Being charged with a crime can be a scary, confusing, and intimidating time. Failure to properly handle your case could result in severe penalties that can last a lifetime. Depending on the type of crime that you are charged with, a criminal conviction could result in license suspensions or revocations, community service, fines, restitution to victims, probation, incarceration, and a permanent criminal record. With this much at stake, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected. The Martin Law Firm is here to guide and assist you throughout the entire process.
If you have been charged with a crime, depending on the circumstances, your charge will fall within one of two categories: felonies or misdemeanors. The differences between these two categories depends on a number of things with the most significant being the severity of punishment.
Criminal Defense – Misdemeanor
While misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, a misdemeanor conviction can still result in severe penalties. Generally misdemeanors are punishable by a fine of no more than $1000 and incarceration in a local jail for one year or less. Typical penalties for misdemeanor charges vary but may include: community service, mandatory counseling, license suspensions or revocations, fines, and probation. Unfortunately, even a misdemeanor conviction can result in such adverse impacts as a permanent criminal record, difficulty finding employment, and damage to reputation. Any misdemeanor charge will be handled in the State Court of the county in which you are charged.
Our friendly and experienced staff have defended clients from many different types of misdemeanor charges including but not limited to:
- Serious Traffic Offenses
- Traffic Violations & Suspensions for persons under age 21 for certain offenses
- D.U.I. – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Drug Possession – misdemeanor marijuana, etc.
- Petty Theft
- Shoplifting
- Domestic Violence
- Simple Assault & Battery
- Disorderly Conduct
- Sex Crimes
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, please do not hesitate to contact us today. You have too much at stake to risk handling this alone. John Martin, an experienced Columbus GA Criminal Defense Lawyer, knows that time is of the essence and will work hard to fight your charges and protect your rights. Please call us today for a consultation.
Criminal Defense – Felonies
Considered the most serious crimes, felonies can result in severe punishment upon conviction. In stark contrast to misdemeanors, penalties for felony convictions are fines over $1000 and incarceration for at least one year in state prison. In addition, loss of such liberties as the right to vote and own a handgun can occur upon a felony conviction. Any felony charge will be handled in the Superior Court of the county in which you are charged.
Our friendly and experienced staff have defended clients from many different types of felony crimes including but not limited to:
- Drug Crimes – distributing, trafficking, possessing, manufacturing
- Theft Crimes – theft, burglary, robbery
- Violent Crimes – murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, arson
If you have been charged with a felony, please do not hesitate to contact us today. You have too much at stake to risk handling this alone. We know that time is of the essence and we will work hard to fight your charges and protect your rights. Please call us today for a consultation.
A conviction for a felony offense will stay on your record for the remainder of your life. There are several options that your attorney can ask the sentencing court to consider which would prevent this significant stigma. These include, but are not limited to Georgia First Offenders Act, Drug Court, Mental Health Court, Veterans Court and Conditional Discharge.