Few things disrupt life more than being arrested for a crime. From the moment you learn you’re being investigated or charged, legal questions pile up and every decision feels critical. The consequences of criminal allegations can reach far beyond the courtroom, affecting your job, relationships, and peace of mind.
That’s why the choice of a defense attorney is so important. You want an experienced professional who will protect your rights and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible result for you. Contact Gonzalez Torres Law to schedule a free consultation with a Peachtree Corners criminal defense attorney.
Why Hire Gonzalez Torres Law For Your Peachtree Corners Criminal Case?
Going through the criminal system in Peachtree Corners can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Our team is here for you.
- We have more than 18 years guiding clients through Georgia’s courts with compassion and skill
- All of our staff communicates in English or Spanish, making sure clients in the area are comfortable and can get the legal help they need
- Our attorneys all work together on your case, providing multiple perspectives
When you’re ready to get started fighting back against your charges, we’re here for you.
How a Peachtree Corners Attorney Can Help You With a Criminal Case
Facing criminal charges changes your life in an instant, but you don’t have to handle it on your own. A dedicated defense attorney can jump in to safeguard your rights right away. Here’s how they can help:
- Review the police reports and finds gaps or errors in the state’s evidence
- Fight to get unfair charges dropped or reduced before they make it to trial
- Negotiate for better plea options or alternative sentencing when appropriate
- Prepare you for every court hearing, from arraignment to trial
With the right criminal defense lawyer, you aren’t just reacting to what’s thrown at you – you’re fighting back with a plan in place.
What Happens After an Arrest?
Getting arrested is overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel lost if you don’t know what comes next. Here’s what you can generally expect after an arrest:
- Booking and Processing: Police will take you to the station, collect your basic information, take fingerprints, and often a mugshot.
- Initial Appearance or First Hearing: You’ll appear before a judge, usually within 24 to 48 hours. The judge will tell you the charges, discuss possible bail, and let you know your rights.
- Bail or Bond Decision: The court decides if you can be released from custody and what amount of bail, if any, you will need to pay to get out while your case is pending.
- Formal Charges: The prosecutor formally files the criminal charges based on police reports and available evidence.
- Preliminary Hearings and Discovery: Your lawyer can review the evidence against you, request police reports, and potentially challenge parts of the case at a preliminary hearing if applicable.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial Prep: Sometimes your defense attorney can negotiate for a reduced charge or work out a plea agreement. If not, your case moves toward trial, and your lawyer will begin building your defense.
Every step in this process can affect the outcome of your case, so having an experienced lawyer guiding you can make all the difference.
Your Rights in a Criminal Case
Being arrested isn’t something to take lightly, and it’s essential to know that you have important legal rights that protect you every step of the way.
Right to an Attorney
You never have to face criminal charges alone. From the moment you’re arrested, you have the right to have a lawyer – someone who understands the system and will fight for you at every turn.
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Right to a Fair Trial
No matter what you’ve been accused of, you deserve a fair chance in court. This means a neutral judge, a jury that listens to all the facts, and rules that keep the process honest for everyone involved.
Right Against Self-Incrimination
You aren’t required to answer police questions or give statements that could be used against you. If you ever feel pressured to talk, remember that saying, “I want to speak with my attorney,” and informing them that you don’t wish to say anything else is always an option.
Amdt5.4.3 General Protections Against Self-Incrimination Doctrine and Practice
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Right to Confront Accusers
If someone makes claims against you, you and your lawyer have the chance to ask them questions in court. This right helps ensure the truth comes out and stops anyone from hiding behind anonymous accusations.
Presumption of Innocence
Just being charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty. You are considered innocent until the state proves otherwise, and it’s up to them to prove that you broke the law.
3.02 Presumption of Innocence; Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
It is a cardinal principle of our system of justice that every person accused of a crime is presumed to be innocent unless and until his or her guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt. The presumption is not a mere formality. It is a matter of the most important substance.
The presumption of innocence alone may be sufficient to raise a reasonable doubt and to require the acquittal of a defendant
It’s not your job to prove you are innocent, though obviously the more exculpatory evidence you provide, the better.
Protection from Unlawful Search and Seizure
The police can’t just search your home, car, or belongings whenever they feel like it. They must have probable cause or a warrant, unless there are exigent circumstances that provide an exception.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
If your rights are violated, evidence they find might not be allowed in court.
Facing criminal charges is scary, but knowing your rights is the first step to defending yourself and your future.
Contact Gonzalez Torres Law To Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Peachtree Corners Criminal Defense Lawyers
Having the right criminal defense lawyer can make the difference between an uncertain future and a real second chance. We believe in treating every client with dignity and putting everything we have into defending their rights. With our team by your side, you’ll have honest answers and a relentless advocate fighting for you. Contact Gonzalez Torres Law to schedule a free consultation with a Peachtree Corners criminal defense attorney.