The Value of an Atlanta Criminal Attorney

In 2017, a significant decline in the rate of violent and property crimes was recorded in Atlanta, as reported by the FBI’s annual survey of crime in the United States.

Even though we like to believe that only the "bad guys" get caught, a wrongful conviction could happen to you too. It's estimated that nearly 4% of the entire U.S. jail population has been wrongfully convicted. A city like Atlanta, Georgia, is no different. Even though court officials in the city will most likely do their best to ensure that the right person is charged and convicted of a crime, mistakes do happen. 

This is when an experienced criminal attorney Atlanta can be your saving grace. Whether it's you or a loved one, the thought of being the focus of a criminal investigation - especially when you've had no part in it - can be daunting. A criminal lawyer can be your sole source of hope. 

But, how does the process in a place like Atlanta work?

The prosecution of accused crime offenders by the government is governed by the criminal law, which may be local, state, or federal.  Apart from representing the people of a particular jurisdiction, the prosecution also acts on behalf of the government by instituting a case against an accused.  The U. S. constitution stipulates that an individual accused of a crime is eligible to be represented by a criminal defense attorney before and during processes leading to the trial and during the trial proper.

If your lawyer discusses a plea, it doesn’t mean he or she doesn’t believe your loved one. A lawyer is ethically required to convey any plea offer to a client. When your lawyer suggests a plea be accepted, it is likely based on his or her (often disappointing) previous experiences and knowledge of the realities of the system. If possible, cover the plea deal point by point with the lawyer and explain which points will be difficult to comply with and why—take particular note of the requirements surrounding registration as a sex offender.

Depending on the nature of the charges, conviction may carry a mandatory minimum sentence that a judge cannot decrease even if he or she may want to.

The rules and procedures for each offense are different. Thus, it is essential that you work with a criminal defense attorney who has successfully handled your type of case or similar cases.  It is important to note that the areas of specialization of most lawyers differ, and even if you hire a supposed “general practitioner,” he or she may not offer much expertise concerning your case type.  Thus, the best is to hire an attorney with a vast knowledge of the field, like criminal law, as this will offer you an added advantage in presenting a solid defense. While you may have to pay a little more for the services of specialists, the value you get regarding expert information will be worth the investment.