Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Savannah

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the Savannah Police Department is 912-651-6675.

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

  Savannah maintains an online portal, where you can lodge a request to obtain a copy of records related to your case. Access it here: https://savannahga.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/newrequest/. Alternatively, you may indicate your request in an email to SPDrecords@savannahga.gov. 

• Is it legal for a passenger to drink in a car in Savannah?

  No, passengers are not allowed to drink alcohol while the vehicle is on the road or off on the shoulder. This illegal act is punishable, and so is having an unsealed bottle of alcohol inside the car, regardless of whether the passenger or driver owns it. The penalty for an open container is a fine of up to $200 and 2 points on the person’s license.

• How much will criminal defense lawyers in Savannah charge you?

  The rates of criminal defense attorneys in Savannah vary, depending on factors like their experience, location, and if they work for a government or private firm. The nature of your case is also something they will consider for their fee. Most private defense lawyers charge by the hour for their services. Typically, the more experienced a lawyer is, the less they will charge per hour.

• Does the grand jury in Savannah get to decide whether you’re guilty or not?

  No. Making the decision about your guilt or innocence is not left to the grand jury in Savannah. Ultimately, it is the judge who will give the final verdict. The main job of the grand jury is to help with hearing evidence and deciding whether the government has enough evidence to indict you and continue the criminal proceedings against you.

• When will a juvenile offender in Savannah be tried as an adult?

  Most of the time, minors in Savannah are prosecuted in a separate juvenile court system, which focuses on the rehabilitation of the youth. However, a court can try a juvenile as an adult if the prosecutor petitions the Supreme Court. In such cases, the child must be at least 15 years old when they committed the offense. Their criminal activity must also qualify as a felony if it were committed by an adult.

• In what cases will a defendant be given a restitution order in Savannah?

  Paying restitution, or the payment due to a victim for any harm caused by the offender’s acts, is not applicable to all criminal cases in Savannah. A defendant will be ordered by the court to pay restitution only in property crimes or crimes in which the victim has incurred medical bills as a result of the defendant’s actions.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.