Violent criminal charges in Georgia carry serious consequences that can affect every part of your life. TDE Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.C. provides skilled legal defense aimed at protecting your future and your freedom.
These cases often involve harsh penalties, including prison and significant fines. Whether the charge involves battery, aggravated assault, homicide, or another violent offense, our team is prepared to help you navigate what comes next.
Violent Crime Laws in Georgia
Serious violent offenses in Georgia often lead to heavy sentences and loss of freedom. The state places public safety at the forefront, which means prosecutors frequently push for harsh outcomes. That includes periods behind bars and long-term supervision after release.
Murder, aggravated assault, and battery charges may be filed as felonies that can stay on your record for life. Aside from long prison terms, convicted individuals may also face steep fines or probation with restrictive conditions.
Any violent offense on your record can affect employment, housing, and personal relationships.
A conviction can lead to:
- Revoked or suspended professional licenses.
- Loss of voting rights while incarcerated or on parole.
- Challenges with child custody or adoption requests.
Some violent crimes carry mandatory minimum prison terms, which gives judges less freedom to reduce a sentence.
This strict approach supports the state’s focus on punishment. We urge you to act quickly if you are under investigation or have already been charged.
Sentencing Guidelines for Violent Crimes in Georgia
Violent crimes in Georgia carry strict penalties, often with mandatory minimum prison terms. Sentences depend on the offense, whether weapons were used, the victim’s status, and prior criminal history. Below is a summary of common penalties:
Common Sentencing Ranges
- Simple Battery / Assault:
Up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $5,000. Higher penalties apply for certain victims or repeat offenses. - Aggravated Assault / Battery:
1 to 20 years in prison, with higher minimums if a weapon is used or if the victim is a child, police officer, or family member. - Armed Robbery:
Minimum 10 years to life without parole before the minimum is served. - Voluntary Manslaughter:
1 to 20 years in prison. - Murder:
Life with or without parole, or the death penalty in capital cases.
Sentencing Negotiations
While the law sets clear guidelines, early legal action can sometimes lead to reduced charges or sentencing through negotiations or plea agreements.
How Our Team Can Help
Every person accused of a serious crime deserves a thorough defense that is focused on their future. We are committed to providing clear guidance, honest advice, and dedicated representation at every process stage. No matter the circumstances, our team is ready to advocate on your behalf with determination and skill.
Comprehensive Case Review
Our team carefully looks at the circumstances of your arrest and any police reports on file. We check for errors by law enforcement and verify that no evidence was obtained unlawfully. A detailed review helps us identify weak points in the prosecution’s case.
Defense Strategy for Your Personal Situation
We develop a personalized plan based on your priorities. This may involve showing that you acted in self-defense or that the arresting officers made procedural mistakes. We also look into possible misidentification or other factors that might dispute the claims against you.
Negotiation and Courtroom Advocacy
Our firm stands ready to address your case in or out of court. We communicate with prosecutors to see if reduced charges or a dismissal might be possible. If your case goes to trial, we present evidence and challenge the allegations with assertive cross-examination.
Types of Violent Crime Cases We Handle
Our firm regularly defends a wide range of violent crime charges, and we know that each situation has its own challenges. We represent clients accused of lesser offenses and the most serious felonies alike. Here are just a few of the main offenses we see:
Battery
Under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23, Battery occurs when a person intentionally causes substantial physical harm or visible bodily injury to another. This may include actions like punching, slapping, or striking someone. Battery charges in Georgia can fall into different categories:
- Simple Battery (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23):
Offensive physical contact or minor injury.
Penalty: Up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $5,000. - Battery (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23.1):
Visible bodily harm such as bruising, cuts, or swelling.
Penalty: Same as Simple Battery, but can be elevated if the victim is a family member or certain protected individuals. - Family Violence Battery (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23.1(f)):
Battery involving a spouse, parent, child, or cohabitant. A second conviction is a felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated Assault is defined in O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21 and involves assaulting someone with the intent to murder, rape, or rob, or using a deadly weapon or object likely to cause serious bodily harm. Examples include:
- Pointing or firing a firearm at someone.
- Using a knife, bat, or vehicle to threaten or cause harm.
- Attacking someone with the intent to commit another felony.
Sentencing Guidelines
- 1 to 20 years in prison, with mandatory minimums if a firearm is discharged, if the victim is a public safety official, or if the crime occurs near a school or in front of a minor.
- Fines and probation may also apply, depending on the circumstances.
Georgia law often removes parole eligibility for firearm-related aggravated assault, making legal defense critical to avoid mandatory prison terms.
Judges often consider factors such as prior domestic violence history or the presence of a protective order when sentencing.
Homicide (Murder and Manslaughter)
Georgia recognizes several categories of homicide under O.C.G.A. §§ 16-5-1 to 16-5-3:
- Malice Murder (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1(a)):
Intentionally causing the death of another with malice (planned or spontaneous intent).
Penalty: Life with or without parole, or the death penalty in capital cases. - Felony Murder (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1(c)):
Causing a death while committing another felony, even without intent to kill.
Penalty: Same as Malice Murder. - Voluntary Manslaughter (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-2):
Killing in the heat of passion, provoked by circumstances that would provoke a reasonable person.
Penalty: 1 to 20 years in prison. - Involuntary Manslaughter (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-3):
Causing death through reckless or negligent conduct without intent to kill.
Penalty: Up to 10 years in prison if it’s felony-related; up to 12 months if it’s misdemeanor-level negligence.
Homicide cases often involve complex legal questions about intent, provocation, self-defense, and causation. These are high-stakes matters that require thorough investigation and expert legal analysis.
Each charge demands a thoughtful defense, and we’re prepared to address any special factors that could arise.
Potential Defenses Against Violent Crime Charges
Every client presents different facts, and our job is to figure out the best approach to fighting back. Depending on the evidence, we consider a variety of defenses.
Some common arguments include:
- Self-Defense or Defense of Others: Circumstances where force was used to protect yourself or another person.
- Mistaken Identity: Challenging the claim that you were involved in the incident.
- Lack of Intent: Stressing the absence of willful action or knowledge.
We can also question whether the prosecution has enough proof to meet its burden beyond a reasonable doubt.
Why Choose Our Firm?
For more than 15 years, our firm has delivered strategic criminal defense with personal attention. We remain accessible throughout your case, answering questions, outlining options, and guiding you through talks, hearings, and trial preparation.
Flexible payment plans keep quality counsel within reach, and your attorney stays directly involved from start to finish. We treat you like family because protecting your future is our highest priority.
Take Action Today: Call TDE Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.C.
Feel free to call us at (404) 330-8833 or complete the contact form on our website to arrange a confidential consultation.
We respond promptly, answer your questions, and stand ready to defend your rights and your future.
