When You Need a Smyrna Criminal Defense Attorney
A criminal charge in Smyrna, Georgia, can change your life fast. At Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC, we help people in Smyrna and across the metro-Atlanta area respond to criminal charges with clear information and a real legal plan.
The charge matters. So does how you respond to it. Whether you are facing a DUI, a drug offense, assault, or a more serious felony, the stakes are high. Georgia law moves quickly after an arrest. What you do in the early days shapes what options remain later.
Cobb County courts, where most Smyrna cases are handled, have their own rules, their own timelines, and their own prosecutors. A charge here is not the same as one in another county. The details of where and how an arrest happened, what evidence the state holds, and what local court procedures apply all factor into how a defense comes together.
How Farnsworth & Murphy Approaches Your Defense In Smyrna
Facing a criminal charge in Smyrna means the prosecution is already building its case against you. Every day without legal help is a day the state has the advantage. Evidence goes unchallenged, deadlines pass, and options that exist today may not exist tomorrow.
At Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC, we start by looking closely at your case. We review the facts, examine the arrest, and find out what evidence the state has. Every criminal charge in Smyrna is different. A drug offense calls for a different approach than a DUI or a violent charge. We build a defense plan that fits your case, not a generic one pulled off a shelf.
We look hard at how law enforcement handled your arrest. Did they follow proper procedure? Did they have probable cause? Were your Fourth Amendment rights respected? If the police made a mistake, we find it. That mistake can change everything. When the evidence is strong, we look at other paths.
Negotiation matters just as much as courtroom skill. Depending on your situation, we may work toward reduced charges, a plea deal that protects your record, or a strong case at trial.
You are kept in the loop at every step. We explain your options in plain terms. No legal jargon, no confusion. Just clear answers so you can make informed choices about your future.
Why Smyrna Clients Choose Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC
Criminal defense is not a one-size-fits-all practice. Here is what Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC does differently for every client it represents in Smyrna.
Three Decades of Combined Criminal Defense Experience
Daniel Farnsworth and Michael Murphy bring over 30 years of combined experience to criminal defense cases across Georgia. Daniel spent three years as a DUI and misdemeanor prosecutor at the Fulton County Solicitor’s Office before moving to defense work. That time on the state’s side gives him a clear view of how prosecutors build their cases and where they can be challenged.
Michael trained at the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College and worked as a senior associate at one of Georgia’s largest criminal defense firms before joining Farnsworth & Murphy. He has handled everything from serious felonies to minor traffic offenses in courtrooms across the state.
Legal Cases We Handle For Smyrna Clients
Our attorneys defend clients facing a wide range of criminal charges throughout Smyrna and Cobb County including:
- DUI and traffic offenses
- Drug possession and trafficking
- Assault and battery
- Theft and robbery
- Weapons charges
- Sex crimes
- White collar crimes
- Serious felonies
Peer and Client Recognition
Both attorneys have earned professional recognition throughout their careers. Daniel has been named to Super Lawyers. Michael has earned Super Lawyers Rising Star, a Legal Elite designation from Georgia Trend Magazine, and the AVVO Client Choice Award. These are not self-reported honors. They come from peers and clients who have seen the work firsthand.
A Firm With Metro-Atlanta Roots
Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC is based in Atlanta and handles cases throughout Cobb County and the wider metro area, including Smyrna. Knowing the local courts, judges, and prosecutors matters. It affects how a defense is built and what moves make sense early in a case. When cases have taken us outside the metro area, we have traveled. Our attorneys have appeared in courtrooms across Georgia.
Direct Access To Your Attorney
You work directly with Daniel or Michael on your case, from the first call through the last court date. Every question you have goes to the attorney handling your case, the one who knows your file and your situation inside and out.
Learn more about Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC, the firm’s history, and the attorneys behind it on our About Us page.
What Happens After a Criminal Charge In Smyrna
Criminal cases in Georgia move through several clear stages. Knowing what comes next can help you prepare and make better decisions.
Arrest and First Appearance
After an arrest in Smyrna, you will be taken to the Cobb County Adult Detention Center for booking. This happens fast, often within hours. Whether the arrest was made by the Smyrna Police Department or another law enforcement agency in the area, you should say nothing to the police before speaking with a lawyer.
Your attorney can appear with you at your first appearance before a Cobb County Magistrate Court judge, push for reasonable bail, and begin reviewing your case right away.
Preliminary Hearing or Grand Jury
For felony charges, a preliminary hearing is held in Cobb County Magistrate Court. The state must show enough evidence to move forward. If the charge goes to Superior Court, a grand jury may decide whether to indict. Your attorney challenges weak evidence at this stage to limit what the prosecution can use later.
Arraignment
At arraignment, you enter a formal plea in Cobb County Superior or State Court, depending on the charge. Most clients plead not guilty here. This preserves all your options. Your attorney files any pretrial motions at this stage, including motions to suppress evidence gathered in violation of your Fourth Amendment rights under O.C.G.A. § 17-5-30.
Pretrial Motions and Negotiations
This stage takes the most time. Your attorney reviews police reports, body camera footage, and lab results. Motions to suppress, dismiss, or limit evidence are filed here. Plea negotiations with the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office also happen during this window. You stay informed and make decisions. Your attorney explains every offer clearly before you respond.
Trial or Resolution
If your case goes to trial in Cobb County Superior Court, a jury or judge decides the outcome. Most cases resolve before this point. Either way, your role is to show up, follow your attorney’s guidance, and let the defense strategy do its work. Each stage carries its own deadlines. Missing one can hurt your case.
Take The First Step Today
A criminal charge in Smyrna moves fast. The sooner you get legal help, the more options you have. At Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC, we offer free consultations to clients in Smyrna and across Cobb County.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with our Smyrna criminal defense team. Tell us what happened, and we will give you an honest assessment of your case.
Common Questions About Criminal Defense in Smyrna
1. Can I still get a job after a criminal arrest in Smyrna, even if I am not convicted?
An arrest without a conviction may still show up on background checks, which can affect job applications. Georgia law does allow for record restriction in some cases, so it is worth asking a lawyer what options you may have.
2. What if I cannot afford bail after an arrest in Cobb County?
A lawyer can request a bond reduction hearing before a Cobb County Magistrate Court judge, which may lower the amount required to secure your release. The outcome depends on the charge, your record, and how the motion is argued.
3. Does it matter if I gave a statement to the police before calling a lawyer?
Statements made before you spoke with an attorney can be used against you, but they do not always sink a case. A Smyrna criminal defense lawyer will review what was said and look for ways to limit the impact.
4. How long does a misdemeanor case in Cobb County typically take?
Most misdemeanor cases in Cobb County State Court resolve within a few months, though some go longer depending on court scheduling and whether a plea or trial is the right path.
5. Can a first-time offense in Georgia lead to jail time?
Some first-time charges in Georgia do carry jail time, even without a prior record. Certain programs may allow first-time offenders to avoid a conviction, but eligibility depends on the specific charge and county.
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.
