Alpharetta Criminal Defense Attorney
Helping You Regain Control After Criminal Charges
Facing a criminal charge in Alpharetta can put everything you have worked for at risk. Learn how Farnsworth & Murphy’s criminal defense attorneys can fight for you from day one.
When You Need an Alpharetta Criminal Defense Attorney
A criminal charge in Alpharetta, Georgia can change your life. A conviction can cost you your job, your housing, your freedom, and your reputation. The stakes are real, and so is the need for an informed defense from the moment charges are filed.
At Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC, we help people in Alpharetta and throughout the Atlanta metro area who are facing serious criminal charges. Georgia law is strict, and local prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively. Whether you are dealing with a DUI, a drug charge, an assault allegation, or a more serious felony, what you do immediately can affect everything that follows.
Criminal charges move fast in Georgia. From your first court appearance to how evidence is handled, early decisions carry real weight. The right defense strategy depends on the specific facts of your case — the charges filed, the evidence involved, and the laws that apply. An Alpharetta criminal defense attorney who understands Georgia courts and criminal procedure can review your case, explain your options honestly, and protect your rights at every stage.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney
in Alpharetta Can Help
When you are accused of a crime, the pressure to act quickly is real. Every day that passes without an attorney is a day prosecutors can build their case while you have no one fighting for you. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to challenge evidence, locate witnesses, and identify gaps in the State’s case before they close.
At Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC, we step in from day one. Our defense work begins with a careful examination of how law enforcement handled your case. We look at whether the stop was legal, whether evidence was gathered properly, and whether your constitutional rights were respected throughout the arrest and charging process. Under the Fourth Amendment, evidence obtained through an unlawful detention or an improper search can be suppressed. Our attorneys know how to find those problems and use them to challenge the State’s case.
We build a defense plan around the specific facts of your situation. No two cases get the same approach, and no client is left in the dark. You will always know what is happening, what your options are, and what we are doing to protect you.
DUI Defense in Alpharetta, GA
DUI is among the most frequently charged offenses in Alpharetta, and Georgia prosecutes these cases aggressively. A first-offense DUI misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail, fines, mandatory community service, and a license suspension. Repeat offenses bring escalating consequences, and a DUI conviction creates a permanent criminal record affecting employment, insurance, and professional licenses.
Daniel Farnsworth spent three years prosecuting DUI and misdemeanor cases for the Fulton County Solicitor’s Office. That experience gives Farnsworth & Murphy direct insight into how Georgia prosecutors build DUI cases — and where those cases can be attacked. Field sobriety test procedures, breathalyzer calibration, the lawfulness of the traffic stop, and implied consent warnings are all subject to challenge.
Drug Charges in Alpharetta
Drug possession, distribution, and trafficking charges in Georgia escalate sharply based on the substance and quantity involved. While Alpharetta has a local ordinance reducing penalties for small amounts of marijuana, possession of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and prescription drugs without a valid prescription remains a serious criminal offense. Drug cases frequently hinge on the lawfulness of the search that produced the evidence — an unlawful search can result in suppression of everything found.
Violent Crime and Theft Charges in Alpharetta
Violent crime charges — including assault, battery, aggravated assault, domestic violence, and robbery — carry serious felony exposure in Georgia, including mandatory minimums for certain offenses. Theft charges range from misdemeanor shoplifting to felony burglary, and even minor theft convictions affect background checks, employment, and housing applications long after any sentence is served.
Defense strategies in these cases focus on challenging intent, disputing witness credibility, questioning the lawfulness of searches and seizures, and — where applicable — asserting Georgia’s Stand Your Ground statute (O.C.G.A. § 16-3-21). Every case is evaluated on its own facts before a strategy is set.
Your Rights During a Criminal Investigation or Arrest
You have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. You have the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment. You have the right to counsel. If you are arrested or approached by law enforcement in Alpharetta, exercise those rights calmly and contact a defense attorney before answering any questions.
Statements made to law enforcement without an attorney present are among the most common ways defendants harm their own cases. You are not required to cooperate beyond identifying yourself, and doing so often makes the prosecution’s job significantly easier.
Alpharetta Courts and Jurisdiction
Criminal cases in Alpharetta are handled in several courts depending on the charge. Alpharetta Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and certain traffic offenses. County-level misdemeanor cases go to Fulton County State Court. Felony charges are prosecuted in Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta. Federal offenses fall under the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Farnsworth & Murphy is admitted to practice in all of these courts.
Why Alpharetta Clients Choose Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC
The firm you hire can change everything. Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC has handled criminal cases in Georgia since 1992 — more than three decades of courtroom work across the state. Here is what sets us apart.
Daniel Farnsworth has been practicing criminal defense since 2005. Before co-founding this firm, he spent three years as a DUI and misdemeanor prosecutor with the Fulton County Solicitor’s Office. That time on the prosecution side gives him a direct view into how the State builds its cases — and precisely where they can be challenged.
He has argued before the Georgia Supreme Court and the Georgia Court of Appeals, including cases where convictions were reversed due to insufficient evidence or procedural error.
