Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Sandy Springs, GA

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency situations, you can call the Sandy Springs Police Department at 770-551-6900.

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

  You can get a copy of the police report of a criminal case at the Sandy Springs Police Department located at 7840 Roswell Road, Suite 30, Sandy Springs.

• Should you consult an attorney if the police are questioning you in Sandy Springs?

  It is highly suggested to consult a lawyer if you are being questioned or investigated for a criminal offense in Sandy Springs. Since police officers are trained to find inconsistencies in answers and obtain admissions, an individual being questioned might say something that incriminates themself. Having a lawyer present for interrogations can help you protect your rights.

• Can you appeal a conviction in Sandy Springs?

  Yes. An individual found guilty in a conviction in Sandy Springs can file an appeal and request for the conviction to get overturned. To file an appeal, the defendant must file their motion for a new trial within 30 days of the verdict. This will give the defendant the time to present other evidence and a chance to convince the court to overturn the conviction and grant them a new trial.

• Can you get convicted if you are a first-offender in Sandy Springs?

  Under the First Offender Act in Georgia, individuals who committed a crime in Sandy Springs may be allowed to avoid conviction if they have never been convicted of a severe crime or a felony before. Individuals who plead guilty under the first-offender status may likely receive lesser punishment such as a reduced sentence or probation.

• Do you automatically qualify as a first-offender in Sandy Springs if you have never been convicted before?

  No, being a first-offender in Sandy Springs is not automatic. It is the defendant’s attorney who is responsible for informing them whether they are eligible to be sentenced as a first offender. The defendant should then inform the court that they are willing to enter the first-offender program and the judge will then decide if the defendant will be given the first-offender status.

• Can you have your criminal record expunged in Sandy Springs?

  Yes, an Individual with a criminal record in Sandy Springs may have their record expunged. However, only certain convictions are eligible for expungement and not all criminal records can be expunged. Some of the misdemeanor convictions that cannot be expunged include child molestation, family violence and sexual battery, public indecency, sex crimes against children, and certain theft crime convictions. Serious felony convictions, such as armed robbery and aggravated stalking, are also ineligible for expungement.

• 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.