Savannah Georgia DUI Lawyer - Savannah GA Criminal Defense Attorneys

About us

2010-07-30T09:06:00.000-04:00

Savannah GA Criminal Defense Lawyers

The Law Office of Nye & Siamos
114 Barnard Street, Suite 2C
Savannah, Georgia 31401

912-544-0244

We are based in Savannah Georgia and defend cases throughout Coastal Georgia, to include: Savannah, Brunswick, Statesboro, Hinesville, Richmond Hill, Tybee Island, Chatham County, Effingham County, Liberty County, Fort Stewart, and Hunter Army Airfield.

Our DUI - criminal lawyers are located in Savannah, Georgia. We defend the following offenses in Georgia, Military and Federal Court: DUI & Drunk Driving - Drug Offenses - Sex Offenses - Non-Violent Crimes - Traffic Cases - Violent Crimes - Property Crimes and Theft - Firearm Offenses - White Collar Crimes.

Chatham County GA Burglary Lawyer - Burglaries Defined

2010-06-20T22:36:00.000-04:00

Richmond Hill and Savannah GA Burglary criminal law lawyer - search and seizure

Facing burglary charges in the Chatham County GA area

DUI Lawyer Savannah Georgia

Burglaries of hotels, motels, lodging houses, or other places where lodging of transients is the main purpose can create reporting problems to investigators. If numerous units under a single manager are burglarized and the offenses are most probably to be reported to the police by the manager instead of the individual tenants, the burglary must be considered as a single crime.

Examples are burglaries of numerous rental hotel rooms, rooms in flop houses, rooms in youth hostels, and units in a motel. If the individual living areas in a building are rented to the tenants for a period of time that would preclude the tenancy from being classified as transient, then the burglaries should most likely be reported separately by the tenants. These burglaries should be reported as individual offenses.

Instances of this latter kind of multiple burglary are the burglaries of numerous apartments in an apartment house, of the offices of a number of commercial firms in a business building, of the offices of separate professionals within one building, or of a number of rooms in a college dormitory.

Georgia Criminal Law: Search and Seizure Lawyer in Savannah

2010-06-20T22:33:00.002-04:00

Savannah GA criminal lawyers - search and seizure

Handling law on search and seizure in Richmond Hill Georgia

Savannah Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Under certain situations, law enforcement can conduct a search without first obtaining a search warrant. Common exceptions to the warrant requirement include:
Consent. police can conduct a search in the absence of a search warrant if they obtain consent. Consent must be freely and voluntarily given by an individual with a reasonable expectation of privacy in the area or property to be searched.
Plain View. An officer may seize evidence without a warrant when that officer is on the property legally and the evidence is found in plain view.

Search incident to arrest. While making a lawful arrest, an officer may search an individuals person and their immediate surroundings for weapons or other items that can harm the officer. When an individual is arrested in or near a vehicle, the officer can search the passenger compartment of that vehicle.
Exigent Circumstances. police do not need to obtain a search warrant if they reasonably believe that evidence may be destroyed or others will be placed in danger in the time it will take to obtain the warrant.

Automobile Exception. An officer may search a vehicle if they have a reasonable belief that contraband is contained inside the vehicle.

Hot Pursuit. law enforcement may enter a private dwelling if they are in hot pursuit of a fleeing criminal. Once inside a dwelling, police may search the entire area without first obtaining a search warrant.

Auto Theft and DUI Lawyer in Savannah Georgia

2010-06-20T22:32:00.000-04:00

Savannah GA motor vehicle theft criminal defense law firm

Fighting a auto theft allegation in Savannah Georgia

Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Auto Theft means the theft or attempted theft of a auto, which is a self-propelled car that moves on land surface and not on rails; for example, sport utility vehicles, automobiles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, motor scooters, all-terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles are considered as motor vehicles. This category does not include farm equipment, bulldozers, airplanes, construction equipment, or water craft like motorboats, sailboats, houseboats, or jet skis.

Taking a vehicle for temporary use if prior authority has been granted or can be assumed such as in family situations, rental car agreements, or unauthorized use by chauffeurs and others having legal access to the vehicle cannot be classified as car thefts.
Reporting agencies should treated as motor vehicle Theft in all cases where motor vehicle are taken by persons without permission although the autos are subsequently abandoned. They must include joyriding in this category. When a vehicle is stolen together with another offense, the reporting agency must treat the offenses with the help of procedures for classifying multiple offenses.

