There are several types of criminal laws in Atlanta. For example, there are felonies and misdemeanors. In addition, there are crimes against public administration and DUIs. You should be aware of these laws in order to avoid getting caught in a situation where you are suspected of committing a crime.
Misdemeanors
A misdemeanor is a lesser crime that can land a person in jail. The sentence for a misdemeanor can vary, but is typically only a couple of months. Misdemeanors are generally handled by municipal courts, such as the Municipal Court of Atlanta or the Municipal Court of Decatur. In some cases, the defendant can get a plea bargain with the prosecutor, so that they only serve part of the sentence in jail. In some cases, they can even get their charges dropped. A skilled Atlanta Criminal Lawyer in Atlanta can help you fight misdemeanor charges.
The punishment for a misdemeanor crime varies based on the type of crime. For example, a person can get a fine of up to $500 if convicted of petty theft, while a person charged with a felony charge can receive a sentence as long as life in prison. Depending on the specific crime, the court may also grant a sentence of probation in place of jail for certain offenses.
Felons
A felony is a serious crime that carries additional penalties and punishments. For example, a drug conviction can lead to a suspended or revoked license, and a conviction for sex crime can result in life registration. Other penalties include increased interest on loans and the loss of certain rights such as voting and jury service. Georgia’s DUI laws also stipulate community service and education programs for those convicted of a felony.
A felony conviction can affect your life in many ways, from employment opportunities to your living situation. If you are facing criminal charges in Atlanta, a criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the court system and protect your rights. The Abt Law Firm, LLC, provides aggressive defense to clients in felony cases.
Crimes against public administration
If you have been charged with a crime against public administration in Atlanta, you should hire an attorney right away. An attorney will be able to work with the prosecutor to reach a favorable settlement. An attorney can also argue your innocence to the court. However, every case is different, and no single defense will work in every case. An attorney will review the details of your case and try to uncover weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case.
Bribery is a serious crime that can result in imprisonment. This crime is committed when you offer or receive a gift or service in exchange for public office. Other types of crimes include fraud and theft.
DUI
If you’ve been pulled over for a DUI in Atlanta, it’s imperative to know your rights. If you’re arrested, you’ll be held accountable for the crime and may lose your license. DUI charges are serious and can have long-term consequences. A DUI lawyer in Atlanta can help you understand your rights.
DUI charges can be either a misdemeanor or a felony. Either way, the conviction remains on your record for life. A felony conviction means that you can face fines of up to $10,000, five years in state prison, or both. A first-time DUI offender may also face additional penalties, including an insurance rate increase and the loss of their job.
For the most serious DUI charges, the penalties can be even greater. For example, a DUI that causes a death is considered a felony. This is because the person was acting recklessly and not fully aware that the consequences could be catastrophic. If the driver caused the death of another person, he or she will face a prison term of three to 15 years.
HIV-specific criminal law
The HIV-specific criminal law in Atlanta has the potential to further stigmatize people living with the virus. The fact that HIV is punishable so openly and harshly reinforces the negative associations people have with the virus, and it can lead to internalized homophobia and feelings of loneliness. As a result, many people are hesitant to seek HIV testing and may avoid it in an effort to avoid the legal consequences.
Recently, the Georgia Senate passed a bill called SB 164, which aims to modernize the state’s HIV laws. The bill makes certain conduct by HIV-positive people illegal if they pose a significant risk of transmitting the disease. While the law currently carries a felony charge, advocates are hoping to see the charge reduced to a misdemeanor. The bill has bipartisan support, but it is currently stalled due to an unrelated drug amendment.