Brookhaven Violent Crime Lawyer

Violent Crime

Violent Crime Attorney in Brookhaven, GA

With the potential for long prison sentences, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record, a violent crime conviction can have significant repercussions on the rest of your life. A Brookhaven, GA, violent crime lawyer can prevent intrusions on your rights during an investigation and can fight back against the heavy penalties you may face.

The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman: Skilled Violent Crime Lawyers

The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman is dedicated to providing aggressive criminal defense. We have over 25 years of experience and a thorough understanding of Georgia’s violent crime laws, which we use to create a personalized legal strategy for every case. We know it can be stressful to be faced with criminal charges, but we seek to make this process easier by answering your questions and offering experienced legal guidance.

Understanding Violent Crime Charges in Brookhaven

Violent crimes are some of the most severe offenses. In 2024, there were 33,414 violent crimes in Georgia. DeKalb County has a violent crime rate of 730.6 crimes per 100,000 people, one of the highest rates in the state. Violent crimes are offenses that involve using force or the threat of force against another person.

The Brookhaven Police Department, located in the Brookhaven Municipal Courthouse, has primary jurisdiction over most violent crime cases. If you are being charged with a violent crime, they will likely be the agency to conduct the arrest and investigation. In a violent crime case, law enforcement will gather evidence that proves your guilt. This may include police reports, witness statements, or DNA evidence. A lawyer can help you build a defense against this evidence.

Types of Violent Crime Cases We Handle

No matter what violent crime you are charged with, The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman can help. Each violent crime has unique sentencing guidelines, requiring a strong defense strategy tailored to each case. Some common violent crime cases we handle include:

• Murder
• Manslaughter
• Domestic Violence
• Rape
• Aggravated Assault
• Kidnapping
• Carjacking

According to one of Georgia’s violent crime laws, known as the Seven Deadly Sins law, some violent felonies face mandatory minimum sentences for first offenders and life in prison for repeat offenders or for murder offenses. These sentences are not eligible for parole. It is extremely important to hire a violent crime lawyer if you are facing violent crime charges, as they can have a devastating impact on your future. The offenses covered by this law are:

• Murder
• Kidnapping
• Armed robbery
• Rape
• Aggravated sodomy
• Aggravated child molestation
• Aggravated sexual battery

Why You Should Hire a Violent Crime Lawyer

A Brookhaven violent crime lawyer can help you during this process by:

• Protecting your rights: During an arrest and investigation into a violent offense, you have the right against self-incrimination and unreasonable searches and seizures. A lawyer can safeguard these rights by communicating on your behalf and advising you on whether a search is required, depending on whether the police officer has a warrant or probable cause. In protecting your rights, a lawyer can control what evidence the police obtain.
• Analyzing evidence: Analyzing the evidence against you can identify strong defense strategies. A lawyer can spot faulty evidence, such as mishandled DNA evidence or unreliable witness testimony. They can also identify evidence that was obtained during an illegal search. By filing a motion to suppress this evidence, a lawyer can prevent weak evidence from being used against you, which could threaten the prosecution’s case.
• Negotiating for decreased penalties: A lawyer can identify a strategic legal defense for your charges. Through their negotiations and advocacy for your case, they can achieve outcomes including:
  • Not-guilty verdicts
  • A plea bargain for reduced charges
  • Dismissed charges based on a lack of evidence or police misconduct
  • Alternative sentencing options

FAQs

What Penalties Can You Face for a Violent Crime?

The penalties you can face depend on what crime you are charged with, the circumstances of your offense, and your criminal history, though many crimes share similar penalties. Common penalties include incarceration, fines, probation or parole, and a permanent criminal record. A Brookhaven violent crime attorney can explain the possible consequences you may face and negotiate for lighter penalties.

What Happens When You Are Arrested for a Violent Crime in Brookhaven, GA?

When you are arrested for a violent crime in Brookhaven, GA, the police will transport you to a nearby police department or county jail for booking. This involves recording basic personal information, filing a police report, and taking photos and fingerprints. While you should comply with this process, avoid answering questions about the crime or consenting to searches of your property without a lawyer present, even if you believe it can clear your name.

What Are the Four Most Common Violent Crimes?

The four most common violent crimes are aggravated assault, rape, robbery, and murder. These crimes are tracked by the FBI, which reports that aggravated assault is the most common violent crime, making up 71.3% of all violent crime reports. While less common than aggravated assault, robbery, murder, and rape are still some of the most common crimes. These four crimes are typically classified as felonies in Georgia, resulting in long prison sentences and even death.

What Reasons Can Lead to a Higher Sentence in a Violent Crime Case?

Many factors, known as aggravating factors, can increase the sentence for a violent crime. Common aggravating factors in a violent crime case include prior criminal convictions, the involvement of a deadly weapon or firearm, causing serious bodily injury or death, premeditation, affiliation with a gang, or if the crime was against a vulnerable class of victims, such as the elderly or a child.

Learn How a Brookhaven Violent Crime Attorney Can Help

With the extreme penalties a violent crime conviction can bring, fighting back can seem impossible. Working with a Brookhaven, GA violent crime lawyer is one of the optimal ways to achieve not guilty verdicts or an acquittal. At The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman, we provide relentless advocacy and strategic criminal defense for clients in Brookhaven. Contact us today for a free case consultation to learn how a skilled lawyer can bring reduced penalties or prove your innocence.