Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Macon, GA

FAQs

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

  478-472-8765 is the non-emergency line for the local police station in Macon, Georgia.

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

  Please contact the Sheriff's Office in Macon, Georgia, during normal business hours to acquire a copy of your report. To request and get a copy of the report, you must submit a case number and other identifying information, and you must be a named, involved party in the case or an authorized representative of a named, involved party in the case. You must also complete a Statement of Need Form and show valid government photo identification. A cost of 25 cents per page will be charged.

• What should you expect from a criminal defense lawyer in Macon?

  Macon criminal defense attorneys generally defend the liberty and legal rights of those accused of felony and misdemeanor crimes. They deal with criminal cases, including appeals and sentence modifications. They may be able to persuade the court to dismiss the allegations or reduce your sentence. In many cases, they can assist you in avoiding jail or criminal records. If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, you should seek the advice of an experienced Macon criminal defense attorney.

• What questions should you ask before hiring a Macon criminal defense attorney?

  It is essential to prepare and ask questions about your case before hiring a Macon criminal defense attorney. You can inquire about the cases that lawyers have successfully handled. You should particularly ask about your attorney's criminal law training and experience. You may also ask them what they intend to do to help you build your case. Additionally, they should be able to inform you what the likely outcomes of your case are and what courts normally do in cases like yours.

• How long can criminal charges be filed in Macon, Georgia?

  In Macon, Georgia, the court has two years to file an allegation in a misdemeanor case and four years to indict a felony, however the statute of limitations does not apply once charged or indicted. For felonies against child victims and felonies punishable by death or life imprisonment, the standard restriction is seven years. Murder does not have a time limit.

• Do you need to hire a Macon criminal defense attorney if you plan on pleading guilty?

  If you want to plead guilty and have not contacted a Macon criminal defense lawyer, you are placing yourself at an unnecessary disadvantage. Most defense attorneys would urge you to plead guilty only in particular circumstances, and pleading not guilty is a far more common plea among criminal law defendants. An experienced defense attorney may typically discover flaws or contradictions in a prosecutor's case against you, implying that pleading guilty may not be in your best interests.

• What are the common defenses to criminal charges in Macon?

  In Macon, typical defenses to criminal accusations include improper police procedures and constitutional rights breaches like as inadequate evidence or an illegal search. Justification defenses, such as self-defense or acting in defense of others, may also be applicable. Common defenses include abandonment of effort, coercion, delusional compulsion, impossibility, and insanity. It is advisable to hire a Macon criminal defense attorney who can investigate every aspect of your case to discover what criminal defenses are applicable to your scenario.

• 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.