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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first after being arrested in Savannah?
Stop talking and call a lawyer. Anything you say to an officer, a jail phone line, or a friend who might later be a witness can end up in the prosecutor’s file. You are not required to explain yourself, apologize, or clear anything up. Write down what you remember while it is fresh, including the names of any officers, then let your attorney do the talking.
Do I still need a lawyer if I plan to plead guilty?
Yes, and this is where people lose the most ground. A guilty plea is not a single decision. It is a set of decisions about charge level, sentence, probation conditions, license consequences, and whether the conviction can ever come off your record. Prosecutors do not volunteer the better version of the offer. Knowing what the state can actually prove is what changes the terms.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Georgia?
A Georgia misdemeanor carries up to 12 months and a fine up to $1,000, and is handled in state or municipal court. A felony carries more than one year in prison and is handled in superior court. The difference is not just sentence length. Felony convictions affect gun rights, professional licenses, housing, and employment for the rest of your life.
How long will my criminal case take in Chatham County?
Most misdemeanor cases resolve in a few months. Felony cases in superior court commonly run six months to well over a year, longer if the case goes to trial. The timeline depends on court calendars, discovery, lab results, and whether the case is being negotiated or prepared for trial. Faster is not always better. The right pressure at the right time is usually worth the wait.
Can a criminal charge be kept off my record in Georgia?
Sometimes, and the path matters. A dismissal or acquittal can be restricted from your public record. First offender treatment under Georgia’s First Offender Act, and conditional discharge for a first drug offense, can both end without an adjudication of guilt. For most misdemeanor convictions, you can petition for record restriction four years after completing the sentence, with a two-conviction lifetime limit and a long list of exclusions.