Best Georgia Criminal Lawyer
If you are facing criminal charges in Georgia, you need honest, aggressive, and experienced attorneys on your side. The attorneys at Lawson and Berry have dedicated their practice to criminal defense, and their experience is unmatched. We practice in courts throughout Georgia every day which allows us to forge strong relationships with the top-decision makers and give our clients a huge advantage. We handle misdemeanor, felony, DUI, and juvenile cases throughout North Georgia, South Georgia, and the Atlanta area. Our staff includes former prosecutors, and we work regularly with medical and forensic experts. Because of our prior prosecutor experience, we know firsthand how district attorneys put together cases. We used to be in their shoes. Therefore, we have the playbook, and we use this insider knowledge to your advantage when fighting your criminal charges. It is critical that you secure the best Georgia criminal lawyer who will fight for you and protect your rights, privileges, and future.
Our office has won not guilty verdicts in theft cases, DUI, sexual assault, forgery, and drug possession cases. We have been able to obtain pretrial dismissals in several other types of cases including but not limited to shoplifting, weapons offenses, and drug crimes. Whether you are facing a serious felony charge, or you are a professional or student worried about the effect of a criminal charge on your career, our Georgia Criminal Lawyers provide expert and proactive advocacy.
Defending You Every Step of the Way
Many attorneys endorse a “wait and see” approach and choose to be reactive rather than proactive. However, our lawyers do not wait for anything! We can help you even before charges are filed. We know that evidence is best when collected immediately after the incident and when the details are fresh in witnesses' mind. We want to be one step ahead of the prosecution and will use every resource we can. There are many steps in a criminal case, and our dedicated attorneys fight for you at every stage.
Arraignment
The arraignment is the start of the criminal prosecution in your case. It is usually scheduled for several weeks after your arrest, but in Atlanta Municipal Court cases, it is only a couple of days. Arraignment is an integral part of your case because it concerns the filing of motions. Motions must be filed before or at arraignment. This is just one of the reasons why it is critical to hire an attorney before your court date. This gives them the opportunity to file motions and prepare to argue them in court.
We take advantage of arraignment to file both substantive and procedural motions. This can include a motion to suppress the evidence from a breath test in a DUI case. Motions can make the entire difference in your case, and we know how to make sure your rights are protected from the very beginning.
Preliminary Hearings
Preliminary hearings are one of the court appearances required during the course of your case. They are also called committal hearings. Their function is to establish whether a case should proceed to trial or be dismissed. The judge will consider whether there is probable cause to believe the defendant is guilty of the crimes they are charged with. If there is a lack of evidence for the case to go to trial, the case may be dismissed. On the other hand, if there is sufficient evidence, the judge will set a trial date.
Having one of the best criminal lawyers in Georgia is very important at the committal hearing. The rules of evidence and what is sufficient to establish probable cause are confusing and can be overwhelming for someone who does not regularly practice criminal law. Hiring one of our lawyers ensures your rights will be protected and that the state has evidence to substance their claims.
Plea Bargains
Every case is different, and there is not a set approach that works for every situation. Some cases can be resolved through pre-trial negotiations while others need to go to trial. We work with prosecutors on a daily basis and have a relationship that allows us to reach agreements on a regular basis. However, there are times when an agreement cannot be reached, and we are just as skilled in obtaining a favorable result at trial.
There are several different ways in which a plea bargain can be achieved. One way is when the prosecutor agrees to let the accused plead guilty to a less serious charge to avoid harsh consequences. Another situation where plea bargains can be advantageous is when a person is charged with multiple crimes. We have been very successful in working with the prosecutor to let the defendant plead guilty to only one of the offenses in exchange for dropping the rest.
Plea bargains can save clients time and money, but any agreement must be well thought out and considered by you and an attorney. We will take the time to discuss your options with you and evaluate the best course of action. You will not be left in the dark at any time in your case. We answer every email, text, or phone call in a timely fashion and will keep you informed as to the progress in your case.
Trial
There are many lawyers in Georgia that avoid taking a case to trial even though a better outcome could be obtained than entering into a plea bargain. However, that is not the case with our attorneys. We are just as skilled at working out a plea bargain as we are trying a case.
When it comes to a trial, you have the option to request a jury trial. A jury trial is where jurors decide your guilt or innocence and a bench trial is where the judge determines the outcome. There are benefits to either type of trial, but it all depends on the specific circumstances in your case. Jury trials take much longer than bench trials, but juries may rely on emotions instead of the evidence presented. Our attorneys will walk you through either option and help you make an informed decision on the best choice for your case.
As stated previously, our lawyers are some of the best criminal defense lawyers in Georgia. We have tried thousands of cases and have achieved fantastic results for our clients. We understand that you do not want a mistake to influence the rest of your life and we care about your future. Contact us now and see how we can help no matter where you are in your case.
