A felony charge is serious. It can put your freedom, job, family, record, and future at risk. From the moment you are arrested, the case can start moving quickly, and it is easy to make decisions before you understand what you are really facing.
At Phillips Carson Phillips, we represent people facing felony charges in Savannah, Chatham County, and throughout Georgia. Our attorneys review the evidence, explain your options, and build a strong criminal defense using the facts of your case.
Penalties for a Felony Conviction in Georgia
A felony conviction comes with a wide range of consequences that can change your life, including prison time, time spent on probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Depending on the charge, you may also lose certain civil rights or face limits on employment, housing, professional licensing, and other opportunities.
The consequences can be even more complicated for immigrants and non-citizens. Certain convictions may affect immigration status, green card applications, permanent residency, or future citizenship options. In some cases, a criminal conviction may also create deportation concerns.
Because the stakes are high, it is important to get legal advice early. The right defense strategy should look at both the criminal penalties and any long-term consequences that could follow.
What Happens After a Felony Arrest in Savannah
After a felony arrest, you may be taken to jail, booked, and brought before a judge for an initial appearance. The judge may address bond, release conditions, and upcoming court dates.
From there, prosecutors review the evidence and decide how to move forward. Depending on the case, you may have preliminary hearings, arraignment, motions, plea discussions, or trial preparation.
Bond conditions can be strict. Missing court dates, contacting certain people, or violating release terms can create new problems. A defense lawyer can help you understand what to do, what not to do, and how to avoid mistakes that may hurt your case.
Evidence Prosecutors Use in Felony Cases
The list of possible pieces of evidence that can be used in a felony case is long. However, there are ways of addressing each piece of evidence to nullify it or otherwise turn the situation in your favor.
Some examples of possible evidence include:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Physical evidence
- Videos
- Phone records
- Financial records
- Digital messages
- Testimony from law enforcement.
- Informants
- Surveillance
- Forensic testing
- Search warrant evidence
That evidence should not be accepted at face value. A strong defense looks at how the evidence was gathered, whether the police followed the law, and whether the prosecution can actually prove every part of the charge.
If evidence was collected illegally or handled improperly, it may be challenged in court.
Defense Strategies in Felony Cases
Every felony case depends on the facts. Some cases involve mistaken identity. Others involve lack of intent, self-defense, unreliable witnesses, weak evidence, or violations of constitutional rights.
Your attorney may challenge the arrest, question the credibility of witnesses, review whether searches were lawful, or argue that the prosecution cannot prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
In some cases, the best strategy may be to fight the charge in court. In others, it may be better to negotiate for reduced charges, lesser penalties, or another outcome that limits the damage to your future.
Reduced Charges, Plea Agreements, and Trial
While your felony case can go to trial, not all cases do. There is a chance that your attorney can negotiate a plea deal or otherwise have the charges reduced or dismissed.
Trial may be the right path when the evidence is weak, the allegations are disputed, or the government’s case does not hold up under scrutiny.
Before making any decision, you need a clear picture of the risks, the possible outcomes, and the strength of the case against you.
Talk to a Savannah Felony Defense Lawyer
If you are facing felony charges in Savannah, do not wait to get legal help. Phillips Carson Phillips defends people accused of serious crimes in Savannah, Chatham County, and across Georgia.
Contact Phillips Carson Phillips today by calling (912) 232-0081 for a free consultation, and talk with a felony defense lawyer about your case.