Criminal Defense Attorney in Atlanta Standing with You

If you have been charged with a criminal offense, you will be entering a very complicated criminal justice system in the United States. The outcome of your case determines everything about your future: your freedom, your finances, your reputation, and your relationships. Remember, though, that being charged with a crime does not automatically result in any kind of punishment; in America, you are innocent until proven guilty, and the burden of proof is on the prosecution. Your guilt must be proved “beyond a reasonable doubt” in order for you to be convicted, and this is harder for the prosecution to do if you have sound legal counsel. You need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to help you build a defense strategy that will give you the best chance for success in your trial, or help you avoid trial altogether. An accomplished criminal defense lawyer from Sessoms Law Office, LLC can guide you through the criminal justice system and help you get to the best possible outcome for your criminal case. Call our Atlanta office today at 678-853-7402.

I Haven’t Been Arrested Yet, But I Think I Might Be. Do I Need A Lawyer Yet?

If you have been accused of a crime but criminal charges have not been filed yet, hiring an attorney can be your best bet for protecting yourself against life-changing consequences. At this stage, which is called the pre-file stage, there may be steps to be taken to help the process in your favor and minimize the consequences once charges are filed. No problem gets better by ignoring it, and most problems are better solved with early intervention. In some cases, a skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can help keep charges from ever being filed, taking care of the problem before it gets more difficult to fix.

Will I Go to Trial?

While the first goal you will probably have in any criminal trial is to be found completely innocent, sometimes, this is not possible based on the facts of your case. In that situation, there are things you can do to minimize consequences. One of the things a skilled criminal defense attorney can help you with is plea bargaining, which is the process of the defendant agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser crime, or to one or more of multiple crimes they have been charged with, in hope that this will result in lighter sentencing. Other benefits to the defendant may include limiting costs, avoiding publicity, and avoiding a court trial. Plea bargaining is often a tense process, as both the prosecution and the defense have to agree on the plan before it can be presented to the judge in the case. Negotiating a plea bargain without the help of a knowledgeable and practiced criminal defense attorney would be extremely difficult, if not impossible.

While plea bargains can sometimes be helpful, other times they can be a detriment, especially if you are innocent of any wrongdoing. We can fight for you in court to defend your innocence. In various cases, going to trial to fight your charges is the best approach possible. Sometimes, taking a plea bargain means admitting guilt for something you are innocent of. Going to trial can clear your name entirely and ensure you are given due process. We can help fight for your rights. We staunchly protect the freedoms of clients and believe in being innocent until proven guilty.

Are There Other Ways to Avoid Trial?

Georgia is one of many states that has a pre-trial diversion program in place. These are generally for first-time offenders, but there are some exceptions. Whether you qualify for a pre-trial diversion program will depend on many factors, including the severity of the crime you are accused of, your prior record, and the notification of the victim(s) and how they respond. Each court has its own standards for eligibility, one of which is often to have hired a criminal defense attorney. Even if this is not a requirement, having an accomplished criminal lawyer on your side to help you navigate the complicated landscape of criminal court is crucial to preserving your future. Call Sessoms Law Group, LLC today at 678-853-7402 and let one of our skilled professionals help you.

Is it Worth it to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

When you are charged with a crime, everything in your life depends upon how well you are able to defend yourself. Your home, your family relationships, your job, your future…all are at risk if your trial goes badly. Give yourself the best chance of a good outcome for your criminal trial by getting the professional advice and assistance that you need. The lawyers at Sessoms Law Group are here to help.