Trusted Criminal Lawyers in Athens, GA
After years of coming and going as you please, everything changes when you’re arrested. You feel an increased sense of anxiety and insecurity when you face charges and circumstances that complicate your life even further. We would tell you to relax if we thought it would help, but we know you have questions, not the least of which is “What do I do?”
Getting charged with a crime doesn’t just impact you today; it threatens your future as well. To make matters worse, becoming entangled in the system threatens your freedom, family, and finances. Being charged with a crime is one of the most nerve-wracking, stressful experiences someone can have.
“Criminal justice” has shown itself to be anything but just, and rehabilitation rarely works. The sentence doesn’t always fit the crime. Even when people have completed their sentences, they struggle with being outside again. We aren’t okay with that, so we’re going to fight for your rights and your future effectively and aggressively.
It is the best time to remain silent at the time of your arrest, even if you might want to start pleading with your case. Your words can and will be used against you, so be sure to exercise your right to remain silent for your best defense. If you are facing criminal charges, call an experienced Athens criminal lawyer to represent you.
What happens after I am arrested?
You shouldn’t be surprised if you’re not treated well. It’s a lofty idea that “innocent until proven guilty” holds, but it’s not widely practiced. Try to remain calm. Act respectfully and cooperatively. Do not use an alias (if you’re wondering why just call us). Give your real name and address. Contact a lawyer afterward.
If your loved one has been arrested, they will be taken to a county jail. It might take a little while for them to access a phone call, so please be patient. It’s essential to keep in mind that not all charges are bailable. You will be able to make a phone call when you find out what’s happening in your case. The following is the order of priority:
- Loved one
- Bondsman
- Criminal defense lawyer
The whole booking, bonding, and release process takes a lot longer than you expect, so you will have to be patient.
The district attorney’s office will keep searching for ways to make your charges stick after you are released. They are doing their job, so that’s fine. Our job is to protect your future, make sure you are treated fairly, and make sure you are protected under the law.
There is nothing easy about any of this. The journey is not going to be easy. You’re going to freak out a few times along the way. And you’ll see sides of yourself and others you wish you hadn’t. Our clients have confided in us during some of their most challenging times. We have witnessed the necessity for solid, dependable, experienced representation. That’s what we do, and it’s what we’re here for.
I agree, but how much does a criminal defense attorney cost?
A standard lawyer’s answer would be: It depends. Cases and defenses do not follow a set formula. Responses will vary depending on the facts of the case. We can tell you for sure that relying on a public defender or attempting to represent yourself will cost you everything.
We have a backlog of cases in our courts due to complicated criminal law. Different charges can be challenged in different ways. Because we have appeared in virtually every courtroom in Georgia, we have the experience and resources to take on the State and win.
There is no need for you to be surprised. The State has been working on your case long before your arrest. They may be planning something greater with your arrest. It is something they do well. So are we. If you wait too long to get in touch, you could waste more time, money, and energy. In addition, if you do not have a lawyer, by saying the wrong thing or saying too much, you could help their case and hurt yours.
The people who ask those questions know how to get the responses they want. Additionally, you don’t know what they know or what they’re fishing for. Being cooperative could harm your case. Take charge of your present or future, don’t play.
This will require some money on your part, but you’ll receive a skilled and compassionate defense in return. Get your free consultation by calling or texting 770-LAWSUIT to learn how we can help you and what it will take to get started.
The reputation of criminal defense lawyers isn’t the best.
So how do I find the best lawyer?
Follow your intuition as a first step, but knowing what you’re going through might make that difficult. You can figure out if your lawyer is right for you whether someone you trusted sold you out or you’re running scared:
01.
Is your lawyer treating you like you matter? The moment you feel respected and valued by someone, and if you feel safe in their presence, it should be a green light for you to proceed.
02.
Is your lawyer able to communicate with you in a way you understand? Defending yourself involves making some tricky decisions, and the law is complex. A good lawyer will explain the pros and cons of each option clearly. The conversation between you seems easy or effortless, and then chances are you have a level of trust that will come in handy if the case goes to trial.
03.
Has your lawyer ever tried a case before a jury? Even though most cases settle out of court, your lawyer is still required to have trial experience. We prepare cases as if we will go to trial because of the work we do in front of juries. Determine whether your lawyer has defended charges similar to yours, as well as their track record before juries.
Now, let’s talk about your record.
Let’s not mince words, and we’ve won more than we’ve lost. Many of our clients have faced life and walked away with time served. Others faced two decades and walked away within two years. How we handle your situation depends on your specific situation. In order to give you appropriate expectations, we need to get to know you and your case. The punishment will never be more severe than the crime, as we will always fight to prevent that from happening. We will do everything in our power to achieve a great result, but we don’t guarantee a specific outcome. The goal is to do our best so that you know we’ve got your back
Could you tell me a few ways you’ve got my back?
It can be lonely, stressful, and frightening to be incarcerated and face criminal charges. Our job is to help you feel at ease about our efforts to protect your rights. There is no need for you to face this alone because we will look out for you.
You can count on us to keep your story safe. The attorney-client privilege protects your communication. However, if you waive that privilege, things may change.
Our goal is to ensure that the State does not have an unfair advantage. If they bring anything that doesn’t follow the letter of the law, we will challenge it. Every time they say or do something that puts you in danger, we’ll hold them accountable.
Even though the State might offer you something, we may not think it’s in your best interest to accept it. For example, perhaps we think going to trial by jury would not be beneficial for you. We will therefore provide you with accurate information so that you can make a decision based on the best information available.
The State has a lot of lawyers on its side who have expertise in prosecuting criminal charges. These professionals understand how the judicial system works. When it comes to your case, these professionals will use that knowledge. So when you hire us, you will have a team of experts who are experienced in fighting criminal charges on your side. An advocate can make all the difference.
I deserve an advocate. Do you think you can help me?
To schedule a free consultation, you can text or call 770-LAWSUIT. Appointments are available in-office or on Zoom, depending on your preference. First, let’s discuss your case and what we can do to help. Then, let’s go over the next steps and fees together. Let us answer all of your questions. You will also receive the information you need to make an informed decision regarding whether or not we are the right lawyers to represent you.
