Trusted And Respected McDonough Criminal Defense Attorneys Serving The Accused In Georgia

Sexton & Moody, P.C., in McDonough, has a far-reaching, strong reputation in criminal law thanks to the solid foundation established by our founder, the late Lee Sexton. He made a name for himself and the firm by fighting fiercely for clients’ rights. His secrets of success included a deep knowledge of the law and a determination to protect clients’ futures.

Today, our dedicated criminal defense lawyers carry on attorney Sexton’s traditions with the same commitment to getting results.

Types Of Criminal Cases Handled

At Sexton & Moody, P.C., we represent people who are under investigation or have been charged with crimes such as:

• Major felony offenses
• Violent crimes such as assault and sexual assault
• Weapons violations
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI)
• White collar crimes and cyber crimes
• Theft or fraud
• Drug crimes
• Misdemeanors such as petty larceny or others

Even if you are under investigation but have not been arrested yet, you can turn to our McDonough criminal defense firm with confidence that you will receive advice that suits your needs. We can often turn cases around when we come on board in the early stages.

What To Do After An Arrest

If you are like most people, you are terrified at the prospect of going to jail, losing your freedom and entering into day-to-day uncertainty about your future.

The good news is that you may be able to post bond and avoid remaining detained for long. Our advocacy is designed to help you understand and accomplish realistic goals and the most effective course of action at every stage of your case.

When Should You Hire A Criminal Defense Lawyer?

As soon as you hear or believe that you will soon be accused of a crime, this is the time to turn to a knowledgeable McDonough defense attorney. Whether you are under investigation, have been arrested and/or have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor, you owe it to yourself to act promptly and get legal counsel on your side.

What Is The Difference Between A Felony And A Misdemeanor?

Generally speaking, in Georgia, a felony is a criminal offense that carries a penalty of a year or longer, and fines over $1000. Misdemeanor convictions may result in jail time of a year or less and fines up to $1000. The same crime may be more or less serious depending on factors such as:

• How much the seized drugs weighed in a drug crime arrest case
• What degree of alcohol content was in someone’s body at the time of a DUI arrest
• Whether a weapon was used in connection with a robbery
• Whether someone was injured in connection with an assault

If Sexton & Moody, P.C., is your defense firm, your first line of defense may be arguments by one of our skilled attorneys to persuade a prosecutor to lower your charges from a felony to a misdemeanor level.

The Dangers Of Accepting A Plea Deal Without An Attorney

Many people do not realize that taking a plea deal has the same consequences as being convicted of a crime. By accepting the deal, you are pleading guilty. There are myriad reasons not to accept a plea, especially if you do not have a criminal defense attorney, including:

• The prosecutor may be overcharging you with a crime you did not commit. This is especially relevant in drug crime cases; the prosecution charges people for possessing more drugs than they did.
• The case against you may be weak and would not stand up at trial. To try to hide that fact, the prosecutor may offer you a deal.
• You did not commit the crime. Don’t admit to committing a crime if you did not do it.

It is best to have an attorney help you navigate the plea deal system. Our attorneys have the experience and negotiating skill to help you decide whether a plea is in your best interests. If it is not, we will aggressively protect your rights at trial.

What Are The Benefits Of Hiring A Private Criminal Defense Attorney Over A Public Defender?

Public defenders play an important role in the criminal justice system. A judge appoints them to represent people who cannot afford to hire a private criminal defense lawyer. There are, however, differences in the type of representation you may receive from a public defender such as:

• Public defenders typically have hefty caseloads, which often leaves them with less time to devote to each case. A private attorney controls their case volume so they can provide thorough representation to each client.
• If you hire a private attorney, you get to choose who you think will best represent you. Public defenders, however, are assigned to your case without your input or consent.
• It is possible that a public defender is more likely to recommend taking a plea bargain than a private lawyer. This may be because they are overworked and cannot do the work required for a trial.

No matter what type of criminal charge you face, carefully consider what type of legal representation a private attorney may provide versus your options with a public defender.

Long-Term Consequences Of A Criminal Conviction

In addition to penalties such as jail or prison time and hefty fines, you may find that there are other consequences of a conviction or a plea, including:

• Depending on the offense, you may have a permanent criminal record
• It may be harder to get certain jobs or continue in your chosen career
• You could lose your professional license to practice in your field
• It may be difficult to get housing
• Getting loans or financial aid may be harder
• Your relationships with family or friends may be damaged
• You may lose custody of your children
• You may lose your right to possess firearms
• If you were convicted of a felony, you will lose your right to vote

With all that is at stake, you must carefully consider your next steps. We can help you determine how to move forward and provide you with the experienced criminal defense counsel you need.

Get Your Defense Started With A Free Consultation

Sexton & Moody, P.C., is a trusted name in defense litigation in our community and state, thanks to our emphasis on protecting clients’ rights. We are here to help you understand yours and get your defense underway.

To schedule a consultation, call 770-692-9495 or send a message online and we will respond promptly.