Choosing an Attorney After a Domestic Violence Charge
Feb. 8, 2022
Being accused of domestic violence is a serious situation that requires immediate legal counsel. From the moment you get charged with domestic violence, your life can change in an instant. Most people facing criminal charges cannot think straight because they are overwhelmed with stress and fear. That is why hiring an attorney to work on your defense is a crucial step to take to protect your rights and freedom.
However, choosing an attorney after a domestic violence charge can be complicated. There are countless defense attorneys to choose from in Woodstock, Georgia, but you need the best one, given the serious nature of the charges.
Preferably, you should choose someone who knows the criminal justice system inside and out. Someone who knows how prosecutors think and what their tactics are. The skilled and justice-oriented criminal defense lawyer at the Law Office of Jay G. Wall was a practicing prosecutor in Georgia for nearly a decade. He has a deep understanding of the prosecution strategies and knows what it takes to prepare an effective and winning defense. The Law Office of Jay G. Wall serves clients in Woodstock, Marietta, Canton, and Cartersville, Georgia.
Domestic Violence in Georgia
Georgia law recognizes several types of criminal offenses that fall under the category of “domestic violence.” In Georgia, domestic violence can include assault, battery, stalking, unlawful restraint, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass, and sexual assault.
To be considered “domestic violence,” the crime must occur between current or former spouses, romantic partners, parents and children, stepparents and stepchildren, parents of the same child, and individuals currently or formerly living in the same household.
In Georgia, domestic violence crimes are punished more severely than the same underlying crimes between individuals not in an intimate or domestic relationship. For example, a simple assault committed against a stranger is usually a misdemeanor; however, crime can be elevated to an aggravated misdemeanor when it occurs between spouses or other individuals with an intimate or domestic relationship.
Under Georgia law, simple assault or battery charges involving family violence are punishable with up to $5,000 in fines and no more than 12 months in jail. However, the penalties depend on the nature of the alleged offense, the number of prior family violence convictions, and other factors. Consider contacting a defense attorney to help you fight the domestic violence charges against you.
Important Qualities in a Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with domestic violence, finding a skilled criminal defense attorney might be your priority. However, choosing the right attorney for your specific case can be a daunting task. Given the sensitive and delicate nature of domestic violence cases, make sure that your defense attorney has the following skills and qualities:
Justice-oriented. Your defense attorney should be dedicated to helping clients and must be motivated by the pursuit of justice. Successful defense attorneys are focused on one goal: achieving the best possible result for the client.
Deep understanding of the justice system. If you have been accused of domestic violence, you need to find a defense attorney who has extensive experience representing clients facing domestic violence charges in your area. You would not want to put your freedom in the hands of a defense attorney who has never handled similar cases.
Sympathetic and understanding. Facing criminal charges is always scary and overwhelming, which is why you need to work with an attorney who is sympathetic and understands the emotional impact of the charges. Your attorney should provide you with the care, support, and representation you need to be confident that your case is in the right hands.
Reliable expertise. A good criminal defense attorney can provide you with reliable representation in your domestic violence case and will not be afraid to have open and sincere conversations with you. An experienced attorney will review the circumstances of your case and help you understand your options and the possible outcome of your case.
Sensible strategist. When choosing an attorney after a domestic violence charge, you need to look for someone who develops a strategy before they walk into the courtroom. A strong attorney is prepared to spend as much time as necessary to build an effective strategy after sifting through the evidence presented against their client. A skilled attorney can compellingly present the client’s case to win over juries and judges.
A lasting relationship with local prosecutors and judges. A good attorney is familiar with the local system and has developed working relationships with local prosecutors and judges. They know how the local courts work and get the best outcome for their client.
When choosing an attorney for your domestic violence case, check that your lawyer has the qualities mentioned above to verify that your case is in the hands of an experienced, reliable, and justice-oriented defense attorney.
How an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
If you have been accused of domestic violence, an experienced criminal defense attorney will fight for the best possible resolution of your case. As a former prosecutor and now a criminal defense attorney with a strong reputation in Georgia, the attorney at the Law Office of Jay G. Wall provides clients in Woodstock, Georgia, with legal guidance and is prepared to advocate for clients at every stage of the criminal justice process. The Law Office of Jay G. Wall also serves clients in Marietta, Canton, and Cartersville, Georgia. Contact the Law Office of Jay G. Wall today to discuss your specific case.