Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Atlanta

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Atlanta, Georgia?

  404-614-6544 is the non-emergency contact number for the Atlanta Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Atlanta, Georgia?

  Copies of police reports for criminal cases are available from the Atlanta Police Department's Open Records Office, which can be reached at (404) 546-7448 or by visiting www.atlanttapd.org. Copies may cost $0.10 per page and $1.00 per disc or tape used for the request.

• Are there specific defenses to certain types of crimes in Atlanta and throughout Georgia?

  Atlanta criminal defense lawyers can use a procedural defense by filing a motion to suppress evidence obtained during a criminal investigation. In cases involving violent crimes, Georgia's stand-your-ground law justifies the use of force when a person believes that force is required to protect himself from an aggressor. The law states that someone who is threatened by another person is not required to retreat before using force against the attacker.

• Is it possible for a DUI conviction in Atlanta to be expunged from a person's criminal record after a certain number of years?

  No, because a verdict remains on the driver's criminal record unless the case is eligible for record restriction. This method of expungement is only available if the defendant was acquitted or the prosecutor dismissed the case. A criminal record in Atlanta is essentially a running log of a person's arrests, sentences, and dismissals. A driver's criminal record will be updated twice in a DUI case to reflect both the arrest and the outcome of the case.

• When does stealing become a felony theft in Atlanta?

  A conviction for theft in Atlanta is a misdemeanor except when the value of the stolen property exceeds $500. A felony theft conviction carries a sentence of one to 10 years in prison. A criminal defense lawyer handles both felony theft and misdemeanor theft. Fraud, shoplifting, and receipt of stolen property constitute theft under Georgia law.

• Is it possible for a criminal defense attorney in Atlanta to petition the courts to lower the defendant's bail after the court has set an amount?

  Yes, this can be done during the initial bail bond hearing or during a special hearing. Atlanta courts may consider several factors, such as the nature of the crime, the circumstances surrounding the crime, and the defendant's criminal history when making their decision. These factors assist the judge in determining the likelihood of the individual fleeing or how dangerous he or she will be once released.

• Where should criminal appeals be filed in Atlanta?

  Criminal appeals in Atlanta can be filed at either the state or federal court level, depending on the level of the court in which the defendant was convicted. A criminal conviction, while unquestionably serious, does not mean the end of the road for a defendant. An appeal does not result in an immediate retrial. The appellate court may call for a retrial of the case or may reverse the decision of the trial court if procedural errors are discovered.