Aggressive Defense For Major Felony Charges In Henry County

An arrest on suspicion of a major felony is a serious threat to a person’s freedom and future. Fighting back is a healthy response to felony charges. Your determination to reclaim your future can make the difference that you need to overcome this difficult situation.

At Sexton & Moody, P.C., our criminal defense lawyers stand beside the accused. With extensive experience in the Georgia criminal justice system, they have the skills and experience to protect the rights of the accused. They strive to ensure that each defendant has a chance at a positive way forward. Our McDonough felony lawyers represent clients facing criminal charges in Henry County and throughout its surrounding Georgia communities.

Experienced Criminal Defense For Complex Serious Felony Crimes

Defending clients against serious felony crimes can require complex legal strategies. At Sexton & Moody, P.C., our criminal defense lawyers represent clients charged with serious felony crimes, including:

• Homicide: Homicide crimes involve the wrongful killing of another and include murder and voluntary or involuntary manslaughter.
• Sex crimes: Serious sex crimes include dangerous sexual offenses like aggravated assault with intent to rape, rape, sex crimes against children and sexual battery. Sex crimes can be prosecuted in state or federal courts.
• Aggravated assault: In Georgia, if one person assaults another with the intent to rape, rob or murder them, they can be charged with aggravated assault.
• Firearm charges: Most weapons crimes in Georgia are prosecuted as misdemeanor crimes. However, the possession of a firearm as a convicted felon is a serious felony charge.
• White collar crimes: Financially motivated white collar crimes like embezzlement, fraud and forgery can be charged as felonies depending on the circumstances of the alleged criminal activity. Serious white collar crimes can include securities fraud and securities violations.

A felony conviction for a serious crime will likely result in serious prison time. With so much at stake, don’t risk your future. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can fight on your behalf to protect your rights and freedom.

What Are Common Consequences Of A Major Felony Conviction In Georgia?

If you are convicted of a serious felony crime, your penalties may include:

• Lengthy incarceration in state prison, with a prison sentence of a year or longer
• High fines of $1000 or more

Other negative consequences are possible, too. A conviction can have long-term effects on your future. For example, your driver’s license could be suspended. If you are convicted of a sex crime, a conviction could require that you register on the state and national sex offender registries. If you are convicted of a serious felony drug crime, you could lose eligibility for federal student loans. Furthermore, you may be banned from owning firearms in the future and may be disqualified from voting. If you have violated probation by committing any crime, you may also face punishments that were deferred with a probation sentence.

No matter what crime you have been accused of, an experienced defense attorney can make sure you understand the potential consequences in the event of a conviction.

What Are Serious Or Violent Felonies In Georgia?

Murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, aggravated sodomy, aggravated sexual battery and aggravated child molestation are all examples of violent felonies. Other serious felonies include repeat offenses, crimes committed along with weapons or terroristic threats, a crime committed with a weapon, a crime against a member of a vulnerable population (such as an elderly or disabled person) and sexual battery or enticement of a child under age 16.

Is There A Statute Of Limitations For Felonies In Georgia?

Typically, statutes of limitations, or the time limit for filing charges for a serious crime in Georgia, include the following:

• For felonies punishable by the death penalty or prison for life: The statute of limitations for filing charges is seven years.
• For felonies committed against children: The statute of limitations for filing charges is seven years.
• For other felonies: The statute of limitations for filing charges is four years.

For some criminal offenses in Georgia, there is no statute of limitation. These include all types of murder, rape, kidnapping and armed robbery that can be verified through DNA samples.

When Does Assault Become A Felony?

In Georgia, assault becomes a felony when there are aggravating factors. Aggravating factors will elevate the seriousness of an assault crime. Aggravated assault can include:

• Using a deadly weapon
• Intending to rob, rape or murder someone
• Discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle

In addition, if the victim is a police officer or a minor child, a crime could be charged as an aggravated assault or felony. If you have been charged with aggravated assault, our criminal defense lawyers can explain the nuances that allowed prosecutors to charge your crime as a felony.

How Often Do Felony Cases Go To Trial?

In Georgia, not all felony cases go to trial. Many criminal cases are resolved through plea bargains. In a plea bargain, the accused agrees to plead guilty, usually to a lesser charge. In exchange, the defendant receives a reduced sentence, usually with less prison time.

However, some cases do proceed to trial, especially if there are disputes over the facts or evidence. The decision to go to trial depends on multiple factors, including the strength of the prosecution’s case and the advice of your attorney.

Our felony defense attorneys carefully evaluate each case to determine the best course of action. Our lawyers have an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system and are committed to fighting for your rights, whether that means negotiating a favorable plea deal or vigorously defending you in court.

Consult A McDonough Felony Defense Lawyer For A Free Consultation

Don’t risk a prison sentence. Start moving forward to reclaim your future after an arrest. Even if you have learned that you are being investigated on suspicion of a serious crime, don’t wait.

Our McDonough felony lawyers at Sexton & Moody, P.C., offer a free initial consultation. To schedule your free appointment, call 770-692-9495 and send an online inquiry.