As a former Special Victims Unit prosecutor, Stacey Goad of the Atlantic Law Firm, defends her clients with a level of skill and professionalism others simply cannot match.
What Are Violent Offenses?
Violent Crimes in Savannah are offenses, like assault and battery, that usually involve causing bodily harm to another, threatening to cause physical harm, or other actions committed against the will of an individual.
An aggravated offense is a violent crime that occurs when the crime is made worse or more severe due to specific circumstances, such as using a deadly weapon.
Aggravated offenses come with harsher penalties. The use of physical force against someone, mainly when it results in a serious injury or death, can carry harsh punishments, including prison sentences, fines, and other long-lasting, negative impacts on the accused.
However, a charge is a long way away from a criminal conviction. That's why it's crucial to retain a criminal defense attorney who understands Georgia's criminal justice system inside and out to help you navigate these serious charges.
Stacey M. Goad has over a decade of experience both prosecuting and defending violent crime in Savannah. She is familiar with the subtle differences that distinguish each crime and can help you build a strong defense.
Contact The Atlantic Law Firm, LLC from the very beginning so we can start preparing the best defense.
“The Atlantic Law Firm, LLC will handle your case with competence and care, both in and out of the courtroom.”
Types of Violent Offenses
According to Georgia criminal law, violent crimes include a wide array of offenses. Thus, it's not surprising that their potential penalties and required elements sometimes substantially vary.
Some of Georgia's criminal charges involving violent crimes include the following:
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault can occur in a variety of ways. The first way happens when a person attempts to commit a violent injury to another. The second way is when a person commits an act that places another in fear of immediately receiving a violent injury.
A violent crime conviction for aggravated assault carries a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison. As you face this serious charge, a former SVU prosecutor on your side makes all the difference.
Aggravated Battery
Under O.C.G.A. 16-5-24, aggravated battery occurs when a person maliciously causes bodily harm to another. This can happen by depriving them of a member of their body, by rendering a member of their body useless, or by seriously disfiguring his or her body or a part of the body.
Aggravated Battery is a felony offense carrying a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Assault
A person has committed assault when they attempt to commit a violent injury to another. The second way a person can be guilty of assault is when they commit an act that places another in reasonable apprehension of immediately receiving a violent injury.
Simple assault (O.C.G.A. 16-5-20) is a misdemeanor offense carrying up to one year in jail.
Battery
A person commits battery when they intentionally cause visible bodily harm to another. Battery offense is more severe than simple battery.
Simple battery increases to a battery offense when one person either causes visible bodily harm or substantial physical harm to another. That can include injuries such as a swollen lip or significant bruises.
Although it is considered a misdemeanor, in certain situations, it can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.
These situations include, for example, committing battery in a public transit vehicle, or against a pregnant woman.
Penalties can include a jail time of up to one year and a fine of up to $5,000.
Cruelty to Children
Cruelty to children is broken down into three different degrees. First and second-degree are felony offenses.
Cruelty to Children in the First Degree is charged then the State claims a caregiver has willfully deprived a child of necessary sustenance to the extent that a child's health or well-being is jeopardized. Cruelty to Children in the 1st degree carries a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison.
Cruelty to Children in the second degree is charged when the State claims a caregiver negligently causes a child cruel or excessive physical or mental pain. Cruelty to Children in the 2nd degree carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison.
Cruelty to Children in the 3rd degree is charged when the State claims a primary aggressor intentionally allows a child to witness a forcible felony, battery, or family violence battery. Anyone convicted of Cruelty to Children in the 3rd degree faces a misdemeanor for their first and second conviction of this offense. Subsequent offenses are typically prosecuted as felonies carrying a maximum punishment of 3 years in prison.
False Imprisonment
False imprisonment occurs when a person in violation of the personal liberty of another, arrests, confines, or detains another person without legal authority in violation of O.C.G.A. 16-5-41. This charge carries a maximum punishment of ten years in prison.
Felony Murder
Felony murder occurs when a person commits murder while committing a felony. The underlying felony could be burglary, rape, kidnapping, or arson. The penalty for a felony murder conviction is life in prison or the death penalty.
Involuntary Manslaughter
Involuntary manslaughter is a type of crime that results in the death of another. It occurs when an unintentional killing results from recklessness or criminal negligence.
If an individual accidentally kills someone while committing a misdemeanor offense, a penalty can include spending from one to 10 years in prison however, if someone is killed because of another person's negligence, that can be considered a misdemeanor crime, punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.
Kidnapping
In Georgia, kidnapping occurs when a person abducts or steals away another person without lawful authority or warrant and holds such person against their will.
Georgia law states that even a slight movement will be enough to constitute kidnapping- however, if this movement is merely incidental to another offense, the charge of kidnapping is improper.
Kidnapping carries significant penalties. Under O.C.G.A. 16-5-40, kidnapping may carry a maximum punishment of life in prison or death, depending on the facts and circumstances of the charge.
Murder
The crime of murder occurs when a person unlawfully causes the death of another. Georgia law also requires that the crime is premeditated. Murder can be in the first or second degree.
The penalty for murder is the same as for felony murder – a death penalty or life imprisonment.
Simple Battery
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 16-5-23, simple battery occurs when a person intentionally makes a physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with the person of another. Another way it can occur is when a person deliberately causes bodily harm to another.
