Fitzgerald Criminal Defense Attorney

Everyone makes mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes can be serious and result in criminal charges. If that’s happened to you or a family member, all the resources of the police and prosecutor’s office could be focused on your case. You need the services of a knowledgeable, experienced criminal defense team to defend your rights, liberty and future.

Criminal offenses include felonies, misdemeanors and infractions. They cover the whole range of cases from traffic tickets to driving while intoxicated, burglary, assault and battery to murder. Whether you’re being investigated or have been charged with a crime, you need to take this matter seriously.

Being Charged With a Crime Is Not the Same as Being Found Guilty

Just because you’ve been charged with a crime doesn’t mean that you’ll be found guilty. Law enforcement doesn’t decide if you’re guilty or not — that’s up to a judge or jury. Don’t give up hope.

• There are many limits on criminal investigations. If Constitutional boundaries were crossed or procedures violated, a prosecutor may not be able to use evidence that was gathered and charges may be dropped or reduced.
• We may be able to establish you were not at the scene of the crime through witness testimony or other evidence.
• The prosecution carries a high burden of proof. Can they prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime?

Don’t blindly believe what the police or prosecutor is telling you. They want you to give up and plead guilty so they can close the case as quickly and easily as possible.

It’s never good to be arrested, but that’s not the end of the story. Your situation may not be as bad as you think. With the help from the right lawyer, you may be able to put this behind you.

If You Made a Mistake and Have Been Charged With a Crime, Don’t Make a Second Mistake By Trying to Represent Yourself

Despite the hurdles law enforcement faces, without legal counsel to help defend you it could result in a far greater impact for you and your family. Without knowledge of the law and how the criminal justice system works, you are not in a position to protect your rights and defend yourself.

• Are the evidence or statements obtained by the police admissible as evidence?
• Have mistakes been made in the investigation? If so, are they serious enough to have charges dismissed?
• If you’ve been offered a lighter sentence if you agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge, is it really a deal you should take?

If you’re being investigated or have been arrested, it’s critical that you at least discuss your case with an attorney so you can make an educated decision on what to do next.

Consequences of Being Found Guilty

Depending on the crime, its circumstances and the prior criminal record of the defendant, sentences could include the death penalty, lengthy prison sentences, restitution, thousands of dollars in fines, and/or probation; and if the conviction is for a sex-related crime, there could be limits on where you can live, where you can work and placement on a public sex offenders list.

A finding of guilt can also have very severe, practical impacts on you and your family:

• Because of time spent at criminal proceedings, with a probation officer or in jail, there’s a good chance you’ll lose your job, so you’ll be unable to support yourself or your family.
• The stress of the situation could result in the breakup of your family.
• The reputation you’ve developed with your family, friends and in your community will end.
• When you fill out job applications in the future, you may be asked to list any criminal convictions. If you answer truthfully, it may be the reason your application is rejected. If you’re not honest and don’t list your conviction, if your employer learns the truth you could be fired.
• If you have a professional or business license, it may be suspended or revoked; if you apply for one, it may be rejected.
• You may be deported if you’re an undocumented immigrant.

Find the Right Cordele Attorney to Protect Your Rights, Freedom and Future

Contact us so we can set up an appointment to talk about your situation. We can go over the facts, applicable laws and your options for moving forward. If you’re facing criminal charges in Tifton, McRae, Adel, Ocilla, Sylvester, Nashville, Moultrie, Hazlehurst, Cordele, Ashburn, Douglas, Abbeville or Fitzgerald, you’ll need to find an attorney you can trust to protect your rights and freedoms, someone with knowledge and experience who will work hard for you so you can obtain the best possible result.

We understand the stress and anxiety that comes with having to go through the criminal justice system with the future of your personal, professional and family life at stake. We fully support our clients and provide them with the excellent personal service and respect they deserve. Don’t give up hope — and don’t go it alone. Contact us today.