Georgia Felony Defense: What You Need to Know and Why You Need a North Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Being charged with a felony in Georgia is a serious matter that can have long-lasting consequences. Whether you’re facing charges for drug trafficking, robbery, aggravated assault, or any other felony offense, the penalties can include years in prison, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you’ve been arrested for a felony in Georgia, having an experienced and skilled criminal defense attorney is essential to navigating the legal complexities of your case and fighting for your future.

Mote Law, specializes in Georgia felony defense. Nick understands the high stakes involved and is committed to providing you with the strong, strategic representation you need to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us today at 706-200-8426 to discuss your case.

What is a Felony in Georgia?

A felony is a serious criminal offense that is punishable by more than one year in prison. Felonies are classified into different categories under Georgia law, ranging from felony offenses like theft or assault to more severe charges such as murder, drug trafficking, or sex crimes.

Common Felony Charges in Georgia Include:

• Drug Offenses: Possession, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin.

• Violent Crimes: Aggravated assault, robbery, domestic violence, and homicide.

• Property Crimes: Burglary, theft, arson, and vandalism.

• White-Collar Crimes: Fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, and other financial crimes.

• Sex Crimes: Rape, child molestation, and statutory rape.

A busy courthouse. Mote Law feels right at home in the chaos.

Understanding Felony Sentencing in Georgia

Georgia is known for having some of the harshest felony sentencing laws in the country. From mandatory minimum sentences to "two-strikes" laws and non-parolable offenses, the state imposes serious penalties for serious crimes.

If you or someone you love is facing felony charges in Georgia, it’s critical to understand how the sentencing system works—including how probation, parole, and prison time may apply.

Key Features of Georgia’s Felony Sentencing Laws

• Two-Strikes Law: A second conviction for certain violent felonies can result in life without parole, regardless of the circumstances.

• Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Judges must impose minimum prison terms for certain offenses, limiting flexibility even when mitigating factors exist.

• Non-Parolable Offenses: Some crimes are ineligible for parole, meaning the entire sentence must be served behind bars.

Examples of Felony Sentences in Georgia

Here’s a breakdown of some felony offenses in Georgia and the typical sentencing ranges:

Offense	Max Sentence
Murder with aggravating circumstances	Death penalty
Forcible rape, second-degree murder	Life imprisonment
Terroristic threats resulting in injury	Up to 40 years
Enticement of a child under 16	Up to 30 years
Aggravated assault or battery	Up to 20 years
Aggravated stalking	Up to 10 years
Obstructing a police officer	Up to 5 years

Probation and Parole in Georgia

Not all felony convictions lead to prison time—probation may be an option in certain cases. However, probation in Georgia is closely supervised and violations can lead to revocation and incarceration.

Parole eligibility depends on the nature of the crime and the sentence length. Some offenses are explicitly ineligible for parole, especially violent crimes and repeat offenses.

Why You Need an Experienced North Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Felony charges in Georgia require an attorney with a deep understanding of criminal law and experience litigating serious offenses. Nick at Mote Law is an experienced North Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney who offers:

• In-Depth Legal Knowledge: With years of experience in complex criminal law litigation, Mote Law can identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and discuss your best chance at a favorable outcome.

• Aggressive Representation: We fight to protect your rights at every stage of the process, from pre-trial motions, negotiations with the government, trial, and post-trial appeals.

• Personalized Defense Strategy: Every case is unique. We take the time to understand the details of your situation and create a customized defense strategy designed to give you the most favorable outcome. 

• Commitment to Your Future: We know that a felony conviction can impact your future. Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome, whether that means avoiding charges, getting charges reduced, securing a dismissal, or obtaining a more favorable sentence.

What to Do if You’ve Been Arrested for a Felony in Georgia

If you’ve been arrested for a felony offense in Georgia, the following steps can help you protect your rights:

1. Stay Calm: It’s important to remain calm and not resist arrest. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. You should exercise those rights.

2. Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer: As soon as possible, contact a skilled criminal defense lawyer to discuss your case and your options. The sooner an attorney gets involved, the more options we may have for building your defense.

3. Do Not Discuss Your Case: Avoid discussing the details of your case with anyone other than your attorney. Anything you say to others could potentially be used against you in court. Friends, family, coworkers, etc. all risk being subpoenaed to testify against you. Do not discuss your case with them!

4. Attend All Court Appearances and Communicate with Your Attorney: Missing a court date can lead to additional charges and complicate your defense. Always attend your scheduled court appearances and make sure you are in close communication with your attorney. 

Schedule a Free Consultation with Mote Law, an Experienced North Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’re facing felony charges in Georgia, don’t wait—contact Mote Law today to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We are here to listen, advise, and help you understand your options. With experience, commitment, and strategic defense tactics, Mote Law can help you fight for your future.

*The information provided in this blog post by Mote Law, LLC is for general informational purposes only at the time of drafting. It does not constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as such. Laws may change over time, and the facts of your situation may differ from those discussed here. No attorney-client relationship is created by accessing or reading this content. An attorney-client relationship with Mote Law, LLC is established only through a formal, written agreement to represent you. For legal advice specific to your circumstances, please contact Mote Law, LLC directly at 706-200-8426.*