See our web page focusing on our criminal practice at www.mlawmail.com.
The Law Offices of Drew Mosley handle felony, midemdeanor, bond reduction hearings, DUI, and traffic matters. We have had numerous favorable outcomes in counties across the Greater Atlanta Metro area. We handle cases in Gwinnett, DeKalb, Fulton, Clayton, Cobb, Forsyth, Barrow, and numerous other Metro and surrounding counties. We also handle cases involving probation, parole, and expungement and other supervision and criminal record matters.
Whether you need a representative to negotiate a deal with the prosecution or a trial attorney to argue your case to the jury, the Mosley Law Offices can help. We can advise you on the consequences of various actions before charges have been brought or take over a case when personality and other conflicts interfere requiring new counsel. We handle felony cases, traffic cases, juvenile cases, protective orders, and warrant application hearings. Our Attorneys serve Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Fulton Counties and beyond in Georgia.
Criminal Law Q&A by Drew Mosley, Esq.
Q: Should I voluntarily speak to a law enforcement officer who wants to ask me some questions? A: There are serious risks to speaking to law enforcement officers, such as the police, FBI, or others, without first seeking the advice of counsel. As many people serving time can tell you, the fact that you are innocent does not mean that you cannot be convicted of a crime. While the American and Georgian systems of justice work very well, they are not perfect. There are some activities that are criminal that people may not be aware of or fully appreciate. Furthermore, sometimes a loved one surprises you with the risk they have taken that you did not expect or know about. One should always seek counsel before speaking to law enforcement officers. It will not make them assume you are guilty; it will make them assume you are smart, experienced in living in an imperfect world, and no less likely to help them after you have made sure with your attorney that your interests have been taken into account. Q: Can Mosley & Evans visit individuals held in a county jail or prison?
A: Yes, attorneys generally may visit someone held in custody at any time with some limitations. Attorneys are not restricted to the visitation hours during which someone being held can be visited by family and friends. Q: What exactly is a plea deal? A: A plea deal is a negotiated plea. In a negotiated plea, a defendant pleads guilty or no contest in exchange for a pre-arranged sentence, which may consist of time in jail or prison, probation, work release, community service, as well as other rehabilitative programs. A plea deal is usually thought of as a lighter sentence in exchange for admission of guilt or that the defendant can put up no contest to the state's evidence although he does not wish to admit guilt. In such a deal, the state avoids having to spend the time and resources to try the case before a jury. The defendant may avoid some risk of a greater sentence at trial, although it is possible that a prosecutor will offer a deal that is no better than what would be the likely sentence at a trial at which the defendant was found guilty. A good lawyer is essential in evaluating and negotiating a plea. Q: What exactly is a jury trial? A: A jury trial is the familiar decision by one's peers selected from the community of whether or not a person is guilty or not guilty of crimes of which the state has accused them. The historic wisdom is that a group of one's peers can make a fairer decision, which one can accept, than even a judge. This can seem true or not in any given case depending on the jury, outcome, and proceedings. A jury trial is one of the most effective settings in which a defense attorney can demand that the state prove every element of their case and provide real acknowledgment and protection of a defendant's rights. Only a defendant and his or her attorney can decide the question of whether or not to go to trial. However, as a general proposition, citizens demanding jury trials helps the defense bar protect liberties by providing a setting in which the state can be openly challenged in the charges it brings against individuals. Q: Does a criminal law violation jeopardize my driver's license? A: Many crimes will put your driver's license at risk of suspension or revocation. One common example is a DUI. Consulting a lawyer can help you determine the potential driver's license consequences of a plea or conviction of such an offense. Q: Is there a way to see if my driver's license is valid or suspended? A: Yes, the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety has a line that allows you to enter your driver's license number to determine its status. That number is 404-657-9300. |
Georgia Criminal Law |