Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney
Looking for criminal defense lawyers in Decatur? Get expert legal representation for your criminal charge. Contact our experienced team today.
Author: J. Blake Ledbetter, Partner, Conoscienti & Ledbetter
Mr. Ledbetter specializes in civil litigation in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, and possesses vast experience in wrongful death lawsuits. Mr. Ledbetter was recognized as a SuperLawyers Rising Star in 2018 and 2019 in the area of Civil Litigation. Published on January 30, 2023.
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What Is a Defensive Lawyer?
A defensive lawyer also called a criminal defense lawyer, is vital in the legal arena. They specialize in representing individuals and organizations accused of criminal conduct. They offer various legal services, dealing with minor infractions to severe felonies. The law office of a defense lawyer is their operational hub, where they strategize and prepare to protect their client’s best interests.
Critical roles of a defensive lawyer include:
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Guidance: They help the defendant understand the complex and often intimidating legal system. From arrest to trial, they act as the client’s advisors, simplifying the intricacies of the law.
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Advocacy: A defensive lawyer defends their client’s rights, ensuring they are treated fairly within the legal system. They present the defendant’s case before a judge and jury, seeking to create reasonable doubt to achieve a not-guilty verdict.
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Plea Bargaining: They negotiate with the prosecution to potentially reduce a client’s sentence or eliminate some of the charges brought against them. This negotiation process can result in a plea bargain, benefiting the defendant.
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Investigation: A defensive lawyer’s work begins long before the trial starts. They gather evidence, scrutinize the prosecution’s case, and interview witnesses to build a robust defense strategy. They also work closely with other professionals, such as private investigators or expert witnesses, to strengthen their client’s case.
The duties of a defensive lawyer extend to several related practice areas, including constitutional law, criminal law, and evidence law. Navigating these domains is a challenging task, which makes their role critical to the just functioning of the legal system.
Your Go-to Criminal Defense Attorney in Decatur
Plenty of aspects of modern life and society are regulated. The criminal code is an essential set of regulations that most people hope not to run afoul of. Breaking these laws can have severe consequences for anyone found guilty of doing so.
Though the legal system is meant to protect society, the system can feel grossly unfair if you are trying to fight charges on your own. The GA lawyers at Conoscienti, Ledbetter, & Archer are here to help get the best possible outcome and prevent innocent people’s convictions.
Our team of experienced Decatur criminal defense lawyers has the experience and knowledge to help you fight charges. We understand that being accused of a crime can be an emotionally overwhelming experience. We provide the legal expertise and knowledge you need to feel confident in your defense.
Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, we will create the best defense strategy possible. We know no two cases are alike, and we strive to develop methods tailored to our client’s needs.
Our team is dedicated to providing our clients with the legal assistance they need. We provide sound advice and representation, always putting your best interests first. We have successfully defended clients against various criminal charges, including drug-related offenses and white-collar crimes.
Our attorneys are well-versed in the Georgia legal system and are committed to protecting your rights. We understand how crucial the outcome of a criminal case is, which is why we strive for excellence in every case we handle.
Speak with trusted Criminal Defense Attorney today, for free.
Legal Rights of the Defendant
In criminal cases, the right to counsel refers to the right of the defendant to have a lawyer assist them in their defense, even if they cannot afford one. The 6th Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees this right.
In addition, the level of proof that must be presented before a conviction can be handed down is very high. Criminal law requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the standard of proof for civil trials is based on a preponderance of the evidence, which means that plaintiffs need only prove the fact in dispute is more likely than not.
The idea behind these two principles is that for someone to be convicted in a criminal trial, there must be compelling evidence. The accused should be given excellent legal assistance to refute the state case through private access or a state appointment to a qualified criminal lawyer.
No matter who you are, chances are high that you will fall foul of the ever-increasing criminal laws at some point. Then, you will probably need the services of a criminal defense law firm.
Criminal defense attorneys can build a strong case for you to prevent the State attorneys from succeeding in proving that you are guilty of the crime as charged beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a criminal conviction.
