Sandy Springs Violent Crime Lawyer

Sandy Springs Violent Crime Attorney

Facing violent crime charges can come with life-altering consequences. These crimes are some of the most heavily prosecuted in Georgia, and you will need a strong defense to keep you from dealing with harsh penalties. Whether you’re faced with aggravated assault charges from a misunderstanding in Hammond Park or armed robbery charges, you need a Sandy Springs violent crime lawyer who can fight for you.

The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman: Your Sandy Springs Violent Crime Lawyer

At The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman, we have been fighting for clients’ rights for over 25 years. During this time of service, our lead attorney has gained the recognition of clients, the media, and peers as one of the Atlanta-area leaders in criminal defense. As a past President of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, our firm’s leader has worked closely with local trial courts, the Supreme Court, and various government agencies to defend his clients in matters ranging from white collar crime to complex federal criminal defense.

Understanding Violent Crime Charges in Sandy Springs

In Georgia, violent crimes typically include some kind of force or the threat of force being used against another individual. These crimes can range in severity, and so can the resulting penalties. Sandy Springs currently has a violent crime rate of 1.68 per 1,000 residents. No matter the severity of the alleged crime, the prosecution involved will not take their jobs lightly. At The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman, we have defended clients against the following charges:

• Aggravated assault: This charge is defined as the attack upon another individual with the intent to cause the victim severe or aggravated bodily harm. It often includes the use of a deadly weapon. Penalties for an aggravated assault conviction can include hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, decades in prison, and probation.
• Rape or attempted rape: In Georgia, rape is defined as any act of sexual intercourse that is not consensual and committed through the use of force, coercion, or threat of force. Both rape and attempted rape are serious offenses in the state and are punishable by imprisonment and hefty fines.
• Voluntary manslaughter: This charge is defined as the unpremeditated killing of another individual. It involves a death that was not planned ahead of time. One example might be an individual coming home to find their spouse caught up in an affair and reacting violently.
• Murder: This charge arises when an individual has allegedly killed another with intent. These cases can prove to be extremely complex and often involve witness reports and forensic evidence. In Georgia, the degrees of murder, such as malice murder, felony murder, and second degree murder each carry severe penalties and require a strategic defense. You do not want to gamble with your future in a murder case, and it is vital to hire a violent crime lawyer.
• Aggravated battery of a police officer: This crime arises when an individual allegedly causes physical harm to local police officers, deputies working with the Sheriff’s office, officers in a correctional facility, or state highway patrol members, or makes intentional contact to insult or provoke the officer.
• Cruelty to children: This crime involves physical or mental harm caused to a child, either through neglect or intention. In addition to criminal charges in these cases, you may also lose custody of your children.
• Involuntary manslaughter: This is the act of unpremeditated killing that occurs due to negligence or accident. One example may involve a case in which a drunk driver causes a vehicle accident that results in the death of another driver or passenger.
• Kidnapping or false imprisonment: This charge arises when an individual is accused of unlawfully removing or confining another against their will. False imprisonment occurs when someone is illegally detained without legal authority.

This list is not exhaustive, and there are many more crimes labeled as violent in Georgia, including complex distinctions such as homicide vs. murder vs. manslaughter in Georgia. For this reason, reaching out to an attorney as soon as you are aware you are under investigation is crucial.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Legal Process for Violent Crime Cases in Sandy Springs, GA?

A: In Sandy Springs, GA, when facing violent crime charges, it is important that you understand the legal process involved and your rights at each step. Key aspects of the violent crime legal process include arraignment, where you will be formally charged and allowed to enter a plea; discovery, where both sides will exchange evidence; pre-trial motions, the trial itself, and sentencing.

Q: How Can I Defend Against a Violent Crime Charge?

A: There are several key defense strategies that can be used to defend clients against a violent crime charge. These defenses typically include self-defense, mistaken identity, lack of intent or evidence, acting in the defense of others, establishing a valid alibi, or acting under duress. Your attorney can review your case and determine which defense works for you.

Q: Can a Conviction for a Violent Crime Affect My Employment?

A: Yes, being convicted of a violent crime can impact your future employment opportunities. There is around a 30% unemployment rate for felons upon their reentry to society after serving their prison sentence. Most employers will conduct a background check when they consider hiring you, and will be more hesitant to hire an individual with a criminal record.

Q: How Is a Sentence Determined for a Violent Crime Conviction in GA?

A: In Georgia, the sentences involved with violent crime convictions will be determined based on several factors. These include the severity of the crime itself, if the defendant has any past criminal history, the circumstances that surrounded the crime, and impact statements from the victims. For some crimes, there are also certain mandatory sentences that must be adhered to.

Defend Your Freedom by Contacting The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman Today: Hire a Violent Crime Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been charged with a violent crime in Sandy Springs, the time to act is now. Don’t wait. Your rights, future, and freedom are on the line. At The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman, we understand the high stakes involved in these cases and are ready to approach your case with the dedication and urgency it deserves. Contact our offices today to schedule a free consultation and hire a violent crime lawyer.