Kennesaw DUI Lawyers

Any sort of a criminal accusation could throw a person’s life into chaos. Merely being arrested is often frightening enough, and the potential consequences for a criminal conviction are severe. Even misdemeanors in Georgia carry a potential jail sentence and heavy fines.

A Kennesaw criminal lawyer could potentially help you fight to avoid these penalties, working with you from the beginning of your case to the end to argue for reduced bail amounts, file motions to exclude evidence, and present a powerful and convincing argument at trial. Whether your goal is to come to a fair plea deal in the hopes of avoiding jail time or to fight the charges at trial, a skilled attorney may be able to help.

The most serious charges a resident of Kennesaw, Georgia may face are felonies. These cases are prosecuted in Cobb County Superior Court and could result in at least one year in prison upon conviction, and the maximum penalties may include life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or even the death penalty in the most severe cases.

Common criminal acts that are classified as felonies include:

• Drug charges, ranging from simple possession through trafficking
• Any theft charge where the value of the item taken is over $500
• Crimes involving violence against others such as robbery, sexual assault, or aggravated assault

Not only could these charges result in significant prison sentences, but upon release from prison a person convicted on such charges may be permanently labeled as a felon. This can affect every part of a person’s life, from potential employment opportunities to even where they are able to live.

Less serious than felonies, but still cause for concern, are misdemeanors. These cases are handled in the Cobb County State Court. A conviction for a misdemeanor could result in a jail term of up to one year. In addition, a court may order the defendant to pay a fine of up to $1,000.

Some misdemeanors are classified as “high and aggravated”. This generally means that the charge involved some sort of violence against others. The penalties here do not involve any additional jail time, but can increase the potential fine to $5,000.

Common examples of misdemeanor-level crimes include:

• First-offense DUI
• Simple assault
• Theft of items with a value less than $500

Even a conviction for a relatively minor misdemeanor could have a serious effect on a person’s future. Even if they are not sentenced to a jail term for their actions, they may still be required to perform community service, remain on probation, and receive a criminal record.

Getting arrested for a criminal offense may scare or intimidate anyone. Especially if this is your first and only interaction with the criminal justice system, you may be rightfully concerned about the future and what this arrest could mean for your life.

A Kennesaw criminal lawyer may be able to help put your mind at ease. They could work to help you understand your charges and the potential consequences, and subsequently, represent your interests in court to protect your rights and defend your freedoms. Take a positive step towards protecting your future and contact an attorney today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.