Doraville DUI Lawyers

Few events could have as profound an effect on you and your life as an arrest. Doraville courts take every arrest seriously and tend to press for convictions for every charge. Making matters worse, convictions for even minor misdemeanors could land you in jail.

If you are facing criminal charges, you may need to take positive steps to protect your future. Hiring a Doraville criminal lawyer could be a good start. Skilled defense attorneys could help you understand the details of the charges you are facing, stand up for your rights in court, and present a powerful and detailed defense in front of the jury.

Georgia state law separates criminal offenses into two main categories. Both types are serious matters that could result in a person getting a criminal record if convicted. However, there are important distinctions that determine the severity of potential penalties and where the case would be heard.

Misdemeanor cases are heard in state or municipal courts and the maximum penalty available under law for a conviction is a jail sentence of no more than one year and/or a fine of no more than $1,000. An exception to this is the subgroup of aggravated misdemeanors, for which potential fines may rise as high as $5,000. Common examples of misdemeanors include vandalism, minor shoplifting, simple assault, and prostitution. Doraville also prosecutes city ordinance violations for which it has exclusive jurisdiction.

Felonies, on the other hand, are generally violent offenses, those involving the possession or distribution of illegal drugs, or high-level theft offenses. All felonies can be punished by a minimum of one year in prison, and most carry multiple years in prison as a potential penalty. Additionally, all felonies are tried in the Dekalb County superior court.

No matter the level of charges that a person faces, it could be imperative that they take steps to protect themselves. Convictions for even a misdemeanor can affect a person’s job, their relationships, and where they could live.

The most important thing to know when dealing with the police is that they cannot force or compel people to speak to them, and that talking with an officer rarely ends well for a suspect. In fact, it is illegal for police officers to talk to someone under duress or without advising them of their rights to an attorney during questioning.

People should also be aware that court officers, including the judge, are not there to help them. Their only job is to ensure that the case is heard according to the law and they cannot offer advice to any defendant. Only a qualified attorney may speak on behalf of a defendant in court.

People facing criminal charges in Doraville or anywhere in Georgia are often frightened and confused. For many people, this is their only encounter with the police and the criminal justice system. With the potential penalties ranging from heavy fines to prison sentences, the stakes may be extremely high.

A Doraville criminal lawyer could assist you in court to plead your case, cross-examine state witnesses, and present a defense to a jury. Every portion of a case could be vitally important from arraignment to trial, so do not take any unnecessary chances. Schedule a consultation to discuss your case with a local attorney today.