You are a family member has been charged with a crime. This is serious business, and you have just cause to be terrified. So many times, I have had clients who try to handle these things by themselves and it turns into a big mess. You need representation, or at least you need to speak to an attorney. The Sauls Law Firm can help you and we can get you pointed in the right direction. I handle all types of cases, and the following are a few areas in which I practice.
THEFT
Theft in Georgia is a crime of Moral Turpitude. Once you are convicted of theft you will have a hard time getting a job because this is a crime that potential employers have a problem overlooking. Theft can be a misdemeanor or a felony, and what classification it gets depends on the amount of the item stolen. Misdemeanor offenses are for items up to $500 in value, but there is an exception for SHOPLIFTING here the value of the merchandise has to be $300 or less to be classified as a misdemeanor. Felony offenses are charged for everything over $500 in value and the SHOPLIFTING exception is a felony if the merchandise is over $300 in value.
TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS
Generally traffic offenses are considered minor violations. However, if you have a series of tickets with in a short amount of time your license can be suspended. If you are under the age of 18 and you have accumulated 4 or more points within a 12 month period your license can be suspended. Any type of violation that accesses a driver points usually has an end result of causing insurance payments to increase. Thus, it is important to speak to an attorney so they can help determine what steps you can take to minimize your losses.
PROBATION REVOCATIONS
You are a family member has been arrested for a probation revocation, you need to speak with an attorney before you sign any type of consent order in your case. Many times people put on probation do not fully understand how strict the terms of probation can be, and they find themselves on the wrong side of the bars for a minor violation. I have had client who violate there probation by being at the wrong place, at the wrong time, and they spend a month behind bars before they ever have a revocation hearing. Don’t let this happen to you. Call my office, I have been a probation officer in Georgia I know the process, and I can make sure your rights are protected.
WARRANT APPLICATION HEARING
If you have been served with a warrant application notice, you need to know that someone has gone to the Magistrate Court and filed this application alleging that you committed a criminal offense against them. You may be arrested and taken into custody at this hearing if the Magistrate Court Judge finds there is enough evidence to make an arrest. Therefore, it is imperative that you have legal representation at this hearing. Keep in mind as well that if you fail to appear the warrant may be issued and local law enforcement officers may serve and arrest you based on the warrant being issued.
MISDEMEANOR CHARGES
I will handle most misdemeanor charges you or your family member may be faced with. In order to protect your rights you need to speak with an attorney. A misdemeanor conviction can lead to a sentence of up to a year in jail, and in most cases a fine of some sort. Attorneys are able to speak with prosecutors, and since attorneys are knowledgeable in the law we can minimize or “IN SOME CASES” eliminate the charges.
FELONY CHARGES
Felony charges are more serious charges, and usually carry with them a sentence of more than a year in prison. These are more serious crimes to be accused of, and it is important that you seek the advice of an attorney immediately upon being charged with the offense. The Sauls Law Firm will study your case on an individual basis and help prepare for a proper defense.
WHY CHOOSE THE SAULS LAW FIRM?
I know my way around the Criminal Arena, I have been on both sides of the isle. I served as a Sheriff’s Deputy, and I have arrested individuals for the same offenses you or your family member have been charged with. I also was a Probation Officer with The Georgia Department of Corrections, so I know probation procedures because I practiced them in the past. I will fight for your rights, and make sure that you don’t receive overly excessive punishment, or that you get punished for a crime you didn’t commit. Please keep in mind the list above are only a few of my practice areas, and I handle a variety of other cases. Do not hesitate to call my office if you have questions that need answers.