Sandy Springs Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal charges are official claims by the government that say you broke the law. Prosecutors usually file these charges after a police investigation.

A criminal charge starts the court process. In most cases, the government should have evidence to support the charge. Crimes usually fall into two groups

Felonies

Felonies are serious crimes such as murder, robbery, sexual assault, or drug trafficking. They can lead to more than one year in prison.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are less serious and include offenses such as shoplifting, trespassing, and DUI. They usually result in less than 1 year in jail.

Even so, a person charged with a crime is still presumed innocent. That person is not guilty unless the government proves the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

For example, assault is considered a felony and happens when you intentionally or knowingly cause bodily injury to another person (OCGA § 16-5-20). Assault charges can result in 1-20 years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000. Additionally, you might lose your teaching and healthcare licenses.

A simple assault, which is considered a misdemeanor, is when you attempt to violently injure someone else. This can result in up to 12 months in prison and up to $1,000 in fines.  

One arrest can cost you your job, your housing, your reputation. That’s where we come in.

These awards reflect what real clients and peers say about his work.

Moreover, our clients aren’t case numbers. Every person who walks through our door gets personal attention. We listen. We explain what’s happening. We build a defense tailored to your specific facts.  Most importantly, we don’t use a copy-paste strategy.

We also offer free initial consultations. There’s no cost to talk to us. You’ll get honest answers, not pressure.

The Process of Facing Criminal Charges: What to Expect When You Work with Us

If you hire Farnsworth & Murphy for your criminal case, you can expect clear guidance, strategic defense planning, and steady representation from your first consultation through the final outcome.

We walk you through each stage and explain your options in plain language.

Here’s what facing criminal charges in Sandy Springs looks like and how we can help:

1. Arrest

Police arrest a suspect based on probable cause, and the suspect is taken into custody. Once at the police station, you get booked. Remember, you have the right to an attorney. You can then call our team. We listen. We ask about your charge, your timeline, and the facts of your case. You get honest answers right away. No pressure. No judgment.

2. Document and Evidence Review

If a judge determines there is probable cause against you, the prosecution presents evidence. We are then prepared to go through every piece of evidence. Police reports. Witness statements. Body camera footage. We look for weak spots in the state’s case. Small details can matter a great deal.

3. Strategy Planning

Every case is different. We build a plan based on your facts. For example, if evidence was obtained in violation of constitutional rights, such as an illegal search (Fourth Amendment) or a coerced confession, we can file motions to suppress the evidence. We can challenge the arrest, discuss a settlement, or prepare for trial. You will know all the options before we move forward.

Step 4: Court Representation 

Whether your case goes to a hearing or a full trial, we are with you in that courtroom. Georgia criminal cases can move through pretrial motions, arraignment, plea discussions, and trial, sometimes over weeks or months. We handle each stage with care and skill.

For Sandy Springs residents, most misdemeanor trials occur at the Sandy Springs Municipal Court. Felony cases, on the other hand, are handled by the Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta.

Step 5: Resolution

Cases end in different ways. A charge may be reduced. Evidence may be thrown out. A jury may decide. Whatever the outcome, we will explain it clearly and help you understand your next steps. Moreover, we can appeal the conviction to a higher court, where we need to show that a legal error occurred.

You are never left guessing. That is our promise to you.