Savannah, Georgia DUI law firm

2010-05-13T09:08:00.000-04:00

Each state imposes a maximum permissible blood alcohol content (BAC) for drivers, and you are considered legally "drunk" even when you do not feel that you are in any way affected by the alcohol you had. The permissible limit for blood alcohol in Savannah, Georgia, is normally 0.08%, although DUI charges are often possible based upon your driving conduct even at a lesser BAC. If a driver’s BAC is more than .08%, the driver violates the DUI law. Based on the situation, those convicted of drunk driving can endure punishments that can range from a suspension or revocation of a license to a long stay in prison. If you have been charged with breaking a DUI law, you can find a seasoned Savannah, Georgia DUI law firm to assist you with your case. A DUI law firm in Savannah, Georgia can be found online and family, friends, or ideally a family lawyer, can also refer you to a seasoned Savannah, Georgia DUI law firm. A Savannah, Georgia DUI law firm has knowledge of all the laws to use to your benefit as well as interpreting state constitutions to use as a lifeline. The easiest way to prevent such tough punishment is to avoid being charged with DUI at all, or at least being charged more than once. But, sometimes, errors are made and unfortunate circumstances do arise. If you are facing multiple DUI charges, then the help of an experienced and skilled Savannah, Georgia DUI law firm can be invaluable.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, Georgia criminal law firm

2010-05-12T09:08:00.000-04:00

Under law, prisoners have the right to file petitions for habeas corpus, challenging the legality of their detention but this right can be suspended in cases of national emergency. A petition for habeas corpus asks that a court issue a writ, requiring that a prisoner be produced in the court on a particular place, date and time. If a writ of habeas corpus is issued, the prisoner will be brought to court at the fixed date and time. The purpose of a hearing on the writ of habeas corpus is not to decide whether a prisoner is innocent or not, but is rather to decide whether the legal grounds asserted for the detention is legal. If the detention is illegal, the prisoner must be released. Whether or not imprisonment is legal, if the charge against the prisoner is valid the prisoner may undergo trial on that charge. For instance, the prisoner might file a petition for habeas corpus alleging detention on the grounds of an illegally excessive bail amount, however even if the reviewing court finds the bail amount is high and provides relief the prisoner would still have to undergo trial on the underlying charge. Never attempt filing a habeas corpus petition by yourself. Use the services of a seasoned Savannah, Georgia criminal law firm.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, Georgia forfeiture law firm

2010-05-11T09:07:00.000-04:00

The method in which forfeiture will be handled, and if the proceedings are "criminal" or "civil" in nature, will differ hugely from state to state. It is generally advisable to take advise from an experienced Savannah, Georgia forfeiture law firm, if you are facing any kind of forfeiture action. Criminal forfeiture occurs when, after the owner is convicted of a crime, and if forfeiture is allowed under the laws of your jurisdiction, it is demonstrated that the property has a sufficient connection to the offense to mandate depriving you of the property rights. For example, the jurisdiction may have a rule that provides the court the right to forfeit your vehicle, when you are convicted of DUI. The prosecutor's office may request forfeiture of the property even your business or home when you are convicted of certain crimes, such as drug trafficking or racketeering. Civil forfeiture is similar in numerous ways to criminal forfeiture. But, whereas criminal forfeiture imposes an extra penalty on the property’s owner for the wrongful conduct, a civil forfeiture action is initiated against the property itself. For criminal forfeiture to start, the owner of the property has be convicted of a crime, however civil forfeiture might happen even if the owner is acquitted.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, Georgia drug defense law firm

2010-05-10T09:07:00.000-04:00

Under Georgia law when a police officer finds that you have illegal drugs, you will be charged with drug possession although you weren’t actually holding the drugs in your hand. You are considered to be the owner of drugs found in your pockets or clothing, car or home, or any place over which you exercise control. If an officer finds drugs in your briefcase or purse, you will be considered in possession of those drugs. You may also be charged with drug possession when police find the materials to make a drug or the equipment to consume it. If you are found with a certain amount of drugs or you are caught trying to sell drugs or when an officer finds you with a scale, or even wads of money in certain circumstances, you will be charged with possession of drugs with intent to distribute. It is a more severe charge than simple drug possession. You should immediately contact a seasoned Savannah, Georgia drug defense law firm. The amount of drugs needed for this charge depends on the drug involved. If you are caught trying to sell drugs to children, the penalties are more tough.

