Working With A Decatur Criminal Defense Attorney
A criminal charge in Decatur, Georgia, puts real things at risk. Your job, your housing, your freedom, all of it can be affected by how your case is handled. At Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC, we help people in Decatur and across Georgia face criminal charges with a clear head and a solid legal plan.
Georgia law moves fast after an arrest. DeKalb County courts have their own procedures, and missing a deadline or making a wrong move early on can limit your options later. The charge itself, whether it is a DUI, a drug offense, assault, or something more serious, carries consequences that can follow you for years.
A conviction can mean jail time, steep fines, probation, or a permanent mark on your record that affects background checks, housing applications, and more.
Knowing what you are up against is the first step. Georgia prosecutors build their cases quickly, and the strength of your defense often depends on what happens in the early days after an arrest. Our attorneys review the facts of your case, look at how the arrest was made, and examine the state’s evidence to find out where your options lie.
Farnsworth and Murphy, LLC has handled drug crimes, DUI charges, violent offenses, and more for clients throughout the m
How A Decatur Criminal Defense Attorney At Farnsworth And Murphy Can Help
When you are charged with a crime in DeKalb County, the state starts building its case right away. Most people do not know what evidence the prosecution has, what their rights are, or what options are available to them. The longer you wait to get legal help, the harder it becomes to challenge that evidence and protect your future.
At Farnsworth and Murphy, LLC, our first step is always a close look at the facts. We review what happened, how the arrest was made, and what evidence the state has. That review shapes everything we do next.
Probable cause, search and seizure rights, and proper police procedure all matter in Georgia courts under the Fourth Amendment. If law enforcement made a mistake, whether in obtaining a warrant, conducting a search, or following procedural rules, we find it. Small errors can change the outcome of a case.
We handle a wide range of charges in the Decatur area. That includes DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, robbery, and serious felonies. Each charge gets its own defense plan based on the facts of that case.
Our goal is to find a path forward suited to your situation. That may mean pushing to have charges reduced. It may mean going to trial. It may mean working out a deal that protects your record and your future. We pursue whatever option fits your situation.
You will always know where your case stands. We explain the law in plain terms and keep you informed at every turn. You make the decisions. We give you the knowledge to make them well. Strong defense work in DeKalb County courts takes preparation. We do that work so you are never caught off guard.
Why Decatur Clients Trust Farnsworth and Murphy, LLC
After a criminal charge in Decatur, choosing the right defense lawyer can make a difference. Here are some qualities that distinguish Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC from other firms.
30 Years of Combined Defense Experience
Before joining the firm, Daniel Farnsworth spent three years as a DUI and misdemeanor prosecutor at the Fulton County Solicitor’s Office. That time on the state’s side shows him exactly how the prosecution builds its cases and where to find the weak points. He has been practicing criminal defense since 2005.
Michael Murphy trained at the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College and spent years as a senior associate at one of Georgia’s largest criminal defense firms before joining Farnsworth & Murphy. While in law school, he interned at the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, handling a broad range of cases with a heavy focus on felony charges. He has appeared in courtrooms across Georgia, handling everything from serious felonies to minor traffic offenses.
Awards and Industry Recognition
-
Super Lawyers
-
Super Lawyers Rising Star
-
Legal Elite, Georgia Trend Magazine
-
AVVO Client Choice Award
A Metro-Atlanta Firm That Knows DeKalb County Courts
Farnsworth and Murphy, LLC is based in Atlanta and handles cases throughout the metro area, including Decatur and DeKalb County courts. Local court knowledge matters. Knowing how judges, prosecutors, and local procedures work can shape your defense strategy in real ways.
Direct Access To Your Attorney
You get one-on-one time with Daniel or Michael. Both attorneys take the time to review your case, explain your options, and keep you informed. That kind of direct contact makes a real difference when your future is on the line.
