A Gwinnett County Criminal Defense Attorney Explains How a Conviction Can Impact Your Record

One of the most challenging aspects of our criminal justice system is that people facing criminal charges often don’t understand the nature of their offense or the potential penalties. To make matters worse, the accused can’t always rely on prosecutors to provide an accurate explanation. Instead, they will try to intimidate them into pleading guilty or otherwise implicating themselves. 

Were you charged with a crime? You need someone on your side. Winters Law, LLC is a Gwinnett County criminal defense attorney that will aggressively defend you and help you to the best outcome possible.

Misdemeanors in Gwinnett County

Misdemeanors in Georgia are crimes punishable by incarceration of 12 months or less. Therefore, in many misdemeanor cases, you may avoid more jail time altogether. However, that does not mean you shouldn’t take your charges seriously; you will still have a criminal conviction on your record for the rest of your life, significant fines, and potentially years of probation. 

Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of thinking they don’t need a lawyer with a misdemeanor charge, but working with a Gwinnett County criminal defense attorney can improve your chances of a positive result. 

Felonies in Gwinnett County

Felonies are considered more serious crimes than misdemeanors, usually because they are punishable by a minimum of one year in prison. With severe felonies, such as murder or kidnapping, you could be subject to a life sentence. Felonies can also carry heavy fines and other penalties. 

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you should be aware that some crimes can be charged as felonies or misdemeanors. Some misdemeanors will be charged as a felony based on your criminal history or the amount of property at issue in the event of property crimes. Ultimately, you may be charged with a felony even though the incident that led to your charges was relatively minor. Regardless, we strongly urge you to contact a Gwinnett County criminal defense attorney if you have been charged with a felony crime. 

The Consequences of Conviction in Gwinnett County

When charged with a crime, most people focus on whether or not they will go to jail. After that, they may worry about the potential fines or court costs that may be imposed. While jail time and fines are indeed very serious, many people tend to overlook other impacts a conviction could have on their lives. 

A criminal conviction is often permanent and a matter of public record. As a result, your conviction could do considerable damage to your personal and professional reputation. A conviction can also make it difficult to find employment, find housing, and even qualify for certain types of loans. Therefore, no matter what charges you are up against, protect your future by contacting a Gwinnett County criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. 

Penalties for Misdemeanors and Felonies in Gwinnett County

Criminal offenses in Gwinnett County are divided into two main categories: misdemeanors and felonies. The penalties differ greatly depending on the severity of the offense and your prior record.

Misdemeanors are considered less serious, but they still carry significant consequences upon conviction. A standard misdemeanor can result in up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. In some cases, the court may impose probation, community service, counseling, or educational programs. Certain misdemeanors like repeat DUI offenses or battery involving a family member can be classified as “misdemeanors of a high and aggravated nature,” which carry fines up to $5,000 and the same maximum jail time.

Felonies are much more serious. They include everything from aggravated assault to drug trafficking and even murder. The severity of these offenses can vary significantly, and the same is true of the potential penalties. Depending on the specific charge, a person found guilty of a felony could face anywhere between one year and life in prison, or even the death penalty in extreme cases. 

Fines can also be significant, often exceeding $10,000. A felony conviction can have lasting consequences beyond incarceration, including loss of voting rights and difficulty maintaining long-term employment due to having a criminal record. The good news is that our attorneys can work to help you beat these charges and avoid the repercussions that come with them. 

Cases We Handle as a Gwinnett County Criminal Defense Attorney

At Winters Law, LLC, we represent clients charged with a wide range of offenses. We take the time to explain the charges and the potential penalties. From there, we develop an aggressive legal defense tailored to your case’s unique facts and circumstances. 

DUI Offenses

A DUI arrest and conviction can upend your life and cost you your job. Our team is experienced in handling both first-time and repeat DUI charges, including those involving alcohol or drugs. We examine every detail of your arrest to build a strong defense.

Violent Crimes

Violent crime charges like assault, battery, armed robbery, or aggravated assault carry serious penalties, but only if you are convicted. We investigate the allegations against you and work to weaken the prosecution’s case with the goal of helping you avoid a conviction entirely.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence charges often involve complex situations that can quickly be taken out of context or misconstrued. We can craft a defense against false accusations, wrongful arrests, or weak evidence to give you the best chance at beating these charges and getting back to work on your relationship with your family.

Juvenile Crimes

We defend minors accused of various charges, including theft or drug possession. Our approach focuses on protecting the child’s future, seeking diversion programs or rehabilitation-focused outcomes instead of punitive sentencing whenever possible.

Property Crimes

We defend against theft, burglary, shoplifting, criminal trespass, and vandalism charges. Depending on the value of the property and the nature of the offense, these can be misdemeanors or felonies. We fight to reduce charges and limit the impact on your record.

Probation Violations

If you’ve been accused of violating probation terms, we can represent you at violation hearings. We work to avoid revocation and push for second chances or even modified probation terms that are more favorable to you. 

Contact Winters Law, LLC — A Gwinnett County Criminal Defense Attorney

Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, our Gwinnett County criminal defense attorney provides aggressive, cost-effective legal representation. To discuss your case and how we can help, call or email us today to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step I should take after being arrested?

The first step you should take is to exercise your right to remain silent and request to speak with an attorney. Avoid discussing your case with the police or anyone else. The sooner you speak with legal counsel, the better your chances for success become.

Will my criminal case go to trial?

Not all criminal cases go to trial. Many are resolved through plea bargains, diversion programs, or dismissal of charges. Whether your case proceeds to trial depends on various factors, such as the strength of the evidence against you or your attorney’s ability to negotiate with the prosecution.

Why do I need an attorney for my case?

While you are not obligated to hire a lawyer following an arrest, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help in many ways. Your lawyer understands the law, court procedures, and how to negotiate with prosecutors, giving you the best shot at a positive outcome.

What happens at a preliminary hearing?

At a preliminary hearing, the judge reviews whether there is probable cause to believe a crime was committed. It’s not a trial, but it’s an important chance for your lawyer to challenge the evidence early and sometimes get charges reduced or dismissed before trial.

Can I get my charges dropped before trial?

Yes. In some cases, charges can be dropped if the evidence is weak, improperly obtained, or if your legal rights were violated. A defense lawyer can file motions, present arguments, or negotiate with the prosecution to seek dismissal before the case goes to court.