Whereas a DUI offense involving drugs may be prosecuted by the State although where the drugs are prescribed by a physician, special rules apply to DUI-contraband cases. These cases involve illegal substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroine, etc. in the driver’s blood system. The DUI offense in Savannah, Georgia is based upon driving when having an unlawful substance in your blood system. Although this issue is currently on appeal, the prosecution is not presently required to prove impairment because of the illegal contraband drugs in the system. Mere evidence of the presence of a contraband substance or its "metabolites" is sufficient to render a conviction. But, recent case law (Love v. State) holds that if a person has marijuana present in his/her system, the State must demonstrate that the individual was rendered incapable of driving safely as a result of using the marijuana.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, Georgia Marijuana law firm

2010-05-09T09:05:00.000-04:00

Marijuana possession in Savannah, Georgia with intent to distribute charge carries some especially tough penalties. This felony offense includes jail time and also fines starting in the thousands. If you possess a huge amount of drugs, you may be slapped with this charge even if you had no intention of distributing the drug. In these instances, intent is based on the amount of marijuana in your possession. If you're found with marijuana, you can receive a heavy fine and/or go to prison. If you are caught more than once, or if looks like you're likely to sell the drug, the punishment is more severe. The severity of the penalty varies based on different factors:
• Quantity - Penalties differ based on the quantity of marijuana found in the person's possession.
• Selling - Penalties are much severe for persons intending to sell.
• Growing - Penalties are much severe for those cultivating cannabis.
• Location - A person arrested for selling marijuana near a school will generally face severe penalties.
The legal consequences are perhaps far more severe than you’ve ever imagined. If you’ve charged with a marijuana related offense, it is important that you choose a seasoned Savannah, Georgia marijuana defense law firm to defend the marijuana charges against you.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, Georgia drug law firm

2010-05-08T09:04:00.000-04:00

Marijuana regulations are different in each state. It is important to understand the subtle differences. Buying, selling, using or growing marijuana is illegal in all states of the United States. Penalties differ from place to place, but typically consist of jail term, a fine or both. Beyond the misdemeanor DUI-contraband penalties, Georgia law has other more tough penalties for possession of drugs when marijuana or other drugs are found in a vehicle or a person’s pocket pocket. A "possession" offense may be committed by a person driving a car, or by a person not operating a car. Your driver’s license may be suspended on a guilty plea or a conviction for possession of drugs, although you were not driving when at the time of arrest. This law has been upheld by the Georgia Supreme Court after an appeal on challenges to its validity.

Savannah, Georgia has strict drug laws. If convicted, you can face long jail temrs and heavy fines. If you are charged with a drug crime, contact a seasoned Savannah, Georgia drug law firm. Under Georgia law if a police officer finds that you have illegal drugs, you will be charged with drug possession even if you weren’t actually holding the drugs in your hand. You will be considered to be the owner of drugs found in your pockets or clothing, car or home, or any place over which you have control.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, Georgia murder and homicide law firm

2010-05-07T09:03:00.000-04:00

State and federal laws regarding homicide and murder are the most complex of any criminal laws. Never attempt to defend a murder or homicide charge by yourself. Before you hire a Savannah, Georgia murder and homicide law firm, ask for references. Ask to be provided with a copy of the attorney’s retainer agreement and have it explained to you before you select the attorney or the attorney’s law firm. A Savannah, Georgia murder and homicide law firm will want to know who you are and how you can be contacted. The Savannah, Georgia law firm may also ask for a personal and business background and any information about your case. The classifications of homicidal and murder offenses are complex but are often divided into a handful of categories based on severity. There are a certain types of homicide, or murder, which are defined by law. First degree murder is the premeditated, deliberate, and/or malicious act of willfully causing the death of another party. First degree murder is commonly referred to as "cold-blooded" murder because it is calculated and committed willfully with the intention to kill or do serious harm. Murder in the second degree is the crime of murdering in "the heat of passion" which may involve cases where a person acts during a period of intense fear, rage, anger, terror, or fear. This type of murder is generally treated as voluntary manslaughter. This type of murder can also happen when death results in the commission of another criminal act. A homicide by vehicle is considered as first degree when the driver:
(1) illegally met or overtook a school bus;(2) illegally failed to stop after a collision;(3) was driving recklessly;(4) was driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;(5) failed to stop for, or otherwise was trying to flee from a law enforcement officer, or (6) had previously been declared a habitual violator.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, Georgia Arson Law firm

