Charged with a misdemeanor crime in Georgia? Misdemeanors can have a serious impact on your personal and professional life. Get the representation you need with the attorneys at Fennell, Briasco & Associates™. Our mission is to maximize your chances of success, exploring every avenue to drop or reduce your criminal charges and get your life back to normal. Contact us today at (770) 956-4030 to schedule a FREE case evaluation.
What is a misdemeanor?
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 17-10-3), a misdemeanor is a type of criminal offense that can be punished by (i) up to $1,000 in fines and/or (ii) up to 1 year in jail. A felony, on the other hand, is considered a more serious criminal offense, and can be punished by (i) greater than a $1,000 fine and/or (ii) more than 1 year in prison.
In almost all misdemeanor cases, the judge has a wide degree of discretion in amending, modifying, altering, suspending, or probating a misdemeanor sentence. Rather than serving jail time, we strive to deliver positive solutions for our clients, including pretrial diversion, alternative sentencing programs, community service, clinical treatment/rehabilitation, and probation. At every step of the litigation process, our attorneys know the motions and legal arguments that will best stand up for your rights.
Examples of misdemeanors in GA
To understand how misdemeanor crimes work in Georgia, it is helpful to review some examples of misdemeanor offenses. We proudly represent clients in all of the practice areas below:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Serious Traffic Offenses, like super-speeder violations and hit-and-run
- Property Crimes, like vandalism and shoplifting below $500
- Drug Crimes, like marijuana possession under 1 ounce
- Minor Violent Crimes, like simple assault and simple battery
What is a misdemeanor of high and aggravated nature?
Some misdemeanor crimes can be increased to a misdemeanor of high and aggravated nature. Under O.C.G.A § 17-10-4, high and aggravated misdemeanors may be punished by (i) up to a $5,000 fine and/or (ii) up to 1 year in jail. Some examples of misdemeanors of high and aggravated nature include: fleeing or eluding a police officer; third-time DUI offenses; battery against a person over the age of 65; and aggressive driving.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge?
We always recommend consulting an attorney about how to handle a misdemeanor charge in Georgia. While misdemeanor charges may not always seem too serious, they can have far-reaching consequences. The effects of a single misdemeanor conviction (like marijuana possession or driving under the influence) can reach years into the future. For example, having a misdemeanor on your criminal record can affect future background checks, insurance rates, academic scholarships, and housing applications. If you have been arrested by police for a misdemeanor crime, contact an attorney as soon as possible to learn how to handle your case.
Service Area
At Fennell, Briasco & Associates™, our team of criminal attorneys proudly represents clients accused of misdemeanor crimes in the following areas of North Metro Atlanta:
Bartow County
Cartersville
Emerson
Euharlee
White
Cherokee County
Woodstock
Canton
Holly Springs
Cobb County
Marietta
Acworth
Kennesaw
Smyrna
Dekalb County
Avondale Est
Decatur
Dunwoody
Stone Mountain
Forsyth County
Cumming
Fulton County
Atlanta
Alpharetta
Johns Creek
Roswell
Milton
Paulding County
Acworth
Dallas
Hiram
Braswell
Pickens County
Jasper
Marble Hill
Tate
Talking Rock
Find a GA Misdemeanor Lawyer
The days immediately after your arrest are the most important in planning a strategy for your defense. With three convenient office locations, our criminal defense attorneys are available around the clock to take action in your defense. At Fennell, Briasco & Associates™, our goal is to deliver cost-effective legal results that minimize the long-term effects of a misdemeanor conviction. To learn more about your rights in responding to criminal charges, contact our team today for a FREE legal consultation.
FREE ATTORNEY CONSULTATION
CONTACT US TODAY
(770) 956-4030