Michael Murphy has been practicing since 2011. Before joining Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC, he worked as a Senior Associate at one of the largest criminal defense firms in Georgia. Michael is a graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College and has handled cases ranging from serious felony charges to traffic infractions across Georgia’s state and federal courts.
Courts Where Our Attorneys Are Admitted
Daniel and Michael are admitted to practice in the following courts:
- Superior Courts of the State of Georgia
- Georgia Court of Appeals
- Supreme Court of Georgia
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
Awards and Recognition
Our attorneys have been recognized by several independent legal rating organizations:
- Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers Rising Star
- Rising Star, Atlanta Magazine
- Legal Elite, Georgia Trend Magazine
- AVVO Client Choice Award
Criminal Defense Cases We Handle in Alpharetta
- DUI and traffic offenses
- Drug possession, distribution, and trafficking
- Violent crimes (assault, battery, robbery, domestic violence)
- Theft, shoplifting, burglary, and fraud
- Federal criminal charges
- Criminal appeals
Whether you are facing a misdemeanor in Alpharetta Municipal Court or a felony in Fulton County Superior Court, we have the experience to handle your case from the first call through resolution.
Learn more about our team and approach on our About Us page.
What to Expect After a Criminal Charge in Alpharetta
Criminal cases in Georgia move through several stages, and each one matters. Here is what you can expect from the moment of arrest through resolution.
Stage 1 — Arrest and Booking
After an arrest in Alpharetta, you are taken to the Fulton County Jail for booking. This happens quickly — often within hours. You should not answer questions without an attorney present. Our firm can work to secure your release on bond as quickly as possible.
Stage 2 — First Appearance and Bond Hearing
Georgia law requires a first court appearance within 72 hours of arrest. A judge sets bond at this hearing based on the charge, your history, and flight risk. We argue for the lowest possible bond so you can return home while your case proceeds.
Stage 3 — Preliminary Hearing or Grand Jury
For felony charges, Georgia uses a preliminary hearing or grand jury process to decide whether the case goes to trial. This stage can take weeks to a few months. We review all available evidence during this period, looking closely at problems in the arrest, the search, or the charges themselves.
Stage 4 — Arraignment and Pre-Trial Motions
At arraignment, you enter a formal plea. Most clients plead not guilty at this stage. Pre-trial motions follow — this is where we can ask the court to suppress evidence obtained illegally. This stage can last several months in Fulton County Superior Court. A successful suppression motion can remove the foundation of the prosecution’s case.
Stage 5 — Negotiation, Trial, or Resolution
Many cases resolve through negotiation before trial. If a fair outcome is not on the table, the case goes before a jury. Trial can take one day or several, depending on the charges. At every stage, you make the final decision on whether to accept a resolution or take the case to court. We do not push clients toward settlement when a better outcome is available at trial.
Timelines vary. A misdemeanor may resolve in a few months in Alpharetta Municipal Court. A felony can take a year or more in Fulton County Superior Court. Staying in contact with your attorney at each step keeps you prepared.
Speak With an Alpharetta Criminal Defense Attorney Today
A criminal charge in Georgia moves fast. The sooner you get legal help, the more time there is to review your case, challenge the evidence, and build a strong defense.
At Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC, every client in Alpharetta gets a clear and honest look at their situation. No pressure, no empty promises. We are here to answer your questions and help you understand your options from day one.
Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC offers free consultations for criminal defense matters throughout Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Marietta, and all of Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties. Contact us today to get started.
Directions From Alpharetta to Our Atlanta Office
Clients from Alpharetta can meet with Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC at 6400 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 360, Atlanta, GA 30339. The office is approximately 18–20 miles from central Alpharetta, and the drive commonly takes about 25–35 minutes depending on traffic.
A common route from Alpharetta follows GA-400 South toward I-285, providing convenient access to the Powers Ferry Road area.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if I was arrested but have not been charged yet?
The time between arrest and formal charges is critical. A criminal defense attorney can act immediately to protect your rights before the prosecutor decides what charges to file. Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present.
2. Can charges be reduced or dismissed before trial in Georgia?
Yes, in some cases. If the evidence is weak or procedural errors occurred, a prosecutor may reduce or dismiss charges before trial. Your attorney can review the facts early and work toward the best available outcome before the case reaches court.
3. How long does a criminal case in Alpharetta typically take?
A misdemeanor in Alpharetta Municipal Court may resolve in a few weeks to a few months. Felony cases in Fulton County Superior Court can take a year or more depending on the charges and complexity. Cases that go to trial take longer. We keep clients informed at every stage.
4. Will a criminal conviction in Georgia stay on my record permanently?
Some convictions may be eligible for record restriction under Georgia law, depending on the offense and the outcome of the case. An attorney can advise you on whether your case qualifies after it is resolved. Arrests that did not result in conviction are generally eligible for restriction.
5. Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge in Alpharetta?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor conviction creates a permanent criminal record affecting employment, housing, and professional licenses. An attorney can often negotiate for reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or dismissal that would not be available to an unrepresented defendant. The consequences of a conviction frequently far exceed the fine or jail time stated in the charge.
Free Initial Consultation
Call Farnsworth & Murphy LLC at 470-601-7056 or fill out our easy-to-use online form to get in touch and schedule a free initial consultation.