2010-05-06T09:02:00.000-04:00

Arson is a serious charge that generally doesn't involve getting off with a warning. A seasoned Savannah, Georgia arson law firm can help you if you are facing arson charges. The penalties can be severe, but a seasoned arson law firm can get you the best possible results. A person helping with the crime is generally charged with arson rather than being an accomplice to the crime. Pouring gasoline on the floor of a building or possessing firebombs might be offenses related to arson under certain state laws. Arson involving damage to federal property is almost always prosecuted in federal court, and also anything related to interstate or foreign transport. The elements of arson are lighting a fire that reaches a structure and, in turn, burns down said structure. Arson law also treats explosions as burnings. The police and firefighters determine the circumstances to be considered for arson like the type of structure and amount of damage. Arson is a crime of general intent meaning that arson was committed "willfully and maliciously." All that's necessary for an arson charge is evidence that you intentionally lit the fire.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, Georgia criminal appeal law firm

2010-05-05T09:01:00.000-04:00

If arrested in Savannah, Georgia, your first court appearance will be at the arraignment. At the arraignment, the judge will read out the charges filed against you in the complaint and you can choose to plead "guilty," "not guilty" or "no contest" to those charges. The judge will also review your bail and fix dates for future hearings. A preliminary hearing, or preliminary examination, is the adversarial proceeding in which lawyers examine witnesses and both parties make arguments. The judge then makes the final finding of probable cause. In a grand jury, only the prosecutor is heard by the jury. The grand jury can call their own witnesses and request that further investigations be done. The grand jury then determines if sufficient proof has been presented to indict the defendant. If you have been convicted, you usually have the right to appeal. A seasoned Savannah, Georgia criminal appeal law firm will request the higher court to overturn the trial court’s decision due to legal or procedural mistakes. The appeal court judges are looking for errors which may have changed the decision. In a appeal, you submit written "briefs" to the court, along with a copy of the trial court transcript and any exhibits that were produced at trial. Oral arguments may be scheduled. Arguments are generally very short in duration, and tend to be academic in nature, focusing on legal issues. In an appeal, the higher court looks for mistakes in the verdict of the trial court. If the higher court finds mistakes in the trial court’s decision, the appeal court can direct a re-trial or set aside the conviction.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, Georgia Criminal Defense Law firm

2010-05-04T09:01:00.000-04:00

Before you hire a Savannah, Georgia criminal defense law firm, request for references. Request to be provided with a copy of the attorney’s retainer agreement and have it explained to you before you hire the lawyer or the attorney’s law firm. A criminal defense lawyer will want to know who you are and how you can be contacted. The attorney can also ask for a personal and business background and any information relevant to your case. The criminal justice system is generally a very frightening thing for anyone in the crosshairs of a prosecutor, this makes it only more imperative to be represented by a good attorney. Savannah, Georgia criminal defense law firm will almost always charge by the hour or by a flat fee that should be paid in advance. Rules of professional conduct generally disallow a lawyer from entering into a contingent fee contract for a criminal action. Rates will be competitive. So it may be a good idea to shop around. However, lawyers with a good reputation in this area tend to charge more. With your freedom possibly at stake, it may be advisable to pay more for a lawyer or a law firm with an excellent reputation. Hire a lawyer with at least a few years of experience, and especially one with experience in the type of prosecution you are facing. As criminal cases are many times sorted out by plea agreements with the district attorney's office, it will be that your attorney has a good working relationship with the prosecuting attorney, or to at least have a reputation that commands respect.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, GA DUI law firm

