Marietta Gang Charges Lawyer

Marietta Gang Charges Attorney

Any criminal charge can be intimidating, but it can be even more so if you are facing a gang-related criminal accusation. The prosecution and law enforcement will aggressively pursue gang charges, so it is crucial to speak with an experienced Marietta gang charges lawyer.

Experienced Gang Charges Lawyer in Marietta, GA

The attorney you choose to represent you after you have been accused of gang charges is a pivotal decision. The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman can listen to the specifics of your case, then help you explore potential outcomes and the choices that should be made to get there. While helping you navigate this challenging time, our office can handle your case with the skill, professionalism, and compassion you deserve. We also defend clients facing serious allegations such as drug crime, gun crime, and murder.

Georgia Gang Activity

The Georgia Gang Investigators Association (GGIA) conducted a survey and found that there are more than 127,000 known gang members who represent approximately 1,900 violent crime gangs in Georgia. It was also found that 65% of all crime in Georgia can be attributed to these gangs. Additionally, gang membership has increased by 80% since 2018.

In response to this surge in gang membership and high rate of gang-related crimes, Georgia law enforcement and prosecution have dramatically increased their focus on gangs. Though there is some evidence to show that this aggressive prosecution has reduced total crime in the state, there are consequences. It has become more common for individuals to be overcharged or incorrectly charged with a gang crime, and the civil rights of those investigated or arrested may be violated.

When facing any criminal charges, but especially gang activity charges or gang affiliation charges, it is of the utmost importance that you speak with an experienced criminal defense team like The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman. Our team understands the nuances of these charges and can help you reach a favorable outcome for your situation.

Creating a Strong Defense Against Gang Activity Charges in Marietta

Though it may seem hopeless to fight charges as serious as gang activity charges, there are often routes that can be used to create a strong argument for charge dismissal or reduction, or even to reach a plea deal with the prosecution. A quality defense can also include a strategy for a reduced sentence if you are found guilty during a trial.

One of the most effective defense strategies targets the four criteria the prosecution is required to prove in gang cases: 

1. The defendant, either directly or indirectly, is associated with a gang.
2. The gang meets the criminal street gang definition stated in O.C.G.A § 16-15-3.
3. The crime the defendant is accused of committing falls within the parameters stated in O.C.G.A § 16-15-3.
4. The defendant committed the crime with the intent of advancing the interests of the gang.

If the prosecution fails to prove each of these conditions, then you are likely to have a strong defense for charge dismissal or reduction. Since you can be charged for the originating crime as well as for gang activity, getting the gang activity charges removed can significantly reduce the criminal penalties you face.

Creativity and knowledge are two important parts of building a compelling defense strategy. With decades of experience, The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman can work tenaciously to explore all potential defense methods for your case.

Hire a Gang Charges Lawyer in Marietta, GA

The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman is committed to supporting our community members in the northwest Atlanta suburbs. Choosing a dedicated and competent legal team is an important early step if you are facing criminal charges. We are the right choice if you have been accused of gang crimes because we are:

• Experienced: Our team has more than 25 years of experience helping our community fight criminal charges. We bring this wealth of knowledge to every case we work on.
• Dedicated: Once we are retained by you, we can be committed to seeing your case through to the end. Even in the face of challenges, we can remain steadfast in our support.
• Compassionate: Being accused of or charged with a crime can be terrifying. We can approach you and your case with a clear understanding of your position and without judgment for any events that occurred.

FAQs

Do I Need an Attorney if I Have Been Accused of Criminal Gang Activity?

If you have been accused of criminal gang activity, it is incredibly important that you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. The potential consequences of a conviction include a felony on your criminal record, between five and 20 years in prison, and thousands of dollars in fines. A criminal defense attorney can help you reach a favorable outcome for your specific situation.

How Much Does a Gang Charge Lawyer Cost in Marietta, GA?

The total amount you can expect to pay a gang charge lawyer in Marietta, GA, depends on several factors, including the severity of the charges, the complexity of the case, and how fast it can be resolved. Simpler cases with less severe charges that can be resolved with a plea negotiation before trial will generally cost less to defend than more complex cases that must be resolved through trial.

What Are Potential Defense Strategies for Gang Activity Charges?

If you have been accused of gang activity charges, potential defense strategies depend heavily on the circumstances of the crime you have been accused of committing. One potential defense strategy against gang activity charges is that a crime was committed, but there was no connection to a gang.

A gang connection can sometimes make jurors more likely to convict, so it is important to get this charge dismissed. This can also significantly reduce the potential criminal penalties that you face.

Can I Still Be Charged With Gang Activity if I Was Not Directly Connected to a Crime?

It is possible to be charged with gang activity if you were not directly related to a crime. The statute clearly states several times that you can still be charged with gang activity if you were indirectly connected to a crime. This means you do not need to have been the person who committed the crime to be facing gang activity charges.

Accused of Gang Activity? Contact The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman

If you have been accused of or charged with gang activity, The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman can help. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation to see how.