When you are facing criminal charges or severe charges, you would be well advised to employ Criminal Defense Lawyers you can afford so that you can either successfully defend the case or, at worst, minimize the consequences of your actions.
Suppose you have been charged with a criminal offense and face life-changing consequences. In that case, you should consider setting up an appointment with Decatur, Georgia, criminal defense attorneys at Conoscienti, Ledbetter, and Archer, a team of passionate lawyers attuned to the importance of building a solid defense and go to great lengths to fight for their clients.
Let’s examine a few elements of criminal law together.
Not All Crimes Are the Same
Crimes range from petty crimes, such as minor traffic offenses, to serious crimes, like murder.
Misdemeanors
Less serious crimes are classified as misdemeanors. More serious crimes are called felonies. Misdemeanors carry lighter penalties such as community service, fines, rehabilitation probation, and less than a year of jail time. Legal representation is not always critical for really minor offenses.
Felonies
Felonies carry jail terms of over one year up to a lifetime spent in prison. However, suppose you are facing jail time (whether for a misdemeanor or a felony). In that case, you should consider using the services of a top criminal defense attorney serving Decatur to help you to build your case to avert any jail time.
Let’s examine some of the more common felonies.
Aggravated Assault
Simple assault is a misdemeanor in Georgia. This is typically where there is a threat to inflict physical harm or even an attack that results in minor injuries. Aggravated assault is an assault that results in serious bodily harm or is an assault committed with a weapon or an assault intending to commit a serious crime, such as rape.
Aggravated assault attracts felony penalties which range from ten to twenty years in jail. Fines of between $5,000 and $20,000 are possible. Punishments meted out are based on the level of harm caused.
Suppose you have been faced with an aggravated assault charge. In that case, it is highly recommended that you see an Aggravated Assault Attorney to help you to build a strong defense after considering all of the facts and the evidence against you.
Drug Violations
Drug crimes can constitute misdemeanors or felonies. Drug legislation differs widely from state to state, so it’s essential to appoint a state-based criminal attorney likely familiar with the laws of the charging state.
If you face drug charges in the Decatur area, appoint a Drug Lawyer with experience in the Decatur courts for optimal effect.
Simple Battery
In Georgia, Simple Battery is committed when a person intentionally makes physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature or intentionally causes physical harm to another.
Simple battery is a misdemeanor crime with fines of up to $1,000 and possible jail time of up to one year. There are specific circumstances in which the misdemeanor will be classified as an aggravated misdemeanor which attracts higher penalties of up to one year in jail and up to a maximum of $5,000 in fines.
Probation Violations
If you have been sentenced to probation, you have been sentenced to a jail sentence but are entitled to serve time outside of custody in jail. There are always conditions attached to probation, such as regularly reporting to a probation officer.
Probation Violations can be severely punished and may see offenders spending the rest of the original sentence serving time in jail and not on probation. A skilled personal injury attorney’s services can help minimize the consequences of probation violations.
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
If you face violent crimes in Georgia, appointing a Decatur criminal defense attorney is an excellent start and will level the playing field when you meet the prosecutors in court.
An experienced criminal defense attorney helps to assess your case and all the evidence against you, prepares a strong defense, and then represents you in your criminal case. Your criminal lawyer will face off against the state prosecutor and should do their best to protect you in court.
If you have been arrested and have been charged for alleged crimes committed in the Decatur area, call on the experienced Atlanta DUI Lawyers at Conoscienti, Ledbetter, and Archer for a free consultation.
As your legal team, our criminal defense attorneys will gather evidence and plan your defense strategies. We have extensive experience with felony cases and will fight determinedly and doggedly to protect you and try to obtain the best outcome.
Our team is experienced in building defenses for misdemeanor and felony criminal defense cases, including probation violations, domestic violence, white-collar crimes, drug possession, and more. We can also handle appeals. All criminal cases are handled with absolute confidentiality under the attorney-client privilege.
Call us today for a free case evaluation.
Decatur Office
(404) 328-7276
315 W Ponce de Leon Ave. Suite 400 Decatur, GA 30030