2010-05-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

Every state imposes a maximum permissible blood alcohol content (BAC) for drivers, and you will be considered legally "drunk" even when you do not feel that you are in any way influenced by the alcohol you drank. The legal limit for blood alcohol in Savannah, GA, is typically 0.08%, although drunk driving charges are often possible depending on your driving conduct even at a lower BAC. If a driver’s BAC is above .08%, he or she is violating the DUI law. Depending on the situation, persons convicted of drunk driving can endure punishments that range from a suspension or revocation of a license all the way a long stay in prison. If you have been charged with breaking a DUI law, you should find a seasoned Savannah, GA DUI law firm to assist you with your case. A DUI law firm in Savannah, GA can be found online and family, friends, or ideally a family attorney, can also refer you to a seasoned Savannah, GA DUI law firm. A Savannah, GA DUI law firm knows all the legal rules to use to your advantage as well as interpreting state constitutions to serve as a lifeline. The best method to prevent such harsh penalties is to avoid being charged with DUI at all, or at least being charged more than once. However, sometimes, errors happen and unfortunate circumstances do arise. If you are facing multiple DUI charges, then the help of an experienced and skilled Savannah, GA DUI law firm can be invaluable.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, GA criminal law firm

2010-05-02T08:58:00.001-04:00

Under law, prisoners are allowed to file petitions for habeas corpus, challenging the legality of their detention but this right may be suspended in times of national emergency. The petition for habeas corpus requests that the judge issue a writ, ordering that the prisoner be produced in the court at a particular place, date and time. Once the writ of habeas corpus is issued, the prisoner will be produced in court at the scheduled date and time. The aim of a hearing on a writ of habeas corpus is not to determine if the prisoner is innocent or not, but is instead to decide if the legal grounds asserted for the imprisonment is legal. When the imprisonment is illegal, the prisoner has to be released. Whether or not detention is legal, if a charge against the prisoner is valid the prisoner may undergo trial on that charge. For instance, the prisoner can file the petition for habeas corpus alleging imprisonment on the basis of an illegally high bail amount, but even if the reviewing court holds the bail amount is excessive and grants relief the prisoner would still have to undergo trial on the underlying charge. Do not attempt filing a habeas corpus petition by yourself. Use the services of a seasoned Savannah, GA criminal law firm.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, GA forfeiture law firm

2010-05-01T08:58:00.000-04:00

The procedure in which forfeiture will be handled, and if the proceedings are "criminal" or "civil" in nature, will differ hugely from state to state. It is usually advisable to seek help from an experienced Savannah, GA forfeiture law firm, if you are facing any kind of forfeiture action. Criminal forfeiture occurs if, after the owner is convicted of a criminal activity, and if forfeiture is permitted under the rules of the prosecuting state, it is shown that your property has a sufficient relationship to the offense to mandate depriving you of the property rights. For example, your jurisdiction can have a law which provides the judge the right to forfeit your vehicle, when you are convicted of drunk driving. The prosecutor's office may ask for forfeiture of your property even your business or home if you are convicted of particular offenses, such as drug trafficking or racketeering. Civil forfeiture is similar in numerous ways to criminal forfeiture. However, whereas criminal forfeiture imposes an extra penalty on the property’s owner for his wrongful conduct, a civil forfeiture action is initiated against the property itself. For criminal forfeiture to start, the property’s owner should be convicted of a crime, but civil forfeiture can take place although the owner is acquitted.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, GA drug defense law firm

2010-04-30T08:56:00.000-04:00

Under Georgia law if a police officer finds that you have illegal drugs, you will be charged with drug possession although you weren’t actually holding the drugs in your hand. You are considered to be the owner of drugs found in your pockets or clothing, car or home, or any place over which you have control. If an officer finds drugs in your briefcase or purse, you would be considered in possession of those drugs. You may also be charged with drug possession when police find the materials to make a drug or the equipment to use it. If you are found with a certain amount of drugs or you are caught trying to sell drugs or when an officer finds you with a scale, or even wads of cash in some circumstances, you will be charged with possession of drugs with intent to distribute. It is a more severe charge than simple drug possession. You must immediately get in touch with a seasoned Savannah, GA drug defense law firm. The amount of drugs required for this charge depends on the drug involved. If you are caught trying to sell drugs to children, the penalties are more tough.

