Marietta Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with a violent crime in Georgia, you are likely facing serious legal consequences that can impact your future, freedom, and reputation. You need a criminal defense attorney with the experience and knowledge to defend you against the full range of violent crime charges, from assault and battery to manslaughter and murder. These offenses are heavily prosecuted under Georgia law, and it is essential to have skilled legal representation to protect your rights. Before you make any statements to law enforcement or enter a plea, contact Arca Law to discuss your case with a skilled and experienced Marietta violent crimes defense lawyer.

Assault (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-20)

Assault occurs when a person attempts to cause physical harm to another or causes another to fear imminent violence. Under Georgia law, there are two primary categories of assault: simple assault and aggravated assault.

Simple Assault: Defined as an attempt to violently injure someone else or an act that places someone in reasonable fear of injury. Simple assault is typically charged as a misdemeanor, but it can become a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature if it involves specific circumstances, such as assault against a vulnerable person or on public transportation. A conviction can result in up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $5,000.
Aggravated Assault (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21): This offense involves assault with a deadly weapon, an object likely to cause serious bodily injury, or with the intent to commit a serious felony. Aggravated assault is a felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison depending on the circumstances, including the status of the victim (e.g., law enforcement officer, healthcare worker) or the use of a firearm.

Battery (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23)

Battery involves the intentional infliction of physical harm to another person. Like assault, there are different degrees of battery based on the severity of harm caused:

Simple Battery: Intentionally making physical contact in a provoking or insulting manner, or causing physical harm to another person. This is generally charged as a misdemeanor but can lead to enhanced penalties if committed against certain victims, such as family members or police officers.
Battery: When a simple battery results in visible bodily harm, such as bruising or swelling, the charge is escalated to a battery, which can also carry misdemeanor penalties but may be treated more seriously under aggravated circumstances.
Aggravated Battery (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-24): A more serious form of battery, aggravated battery involves inflicting serious injury that causes disfigurement, loss of function, or long-term impairment. Aggravated battery is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison, with higher penalties if the crime is committed under particularly egregious circumstances.

Manslaughter (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-2)

Manslaughter is classified into two categories under Georgia law: voluntary and involuntary manslaughter.

Voluntary Manslaughter: Occurs when a person intentionally kills another in the “heat of passion” as a response to provocation. This charge acknowledges that the individual acted impulsively, without premeditation. Voluntary manslaughter is considered a felony and can result in a sentence of one to 20 years in prison.
Involuntary Manslaughter: This charge applies when a person unintentionally causes another’s death through reckless or negligent actions, or while committing a non-felony offense. It is also a felony and is punishable by one to ten years in prison, though in some cases, the charge may be treated as a misdemeanor if the death was caused by a lawful act performed in an unlawful manner.

Murder (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1)

Murder is the most serious violent crime in Georgia and involves the intentional and unlawful killing of another person. Georgia law distinguishes between two types of murder:

Malice Murder: This charge is brought when an individual deliberately and intentionally kills another person with malice aforethought, meaning there was premeditation or a specific intent to kill. A conviction carries a mandatory life sentence, with or without the possibility of parole, or even the death penalty in certain cases.
Felony Murder: This offense occurs when a person kills another during the commission of a felony, regardless of whether the death was intentional or accidental. Like malice murder, felony murder carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Penalties and Defenses for Violent Crime Charges

Violent crime convictions in Georgia carry life-altering consequences, including lengthy prison sentences, steep fines, and the possibility of parole ineligibility. Beyond the criminal penalties, individuals convicted of violent crimes may face challenges reintegrating into society, including difficulties in obtaining employment, housing, and professional licenses.

At Arca Law, we provide a strategic defense to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and fight for your rights. Potential defenses may include self-defense if you acted in defense of yourself or another person under a reasonable belief of imminent harm. Mistaken identity is another viable defense in situations when the accused was wrongly identified as the perpetrator. In cases of manslaughter, demonstrating that you did not intend to cause death can be a key defense.

Contact Arca Law for Violent Crimes Defense in Marietta

If you are facing violent crime charges, the stakes are high. Our experienced defense attorney will work diligently to examine every aspect of your case, protect your rights, and pursue the best possible outcome. In Marietta, contact Arca Law at 770-800-8100 for a no-cost consultation and skilled representation in your case.