Marietta Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being charged with a crime in Marietta has many ramifications in your life, not the least is the immediate threat to your freedom. The criminal justice process is not something you should ever try to deal with on your own.

Waid Law Firm LLC represents clients who are facing criminal charges in Fulton and Cobb Counties. Attorney Addison Waid takes a compassionate approach to every client, no matter what type of case is involved. He is a former prosecutor who has a deep knowledge of the criminal justice system, having handled thousands of cases. As a criminal defense lawyer, Addisaon Waid is committed to achieving results for his clients, as they deal with grave charges.

Waid Law Firm, LLC is located at 399 Washington Ave NE, Marietta, GA 30060. Call us today at 470-458-9866 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Recent Google Review

Clients note our dedication to their interests when we have represented them in their criminal cases. Client Matt Finnazo writes: “Great firm to work with easy communication . Addison’s dedication gave me confidence that my interests were being protected. They were honest about expectations and worked hard to achieve an outstanding outcome.”

What is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?

Both felonies and misdemeanors are serious criminal offenses. A conviction for either may result in jail time and a lasting criminal record.

• A misdemeanor is considered to be a less serious offense, but it is still a grave one as far as you are concerned. Misdemeanors are typically charged directly by the prosecutor through a document. A misdemeanor conviction can result in a jail sentence of up to one year. However, there are more serious categories of misdemeanors that could lead to a longer jail sentence. These cases are typically handled in state or magistrate court.
• A felony is a more serious criminal charge. In many cases, the lead-up to a felony charge requires more formal procedures, such as a grand jury indictment. Felony convictions often lead to a jail sentence in excess of one year, and the collateral consequences are even more serious. Felony convictions are typically not eligible for record restriction, meaning they will stay with you for the rest of your life. Felony cases are handled in Superior Court in Georgia.

An Overview of the Criminal Justice Process in Georgia

The criminal justice process in Georgia unfolds over time. While you are constitutionally entitled to a speedy trial, a contested case can mean a legal process that takes one year or more.

When you have been charged with a crime in Marietta, you can expect the following stages of your case:

• After you have been arrested, you will make an initial appearance in court shortly afterward. Here, you will be advised of the charges against you, and a judge may determine whether you can be released and any attached conditions.
• Your case will proceed to an arraignment, where you will be formally advised of the charges and given the opportunity to enter a plea, which will almost always be not guilty.
• At some point after arraignment, your case will proceed to the discovery phase, where the prosecutor will need to produce all of the evidence that they intend to use against you in court to your criminal defense lawyer.
• Prior to trial, the judge will entertain motions that have been filed by your lawyer, such as seeking to suppress wrongfully obtained evidence and motions to dismiss the charges.
• Also before trial, your criminal defense lawyer may engage with the prosecutor in an attempt to negotiate a plea bargain. You may have the opportunity to plead guilty in exchange for either lesser charges or a reduced punishment recommendation to the judge.
• If you choose to fight the charges, you are afforded a trial in which both your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecutor present evidence to the judge and jury.

How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Me?

A criminal defense attorney can help you in numerous ways, including by doing the following:

• Making sure that you are fully aware of your legal rights and counseling you on mistakes to avoid
• Investigating your case and compiling evidence that can be used at trial
• Representing you at all phases of the criminal justice process, including pretrial proceedings in court
• Negotiating with the prosecutor to obtain the best possible outcome, which can even mean that you face no jail time

It is not just critical that you hire a criminal defense attorney for your case, but it is also vital that you speak to one immediately. There is much that can happen in the early stages of your case. In addition, you may make mistakes on your own that can drastically impact your criminal defense, such as speaking with law enforcement when you are not obligated to do so. Timing is crucial, and you should speak to a Marietta criminal defense lawyer now.

What Types of Cases Does Waid Law Firm, LLC Handle?

At Waid Law Firm, LLC, we represent clients in a wide variety of criminal cases, including the following:

• DUI (including first-time DUI, felony DUI and DUI vehicular manslaughter)
• Domestic violence
• Drug possession
• Drug trafficking
• Robbery and armed robbery
• Sex crimes
• Assault
• Battery
• Other violent crimes
• Theft offenses

In addition, we also assist clients who are seeking to have their criminal record restricted (which is the same as expungement), which can give them a second chance at life.

Contact a Marietta Criminal Defense Law Firm to Discuss Your Case

When you are facing criminal charges in Fulton or Cobb county, do not wait to protect your legal rights. The best thing that you can do to ensure this outcome is to contact a Marietta criminal defense attorney at Waid Law Firm, LLC. You can speak with a lawyer during a free initial consultation when you visit our website or by calling us today at 470-458-9866.