Whereas a DUI offense involving drugs can be prosecuted by the State even if the drugs are prescribed by a physician, special laws apply to DUI-contraband cases. These cases involve illegal substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroine, etc. in the person’s blood system. The DUI offense in Savannah, GA is based upon driving while having an unlawful substance in the blood system. Even though this issue is presently on appeal, the prosecution is not presently required to establish impairment due to the illegal contraband drugs in the system. Mere proof of the presence of a contraband substance or its "metabolites" is sufficient to result in a conviction. But, recent case law (Love v. State) holds that if a person has marijuana present in his/her system, the State should prove that the person was rendered incapable of driving safely as a result of using the marijuana.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, GA Marijuana law firm

2010-04-29T08:54:00.000-04:00

Marijuana possession in Savannah, GA with intent to distribute charge invites some especially tough penalties. This felony offense includes jail time and even fines beginning in the thousands. If you have a huge amount of drugs, you may be slapped with this charge even if you had no intention of distributing the marijuana. In these cases, intent depends on the quantity of the drug in your possession. When you're found with marijuana, you may receive a huge fine and/or go to jail. When you are caught more than once, or when appears like you're likely to sell the drug, the punishment is harsher. The severity of the penalty differs depending on different factors:
• Quantity - Penalties differ depending on the quantity of marijuana recovered from the person's possession.
• Selling - Penalties are more severe for persons intending to sell.
• Growing - Penalties are much severe for those growing cannabis.
• Location - A person arrested for selling marijuana near a school will often face harsher penalties.
The legal consequences are perhaps far more severe than you’ve ever imagined. If you’ve charged with a marijuana connected crime, it is important that you choose a seasoned Savannah, GA marijuana defense law firm to fight the marijuana charges against you.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, GA drug law firm

2010-04-28T08:53:00.000-04:00

Marijuana rules are different in each state. It is important to know the subtle differences. Buying, selling, using or growing marijuana is illegal in every part of the US. Penalties differ from place to place, however typically consist of jail term, a fine or both. Beyond the misdemeanor DUI-contraband penalties, Georgia law has other more tough penalties for possession of drugs when marijuana or other drugs are found in a vehicle or someone’s pocket. A "possession" offense may be committed by a person driving a car, or by a person not operating a car. Your driver’s license may be suspended upon a guilty plea or a conviction for possession of drugs, even if you were not driving when arrested. This law has been upheld by the Georgia Supreme Court after an appeal on challenges to its constitutionality.

There are strict drug laws in Savannah, GA. On conviction, you could face long jail sentences and heavy fines. If you are charged with a drug crime, contact a seasoned Savannah, GA drug law firm. In Georgia if a police officer finds that you have illegal drugs, you will be charged with drug possession although you weren’t actually holding the drugs in your hand. You are considered to be the owner of drugs found in your pockets or clothing, car or home, or any place over which you exercise control.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, GA murder and homicide law firm

2010-04-27T08:52:00.000-04:00

State and federal laws about homicide and murder are the most complicated of any criminal laws. Never attempt to defend a murder or homicide charge by yourself. Before you hire a Savannah, GA murder and homicide law firm, request for references. Request to be provided with a copy of the attorney’s retainer agreement and have it explained to you before you hire the lawyer or the attorney’s law firm. A Savannah, GA murder and homicide law firm will want to know who you are and how you can be contacted. The Savannah, GA law firm may also ask for a personal and business background and any information relevant to your case. The classifications of homicidal and murder offenses are complex but are often divided into a handful of categories depending on severity. There are a few types of homicide, or murder, that are defined by law. First degree murder refers to the premeditated, deliberate, and/or malicious act of intentionally causing the death of another individual. First degree murder is commonly referred to as "cold-blooded" murder as it is calculated and done willfully with the intention to kill or do serious harm. Murder in the second degree is the crime of murdering in "the heat of passion" that may involve cases where a person acts during a period of intense fear, rage, anger, terror, or fear. This type of murder is generally considered voluntary manslaughter. This type of murder can also happen if death results in the perpetration of another criminal act. A homicide by vehicle is considered as first degree when the driver:
(1) unlawfully met or overtook a school bus;(2) unlawfully failed to stop after a collision;(3) was driving recklessly;(4) was driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;(5) failed to stop for, or otherwise was trying to flee from a law enforcement officer, or (6) had previously been declared a habitual violator.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, GA Arson Law firm