Sentencing
The punishments for a criminal case vary dramatically. Petty theft cases are often treated as a misdemeanor with small fines and little jail time, but murder charges carry a potential of the death penalty or life in prison. Our office represents those charged with misdemeanors or felonies on a daily basis and understand the consequences you are facing. Even though misdemeanors carry a maximum jail time of one year a up to $1,000 in fines, a conviction will still go on your criminal record.
Furthermore, many drug possession cases come with a driver's license suspension, and convictions for sex crime charges require the accused to register as a sex offender. A felony conviction on your criminal history can make it difficult to obtain employment, qualify for credit, or apply for housing.
We have over 50 combined years of experience, and we know the penalties you are facing if convicted. That is why we have dedicated our practice to helping people achieve a reduced sentence or get their charges dismissed. We want to protect your rights and your future, so you do not have to watch a charge impact the rest of your life. Many people make the mistake by choosing a lawyer who does not practice daily in criminal law or one that does not care about their future. This results in a poorly designed defense that may do you more harm than good. Our Georgia lawyers are considered the best because we are driven by the desire to help people get their freedom back.
We Can Help No Matter Your Situation
Whether you have been charged with a speeding ticket, DUI, forgery, criminal neglect to the elderly, dogfighting, robbery, or any other charge, our office is here for you. We have the best criminal lawyers in Georgia ready to take your call. We have represented over 5,000 clients and know what it takes to achieve your desired outcome. Furthermore, we can help if you are a minor charged with a crime, a student, or a professional.
Professionals Charged with a Crime in Georgia
Our criminal attorneys in Georgia have represented hundreds of professionals who are worried about how a criminal charge will impact their lives. Sometimes it was just being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or maybe they made a mistake. Typically, the risk is not incarceration but probation that might impair a professional license of career. For every professional, our goal is to obtain a dismissal of the case. In some cases, a plea bargain is not possible, and the case must be taken to trial. Our lawyers are just as skilled in negotiating a plea bargain as obtaining a favorable outcome in front of a judge or jury.
As a professional, we understand that you do not want to trust your case with just any lawyer. Lawson and Berry is a top-rated office and the most reviewed law office in Georgia. We are considered by clients and peers as one of the best criminal lawyers in Georgia. Do not just take our word for it, please read our reviews that be found on AVVO or visit our results page. We have represented many top executives and have been able to achieve their desired outcome.
Students Charged with a Crime in Georgia
The goal with every student is to protect their future by keeping their criminal history clear. We want to ensure their ability to get a job is not hindered by a mistake in their youth. Our Georgia Criminal Attorneys will be honest about the potential outcomes of your case. We know what charges can come off a record and what charges cannot. Sometimes students will need a professional license, and we understand what punishments can be seen by licensing boards.
If your high school student or college student is facing criminal charges, the first call should be to the best criminal attorneys in Georgia. A criminal conviction on their record can prevent them from receiving federal student aid, ruin their chances of employment after graduation, or result in expulsion from their dream school. A student who wishes to pursue a degree in criminal justice, education, or health care can have their dreams foiled by a criminal conviction. Additionally, many crimes require that a student have their driver's license suspended which can make life difficult.
Our lawyers have the necessary experience to build a strong case and ensure the best legal outcome. When a student is charged with a crime, the consequences can have lasting effects if you don't hire the right lawyer. Contact our office now to see how we will make a difference in your case.
We Are Here For You
The entire legal team at Lawson and Berry works hard to ensure our law firm provides the best criminal defense services possible. Our commitment begins from the moment you contact our office, and we guarantee to swiftly and thoroughly respond to every call, email, or contact request. Furthermore, we firmly believe that a person is innocent until proven guilty. We never assume guilt and will let you give your side of the story. Then we will assemble the evidence to develop an understandable narrative to present your side to the court convincingly. We promise to treat you with respect and compassion throughout the entire process.
Our office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to meet your needs. We believe that you should not have to wait until Monday or business hours to have your questions answered. You will never feel alone when facing criminal charges because we have Georgia's best criminal lawyers. Whether you have been charged with a crime in Atlanta or any other area in Georgia, we have the resources to defend your case.
Contact Us
If you are facing criminal charges in Georgia, you need to contact the best criminal defense lawyers in Georgia. We have decades of experience handling misdemeanor, felony, DUI, and juvenile charges. We start every case the same way: by listening! We will take the time to hear exactly what happened from you and your witnesses. The police or accusers may have their own story, but we will be presenting yours. Our lawyers have earned the reputation as the best criminal attorneys in Georgia because of our dedication to our clients. Your voice will be heard, and we will do whatever we can to achieve the best outcome for your case. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