Cases We Handle
The firm handles a wide range of criminal defense cases. Recognition includes:
-
DUI and traffic offenses
-
Drug possession and trafficking
-
Assault and battery
-
Theft and robbery
-
Weapons charges
-
Sex crimes
-
White collar crimes
-
Serious felonies
Learn more about both attorneys and the firm’s history on our About Us page.
What Happens After a Criminal Charge In Decatur
Criminal cases in Decatur move through the DeKalb County court system in distinct stages. Each stage has its own deadlines, decisions, and risks. Here is what you can expect at each one.
Stage 1: Arrest and First Appearance
After an arrest in Decatur, you may be taken to the DeKalb County Jail for booking. This happens fast, often within hours. You should say nothing to the police before this point, whether you are approached by the Decatur Police Department or the DeKalb County Police Department. An attorney can appear with you at your first appearance hearing before the DeKalb County Magistrate Court, push for lower bail, and begin gathering arrest records right away.
Stage 2: Arraignment
Arraignment follows, usually within a few weeks for misdemeanors and a few months for felonies. This is where you enter a formal plea. Your attorney reviews the state’s initial evidence and files any early motions to challenge unlawful searches or procedural errors under O.C.G.A. § 17-5-30, Georgia’s search and seizure law.
Stage 3: Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions
This stage can last several months. The state must share its evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and lab results. Your attorney digs into every document, looking for weak points. Motions to suppress or dismiss may be filed here. Strong pre-trial work often changes the direction of a case.
Stage 4: Plea Negotiations or Trial Prep
Many cases in DeKalb County resolve before trial. Your attorney presents your defense to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office and negotiates the best possible outcome. If no fair deal exists, the case moves to trial in DeKalb County Superior Court or State Court, depending on the charge.
Stage 5: Trial or Sentencing
At trial, the state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney challenges the evidence and cross-examines every witness. If you accept a plea or are sentenced after trial, your lawyer can argue for reduced penalties, probation, or alternative sentencing options available under Georgia law.
Talk To a Decatur Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Your case will not wait. The sooner you act, the more options you have.
At Farnsworth and Murphy, LLC, we offer free consultations for people facing charges in Decatur and throughout DeKalb County. We are here to answer your questions and help you understand your options from day one.
Schedule your free consultation with our Decatur criminal defense team today. Come prepared with the basic facts: charges filed, court dates, and any documents you have.
Traveling From Decatur to Our Office
Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC serves individuals facing criminal charges in Decatur from our office at 6400 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 360, Atlanta, GA 30339.
From downtown Decatur, the office is approximately 17–19 miles away, with driving times generally around 25–35 minutes depending on traffic and your route. Clients can reach the Powers Ferry Road area using Atlanta's major east-west and perimeter routes.
Questions About Decatur Criminal Defense Cases
1. What if I was already questioned by police before I got a lawyer?
You still have the right to get legal help at any point, even after police questioning. A Decatur criminal defense lawyer can review what was said and look for any rights violations that may affect your case.
2. Does it matter which court my case is in, DeKalb County State Court or Superior Court?
Yes. Misdemeanors are typically handled in DeKalb County State Court, while felonies go to DeKalb County Superior Court, and each has different rules and deadlines. Your lawyer needs to know which court is handling your case from day one.
3. Can a prior arrest, even without a conviction, hurt my current case?
In some situations, past arrests can come up during sentencing or in how the state treats your case. Your attorney can help you understand what may be visible to the court and how to address it.
4. What happens if I miss a court date in Decatur?
A missed court date in Georgia can lead to a bench warrant for your arrest. Contact a Decatur criminal defense lawyer right away. In some cases, the warrant can be addressed before it leads to more serious problems.
5. Will a criminal conviction in Georgia stay on my record permanently?
Some convictions may be eligible for expungement or record restriction under Georgia law, but eligibility depends on the offense and the outcome of the case. A lawyer can tell you whether your case qualifies after it is resolved.
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.
