Savannah Criminal Attorneys
Have You Been Arrested? We’re the Savannah Criminal attorneys to help.
When you are arrested, detained or questioned you need to contact our experienced Savannah criminal attorneys immediately. Even if you just suspect that you are part of a criminal investigation it is important to seek legal counsel, as time is of the essence. We understand and appreciate how valuable your constitutional rights are and we know that freedom is probably the most important right you have. We will work to make sure you don’t lose it.
As soon as you reach out to us, we will begin to act quickly to address the charges against you and act vigorously to defend you. Whether you need information on making bail or bond, answers to important legal questions or help with an arraignment or trial, we are here to help you. We accomplish this by not only being prepared to fight the charges against you, but by also utilizing a vast network of defense attorneys who have specific knowledge and experience dealing with local judges and prosecutors, as well as the type of criminal charges and accusations you are facing.
Every case against a criminal defendant has weaknesses, The Horne Law Firm work to find them.
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
All crimes in Georgia must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a high standard, as it should be, and holds true for both misdemeanors and felonies. A myriad of defenses can be raised as to both the reasonableness of the charge(s) as well as the facts and circumstances surrounding the event. Other defenses include procedural defects in the prosecution’s case and even the use of laws that permit justifiable violence such as stand your ground laws.
Drug Crimes
Under Georgia law, drugs are divided into five different schedules. Drugs labeled as “Schedule I” do not have an accepted medical use, and are deemed to have a high potential for abuse. On the other end of the spectrum, “Schedule V” drugs are those considered to have the lowest possibility of abuse. They also are deemed to have a limited possibility of dependence, and medical uses that are accepted.
If you are convicted of possessing a Schedule I or Schedule II drug, you could face between 2 and 15 years in prison. Obviously, less harsh penalties apply to drugs that are designated Schedule III, Schedule IV, or Schedule V. Our network of attorneys have in the past successfully defeated drug charges on constitutional grounds by arguing that law enforcement did not have a proper basis to seize the drugs, so they should not be admitted into evidence.
include reckless driving, serious injury by vehicle, fleeing or trying to elude police officers, and homicide by interference with an official traffic-control device. Mr. Nagel has represented clients charged with traffic violations for more than 25 years. He can help clients get their driver’s license or privileges restored.
DUI or Driving Under the Influence
Under O.C.G.A. section 40-6-391(a)(1), you cannot drive or be in actual physical control of a moving vehicle while under the influence of alcohol to the extent that it is less safe for you to drive. Often referred to as a “DUI Less Safe” it is not necessary for an officer to show that you had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or greater. Additionally, you have a very limited time following a DUI arrest to petition for a hearing so that you do not loose your driving privileges or license. It is imperative that you contact a defense attorney immediately, if you are charged with a DUI.
Juvenile Crimes
In Georgia, a child can be found guilty of a crime Under O.C.G.A. section 16-3-1, if they were at least 13 years old at the time of the negligence, omission, or act that constituted the crime. Most cases involving children under 17 are heard in Juvenile Court and we can vigorously represent your child in Juvenile Court. Unfortunately, there are also cases in which a child under 17 will be tried as an adult in Superior Court. The Superior Court will preside over a case in which a child has allegedly perpetrated any of the following crimes…murder, murder in the second degree, rape, armed robbery with a firearm, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated child molestation, aggravated sodomy, or aggravated sexual battery. There is no getting around that as Superior Courts have exclusive original jurisdiction over the trial of a child who is accused of these crimes. If your child is being accused or charged with a serious felony crime that will be tried in Superior Court, it is critical that you get him or her competent legal representation without delay.
Theft Crimes
When a theft crime such as shoplifting involves property that is worth more than $500, the crime can be punished as a felony and you can face a prison sentence of between 1 to 10 years. There are also other circumstances in which theft can be charged as a felony. When a theft crime involves property worth $500 or less, it will usually be charged as a misdemeanor. The punishment for a misdemeanor can be a fine of up to $1,000 and/or a sentence of imprisonment for up to 12 months.
Traffic Offenses
Traffic offenses can not only result in points on your license, which can eventually lead to the loss of driving privileges, they can also come with hefty fines. Moreover, some traffic offenses can lead to a significant increase in your car insurance rates. If you have received a ticket or citation for a traffic offense, you may want to consider one of several options…pre-trial diversion, contesting the ticket, pursuing a dismissal or at the very least seeking a reduction of the fines or penalties. Serious traffic offenses can lead to harsh consequences, and you should always consult with an attorney regarding your options.