary depending on whether it is a first or subsequent offense, with the result that the punishment for a DUI offense can range from probation to prison time. A liquor control offense occurs when someone leaves their premises open and allows others to enter or purchase alcoholic beverages without proper licensing. This offense can be punished by having alcohol confiscated and even being subject to asset forfeiture. Criminal defense attorneys have many responsibilities within their positions so you must have an attorney who is capable of handling your case as thoroughly as possible. It is also important that your attorney be able to work with you during any meetings with police officers to make sure all of your rights are protected – especially given the sensitive nature of these types of cases.
Felonies
and misdemeanors Criminal charges in Savannah are divided into two categories: felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are crimes that carry the possibility of life imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000. Misdemeanors carry a maximum sentence of one year in jail or a fine of up to $5,000. While felonies can make it difficult for you to find employment, many people do not realize that a misdemeanor conviction can also have lasting effects on your future career prospects. While felony convictions will require you to disclose any prior criminal history during your job application process, misdemeanors do not necessitate such disclosure if they were not related to drug- or alcohol-related offenses. This can make it more difficult for an employer to judge your character without knowing about these offenses on your record. But with competent legal representation on your side, you can avoid this issue altogether by having a good defense attorney vet the information about your background before it is submitted to their client’s potential employer.
Summary Offenses or Misdemeanors
A summary offense is a criminal offense that is punishable by a fine, imprisonment in jail for up to 12 months or both. Misdemeanors are offenses that are punishable by a maximum of one year in prison and/or a fine. If you find yourself facing charges or have questions about the process of defending your rights and fighting for justice in the courts, consider reaching out to Sam Nelsen Law Firm today.
The Criminal Justice Process Summarized: Should You Plead Guilty or Go to Trial?
One of the first decisions that you will have to make is whether or not to plead guilty. If you do decide to plead guilty, you must understand exactly what the terms of your plea agreement mean for you to be able to make sound decisions moving forward. If you are unable to attain a plea agreement, then it is time for trial. In this scenario, the burden of proof falls on the state – meaning that they must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. This can be difficult if they are relying on only one person’s testimony as evidence against you. In most cases, if someone opts for trial rather than pleading guilty, they will be entering into an offer-with-conditions agreement with the prosecutor. This means that there will be certain terms attached to your release from jail, sentencing, and more at the end of your trial period. While these offers are rarely contractually binding, it is important to know what might happen in your case so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not proceeding with a trial is worth it for your circumstances.
Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C.
210 E 31st St
Savannah, GA 31401
912-713-3426
https://www.mailletcriminallaw.com