2010-04-26T08:51:00.000-04:00

Arson is a serious charge that usually doesn't involve being let off with a warning. A seasoned Savannah, GA arson law firm can assit you if you are facing arson charges. The penalties may be severe, but an experienced arson law firm can get you the best possible results. A person assisting with the crime is usually charged with arson rather than being an accomplice to the crime. Pouring gasoline on the floor of a building or possessing firebombs might be offenses related to arson under certain state statutes. Arson involving damage to federal property is almost always prosecuted in federal court, as is anything related to interstate or foreign transport. The elements of arson are setting a fire that reaches a structure and, in turn, burns down that structure. Arson law also considers explosions as burnings. The police and firefighters decide the circumstances to be considered for arson like the kind of structure and amount of damage. Arson is a crime of general intent meaning that arson was committed "willfully and maliciously." All that’s required for an arson charge is proof that the individual intentionally started the fire.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, GA criminal appeal law firm

2010-04-25T08:50:00.000-04:00

If arrested in Savannah, GA, your first court appearance is at the arraignment. During arraignment, the judge will read out the charges filed against you in the complaint and you have to plead "guilty," "not guilty" or "no contest" to those charges. The judge will also determine your bail and set dates for future hearings. A preliminary hearing, or preliminary examination, is an adversarial hearing in which attorneys questions witnesses and both parties make arguments. The judge then determines the final finding of probable cause. In a grand jury, the jury hears only from the prosecutor. The grand jury can call their own witnesses and request that further investigations be performed. The grand jury then decides if sufficient proof has been presented to indict the defendant. If you have been convicted, you usually can appeal. A seasoned Savannah, GA criminal appeal law firm will ask the higher court to overturn the trial court’s decision based on legal or procedural mistakes. The appeal court judges are looking for errors which might have changed the verdict. In a appeal, you submit written "briefs" to the court, together with a copy of the trial court transcript and any exhibits that were produced at trial. Oral arguments may be scheduled. Arguments are generally very short in duration, and are academic in nature, discussing legal issues. In an appeal, the higher court looks for mistakes in the decision of the trial court. If the higher court finds errors in the trial court’s decision, the appeal court can order a re-trial or set aside the conviction.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, GA Criminal Defense Law firm

2010-04-24T08:49:00.000-04:00

Before you hire a Savannah, GA criminal defense law firm, request for references. Ask to be provided with a copy of the attorney’s retainer agreement and have it explained to you before you hire the attorney or the attorney’s law firm. A criminal defense attorney will want to know who you are and how you can be contacted. The attorney may also ask for a personal and business background and any information about your case. The criminal justice system is usually a very frightening thing for anyone in the crosshairs of a prosecutor, this makes it only more imperative to be represented by a good attorney. Savannah, GA criminal defense law firm will almost always charge hourly rates or by a flat fee that should be paid up front. Rules of professional conduct usually prohibit a lawyer from entering into a contingent fee contract for a criminal action. Rates can be competitive. So it may be a good idea to shop around. However, lawyers with a good reputation in this area tend to charge more. With your freedom possibly on the line, it may be advisable to pay more for an attorney or a law firm with an excellent reputation. Hire a lawyer with at least a few years of experience, and especially one with experience in the type of prosecution you are facing. As criminal cases are many times sorted out by plea bargains with the district attorney's office, it is in your interest that your attorney has a good working relationship with the prosecuting attorney, or to at least have a reputation that commands respect.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Richmond Hill, GA DUI law firm

2010-04-23T08:49:00.000-04:00

Every state imposes a maximum permissible blood alcohol content (BAC) for drivers, and you can be considered legally "drunk" even if you do not feel that you are in any way influenced by the alcohol you consumed. The permissible limit for blood alcohol in Richmond Hill, GA, is generally 0.08%, although DUI charges are often possible depending on your driving conduct even at a lesser BAC. If a motorist’s BAC is above .08%, the person violates the DUI law. Based on the situation, those convicted of drunk driving can endure punishments that range from a suspension or revocation of a license all the way a long stay in prison. If you have been charged with breaking a DUI law, you can find a seasoned Richmond Hill, GA DUI law firm to help you with your case. A DUI law firm in Richmond Hill, GA can be found online and family, friends, or ideally a family lawyer, can also refer you to a seasoned Richmond Hill, GA DUI law firm. A Richmond Hill, GA DUI law firm knows all the legal rules to use to your benefit as well as interpreting state constitutions to use as a lifeline. The easiest way to prevent such tough penalties is to avoid being charged with DUI at all, or at least being charged more than once. However, sometimes, mistakes are made and unfortunate circumstances do happen. If you are facing multiple DUI charges, then the help of an experienced and skilled Richmond Hill, GA DUI law firm can be invaluable.

-------------------------Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney