Aggressive Criminal Defense in Marietta GA
Being arrested or accused of a crime is one of the most serious situations a person can face. A criminal conviction can land you in jail, cost you money, and damage your relationships and reputation for years to come. With so much at stake, you need effective legal representation on your side.
At The Law Office of Gregory Chancy, I believe that every person, regardless of what they’ve been accused of–deserves the best possible defense. I will fight tirelessly to achieve favorable outcomes for my clients.
Don’t ever assume your case is hopeless. You are innocent until proven guilty. Rely on my knowledge, skills, and experience to help you avoid or mitigate harsh penalties and get your life back on track.
Georgia’s laws designate crimes as either misdemeanors or felonies and assign sentences based on the nature and severity of the crime. Do not be fooled though, they are both equally as serious and can change the rest of your life for the worse if you do not act quickly and retain an effective criminal defense attorney!
A felony is the most serious type of criminal offense and carries penalties ranging from one year to life in state prison. Common felonies include DUI (fourth offense), vehicular homicide, murder, rape, drug trafficking, computer sex crimes, and felony assault. These cases are more complex and are always heard in Superior Courts, where judges and juries may both be involved. In Cobb County, felony cases are handled at the Superior Court, located at 70 Haynes Street in Marietta, Georgia.
A misdemeanor is a less severe offense than a felony but more serious than an infraction. It can result in up to one year in county or local jail and may include probation, fines, restitution, community service, or other penalties. Common misdemeanors include DUI, possession of marijuana, speeding, reckless driving, and other non-felony motor vehicle offenses. These cases are typically heard in Municipal or State Courts, where a judge resolves the matter without requiring a jury trial.
Cobb Defense Lawyers are experienced in all degrees and severity of crimes and have relationships with state and federal Prosecutors, Law Enforcement Officers, and Probation Officers. Relationships with these people and offices can play a key role in how criminal cases are resolved, hiring an attorney near you like Cobb Defense is your best chance at winning. Trust us to fight for your rights and freedom!
Generally the following events will occur in order:
Upon arrival at the jail, the arresting officer will take you to the booking area. Depending on the number of people waiting to be booked, you may be placed in a holding cell to wait your turn. The booking officer will enter your personal information into a computer system, take your fingerprints and mugshot photo. During this process, you should be notified if you are eligible for bail.
You will be allowed one phone call to a person of your choosing. This is often a family member or friend who in turn calls a bail bond company or lawyer on your behalf. Next, you will be put in a jail cell and remain there until you post bail or a judge orders you to be released. No matter who you call, you need them to call Cobb Criminal Defense to secure you a local attorney to assist with your case.
The purpose of an initial appearance is to make sure you are aware of the charges against you and to determine whether bail should be set. If you were arrested without a warrant, you will be brought before a magistrate judge within 48 hours of your arrest.
If bail is not set or you are unable to make bail, a preliminary hearing will be scheduled days later. The purpose of this hearing is for the magistrate judge to hear from both the prosecution and defense, evaluate the evidence and decide if there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. This is a key phase of the judicial process that you need your Cobb Criminal Defense Attorney at your side.
If probable cause is established and the case involves a misdemeanor, it will be forwarded to the appropriate court and a trial date is set. If the charge is a felony, the case will be forwarded to the district attorney for presentation to the grand jury.
An arraignment is a formal hearing in which the judge reads the charges against you and asks you to plead guilty or not guilty to the charge. In the majority of cases, clients plead not guilty and the case moves towards a trial. Your Cobb Criminal Defense Lawyer will create a plan and advise you through this process at your side.
In the early stages of the trial process, your Cobb Criminal Defense Attorney will take the time to gather evidence to build a strong defense and negotiate with the prosecutor to see if the case can be settled without going to trial. These negotiations are referred to as plea bargaining which is an attempt to strike a deal that reduces your charges or lightens your sentence.
When a favorable plea deal isn’t possible, it becomes necessary to fight the charges in court. Cobb Criminal Defense Lawyers have extensive courtroom experience and will be intimately involved in your case from selecting the jury, raising objections to improper evidence and testimony, cross-examining prosecution’s witnesses, and presenting your defense in the most passionate manner possible. Your Cobb Criminal Defense Attorney will not stop fighting to win for you!
There are generally four different ways to get out of jail following an arrest:
If you’re offered a public defender after an arrest, it’s crucial to weigh your options. Public defenders are qualified attorneys with law degrees and bar certifications, but they often handle large caseloads, limiting the time and attention they can dedicate to each case. Their focus may be less personal since they are assigned cases rather than choosing clients.
At Cobb Criminal Defense, we provide personalized representation tailored to your needs. We treat every case as if it were our own, leaving no detail overlooked and fighting tirelessly to protect your rights. Let us advocate for you.
