Atlanta-area misdemeanor crimes, while more serious than a traffic violation, are less severe than felony charges and carry lighter sentencing for that reason. Punishment for a misdemeanor in Georgia is uniform regardless of the crime committed: no more than one year of incarceration and/or a fine of not more than $1,000. Other punishments that may be applied are restitution and community service, probation, anger management classes, drug or alcohol counseling, losses of driver's license and federal aid for education, and the personal embarrassment of publication of your name/photograph in the local newspaper. Besides a damaged reputation and disruption to you and your family's home life, conviction may result in job loss.
If you get charged with a misdemeanor our attorneys will review your case, looking for defensible arguments for dismissal or reduction of charges/penalties. A misdemeanor can count against you in the "Three-Strikes" law. We will investigate the case to ensure that evidence is preserved and will seek out witnesses who will testify in your favor.
While we do all we can to get the charges dropped, if conviction is likely and jail time expected depending on the nature of the crime, we'll fight for a sentence of six months or less in order to ask for permission to serve weekend confinement or around the working hours of our client. Additionally, Georgia sentences can be shortened due to good behavior. We may also seek to seal and/or expunge records, depending on factors such as severity of crime or age of defendant.
Expunging a record does not completely erase it. It can be brought up again if another criminal offense is committed. The record is also open for those running for political office or applying to serve in the military. At the Teiger Law Center, P.C., we can argue for eligibility (not all misdemeanors qualify) and go through the expungement process with you, step by step, explaining your rights and options so that you can make informed decisions concerning your future.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a misdemeanor in Georgia, call us at Teiger Law Center, P.C., to schedule a consultation at our Alpharetta or Cumming, GA offices. We can be reached locally at 800-780-2275, toll free at 866-726-2153, or via email by completing our online contact form.