Simple battery is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in a local correctional facility and a potential fine of up to $1,000.
Voluntary Manslaughter
Many people do not understand the difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. Voluntary manslaughter occurs when a person causes the death of another, acting out of a sudden, violent, and irresistible passion resulting from serious provocation.
The difference between murder and voluntary manslaughter is that the killing is done in the heat of the moment. Murder requires that there is malice aforethought or deliberation.
Experienced Savannah Violent Crimes Attorney | The Atlantic Law Firm
If you are facing a violent criminal charge, experienced Savannah violent crime lawyer Stacey M. Goad provides quality legal representation.
As a former prosecutor and current criminal defense lawyer, she understands criminal law from both sides of the law.
Defending Against Violent Crimes Charges
Those at risk of criminal prosecution for violent offenses must fully grasp how threatening a conviction can be in these Georgia criminal cases.
Although penalties for lower-level violent crimes committed by first-time offenders are typically not so severe, other specific offenses can result in a criminal record and other harsh penalties.
Penalties can range from one year in prison to the death penalty in extreme cases.
In addition, most violent crime convictions come with mandatory minimum sentences, which means the defendant will not be eligible for parole or early release.
If you are charged with a violent criminal offense, the criminal prosecution has a duty to convince the judge or jury of your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Stacey M. Goad has over a decade of experience prosecuting and defending violent crime in Savannah. She is familiar with the subtle differences that distinguish each crime and can help you build a strong defense.
Don't wait because your and your loved one's future depends on it. Call today for a free Savannah violent crime consultation.
How Can Savannah GA Criminal Defense Attorney Help?
When facing charges of committing violent crimes such as those listed above, having a Savannah GA violent crimes lawyer on your side can be beneficial for your case.
Having significant criminal defense experience can be valuable when crafting a compelling defense. Although being charged does not equal a guilty verdict, even the mere accusation of certain violent crimes can ruin someone's life and reputation, well before the case gets to court.
A conviction for a violent crime carries significant penalties and collateral consequences. Let Stacey M. Goad's years of experience work for you.
Don't wait because your and your loved one's future depends on it. Call today for a free Savannah violent crime consultation.
If you are facing serious charges such as armed robbery or other violent crimes, it is essential to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer by your side.
Stacey M. Goad at The Atlantic Law Firm is dedicated to defending clients against criminal conduct, including drugs and felony charges. She understands the complexities of criminal trials and the importance of meticulously reviewing police reports to build a robust defense strategy.
Trust Stacey M. Goad to navigate the legal system and protect your rights every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cases does The Atlantic Law Firm handle regarding violent crimes?
The Atlantic Law Firm handles a wide range of violent crime cases, including but not limited to aggravated assault, aggravated battery, assault, battery, cruelty to children, false imprisonment, felony murder, involuntary manslaughter, kidnapping, murder, simple battery, and voluntary manslaughter.
What are the potential penalties for violent crimes in Savannah, GA?
Penalties for violent crimes in Savannah can vary significantly depending on the offense. They range from misdemeanors with up to one year in jail and fines to felonies with potential sentences of life in prison or even the death penalty. Specific penalties for each crime include substantial prison time, fines, and long-lasting negative impacts on the accused.
What should I do if I am charged with a violent crime in Savannah?
If you are charged with a violent crime, it is crucial to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Stacey M. Goad at The Atlantic Law Firm offers extensive experience in both prosecuting and defending violent crime cases, providing a comprehensive understanding of the legal system from both perspectives.
What is the difference between aggravated assault and simple assault?
Aggravated assault involves an attempt to commit a violent injury or placing another person in fear of immediately receiving a violent injury, often involving a deadly weapon or severe circumstances, carrying a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison. Simple assault, on the other hand, is a misdemeanor involving an attempt to cause violent injury or creating reasonable apprehension of immediate harm, punishable by up to one year in jail.
What constitutes aggravated battery under Georgia law?
Aggravated battery occurs when a person maliciously causes bodily harm by depriving someone of a member of their body, rendering a member of their body useless, or seriously disfiguring their body or a part of their body. This is a felony offense carrying a maximum of 20 years in prison.
How does Georgia law define cruelty to children?
Cruelty to children is divided into three degrees: First degree: Willful deprivation of necessary sustenance to the extent that a child's health or well-being is jeopardized, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Second degree: Negligently causing a child cruel or excessive physical or mental pain, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Third degree: Intentionally allowing a child to witness a forcible felony, battery, or family violence battery, punishable as a misdemeanor for the first and second offenses, and up to 3 years in prison for subsequent offenses.
What is the penalty for felony murder in Georgia?
Felony murder occurs when a person commits murder while committing a felony, such as burglary, rape, kidnapping, or arson. The penalty for felony murder is life in prison or the death penalty.
How can Stacey M. Goad help if I am accused of a violent crime?
Stacey M. Goad brings over a fifteen years of experience in prosecuting and defending violent crime cases in Savannah. She understands the nuances of the criminal justice system and can help build a strong defense, striving to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Contact The Atlantic Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your situation and legal options.
Why should I choose The Atlantic Law Firm for my defense?
The Atlantic Law Firm, led by Stacey M. Goad, will provide strategic and aggressive legal representation and the respect you deserve. With extensive experience handling violent crime cases, the firm is dedicated to protecting your rights and future. Don't wait. Contact The Atlantic Law Firm today for experienced legal assistance.