Charged with a Misdemeanor in Georgia?
In the state of Georgia, a misdemeanor is a criminal charge that carries one year or less of possible incarceration. The maximum fine for a misdemeanor is $1,000.00 plus court costs, fees or surcharges. Misdemeanors vary from minor traffic violations to domestic violence and solicitation, to name a few. An act that would have constituted a misdemeanor becomes a felony if a person has prior convictions for the same offense or if the amount of damages or amount stolen are above a certain dollar amount. For example, shoplifting becomes a felony if a person is arrested for shoplifting four times, or if the value of the goods taken is $500.00 or greater. Misdemeanors can become “high and aggravated”. These misdemeanors can have higher fines than $1,000.00. Certain misdemeanors carry with them mandatory penalties such as license suspensions and jail time. All traffic violations are misdemeanors.
If you are in the state of Georgia including Dekalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, or Cobb County and have been charged with any of the following:
- DUI
- Possession of Marijuana (less than one ounce)
- Possession of Alcohol by a Minor
- Distributing Alcohol to a Person under the age of 21
- Public Intoxication
- Open Container
- Domestic Violence
- Prostitution
- Solicitation for Prostitution
- Sexual Battery
- Public Indecency
- Misdemeanor Vehicular Manslaughter
- Misdemeanor Fleeing and Attempting to Elude
- Any Moving Violation
- Speeding
- No Insurance
- Reckless Driving
- Texting and Driving
- Aggressive Driving
- Failure to Yield Right of Way
- Failure to Maintain Lane
- Driving on a Suspended License
- Criminal Trespass
- Shoplifting
- Loitering
Dan Palumbo can help you. He has the knowledge to negotiate the best deal or to take your case to trial.
Disposing of the Case Before Trial
In some cases, even for people who have minor past criminal offenses on their criminal record, many jurisdictions offer Pre-trial Intervention and Diversion programs that literally intervene, or divert away from the prosecution of your case. Pre-trial Diversion is available for misdemeanors and some low-level felonies, such as Violations of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act (drug possession), theft and fraud. Diversion is a great option for first-time offenders because if you successfully complete the terms of your diversion your case will be placed on the “dead docket” and the District Attorney’s Office will consent to have your arrest record expunged. If you have a criminal history you may still be eligible for probation in lieu of prison time. Have Dan Palumbo get you best outcome possible on your case.