Gainesville, GA Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being arrested and charged with any type of crime in Gainesville, Georgia can be threatening and have a major impact on your physical and mental health. Additionally, if you are a non-citizen immigrant in the Gainesville area, the consequences can be much more threatening than if you were a U.S. citizen. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Gainesville, a Gainesville, GA criminal defense attorney from the Holden Law Firm can help you protect your rights and avoid immigration consequences.

Criminal Defense Services Available In Gainesville, Georgia

At Holden Law Firm, our dedicated criminal defense legal team provides representation across the full spectrum of criminal cases, and we are experienced in addressing the repercussions resulting from lack of legal status. We employ a client-centered approach in which we consider your history, case details, and desired outcomes to determine an optimal criminal defense strategy. We handle criminal cases involving the following charges, among others:

• DUI charges. A criminal defense attorney from our firm can represent your case involving charges related to operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Violent crimes. From simple assault to crimes of aggravated assault and domestic violence , a criminal defense attorney from our firm can help you resist your charges.
• Theft and fraud crimes. Theft crimes such as petty theft, shoplifting, grand theft, burglary and fraud can be skillfully handled by the Holden Law Firm criminal defense team.
• Driving without a license. The Holden Law Firm can help you with offenses related to driving without a valid Georgia license.

Depending on the nature and severity of your criminal charges, optimal defense tactics may vary. At Holden Law Firm, our legal team provides a compassionate space for you to share your story about any charges you may face. From challenging evidence presented by the prosecution to showing evidence of self-defense or an alibi, we can work together to fight for a positive outcome of the case.

Understanding the Difference: Misdemeanor vs. Felony in Gainesville, Georgia

According to Georgia law, crimes are classified into two main categories, which are misdemeanors and felonies. Whether a crime is considered a misdemeanor or felony depends on the severity of the alleged crime committed, the characteristics of the victims involved, and the defendant’s existing criminal record. Examples of misdemeanors in Georgia include non-violent crimes, such as breaking and entering, public intoxication, and DUI.

Felonies in Georgia are more severe than misdemeanors and are considered crimes that result in more than 12 months of sentence. Serious crimes often include violent crimes. Examples of serious crimes are sexual assault, burglary, involuntary manslaughter, and drug trafficking. However, serious crimes do not have to involve physical violence and include non-violent crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering.

As a non-citizen, being convicted of a crime could result in deportation, even if you are a lawful permanent resident with a green card. Crimes of moral turpitude, felonies, and multiple crimes make deportation guaranteed or more likely. Under Georgia law, crimes of moral turpitude are those that involve dishonesty or harmful intent, while felonies involve certain specific crimes, regardless of whether they are considered misdemeanors or felonies.

What are the penalties for a misdemeanor in Georgia?

Penalties for a misdemeanor in Georgia can result in fines of up to $1,000 and a maximum of 12 months in jail. A misdemeanor is part of the convicted person’s permanent criminal record and can have negative collateral consequences depending on the crime. They can also threaten a person’s immigration status.

In Georgia, more serious misdemeanors are known as gross and aggravated misdemeanors. People convicted of these types of crimes can face up to 12 months in jail—the same as for a regular misdemeanor—but may have to pay up to $5,000 in fines and spend significant time in prison. A dedicated criminal defense attorney from Holden Law Firm can defend your misdemeanor case and protect your rights by challenging the prosecution’s evidence and working to get your case dismissed or your charges reduced.

What are the penalties for a felony in Gainesville, Georgia?

Felonies in Georgia are classified based on the different levels of first, second and third degree felonies, with first degree being the most serious and third degree being the least serious. Each crime has a maximum penalty associated with it. Depending on the crime a person is charged with, the sentence can range from one year of probation to life in prison. In Georgia, it is possible to receive the death penalty.

There are multiple legal strategies that a criminal defense attorney can employ to help you get your charges dropped or reduced. It is essential to fight serious crime cases, since the consequences on your immigration status can be devastating.

Start Defending Your Criminal Charges in Gainesville Today

Giovanna Holden of the Holden Law Firm is an experienced immigrant attorney who understands the importance of resolving your charges while minimizing the effect on your immigration status.

Even misdemeanor charges can threaten a long-time Georgia resident’s ability to remain meaningfully in the country. Therefore, Attorney Holden has been assisting clients for years who are facing threats to their legal status, helping them fight their criminal charges to have them reduced or even dropped. Contact the legal team at Holden Law Firm today to begin developing a solid defense plan.