When you are facing a criminal charge, it can be one of the most frightening times of your life. Conviction for a crime, even on a misdemeanor charge, can have a long-term impact on your current and future opportunites. In order to keep your options for the future open, it is essential to begin fighting a charge against you from the moment of your arrest. By getting help from an experienced defense attorney early on in the process, you have your best chance at launching a successful defense and keeping a criminal conviction off your record.
Criminal Penalties in Georgia
For the conviction of a misdemeanor crime in the state of Georgia, you may face up to 364 days in prison and fines of up to $1,000. For conviction of a misdemeanor of a high nature (in which an individual may have been injured, or there was extensive property damage), you may face up to 364 days in prison, and fines of up to $5,000. For a felony conviction in the state, you will serve a mandatory one year or more in prison, and pay fines upward of $1,000.
The True Cost of a Criminal Conviction
Though, for many, the criminal penalties for a misdemeanor or felony conviction are worrisome enough, there is no way to quantify the true costs of a criminal conviction. Since many universities and companies use criminal background checks to rule out potential students or employees, a criminal conviction may cost you a spot in a school you would like to attend or a position with a company through which you wish to be employed.
Southwest Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney
When you have been arrested for a crime, no matter what the charge, it’s essential to start an immediate defense to prevent your potential conviction.
Based out of Bainbridge, Pete Emmons of the Law Offices of Emmons & Rose, L.L.C. provides dedicated criminal defense to those charged with crimes throughout Southwest Georgia. The first, and most important, goal once you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony is to keep that charge from turning into a conviction and appearing on your permanent record. Mr. Emmons will work to develop a deep understanding of the circumstances surrounding your case and your arrest, providing you with the best legal guidance to ensure you know all of your options, and get you your best possible outcome.