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Flat-Fee Representation Now Available For Family Law – LEARN MORE

Frequently Asked Questions

We get these questions a lot. Here are our best answers...

Criminal Defense FAQs

Stay calm, do not resist, and exercise your right to remain silent. Ask to speak to an attorney before answering any questions.

No. You have the constitutional right to remain silent and request legal counsel before speaking with law enforcement.

Immediately. Early legal intervention can help protect your rights and improve your defense options.

Misdemeanors are less serious crimes with penalties of up to 12 months in jail, while felonies carry longer prison sentences and more severe consequences.

Yes, in some cases. Charges may be dismissed if there is insufficient evidence, constitutional violations, or successful negotiations with the prosecutor.

In many cases, yes. Georgia has limited expungement options, so avoiding conviction is often the best way to protect your record.

This is your first formal court appearance, where you are informed of the charges against you and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

You can, but it’s risky. Criminal law is complex, and prosecutors have extensive legal training. Having an attorney greatly increases your chances of a better outcome.

A plea bargain is an agreement to plead guilty to a lesser charge or reduced sentence. Whether you should accept depends on the facts of your case and your lawyer’s advice.

It depends on the complexity of the case, the court’s schedule, and whether the case goes to trial. Some cases resolve in weeks, others in months or longer.

Not necessarily. Many cases are resolved through plea deals, negotiations, or dismissals before trial.

Bring any court documents, police reports, bail papers, and a list of witnesses or evidence that could help your defense.

DUI Defense FAQs

No. Field sobriety tests are voluntary in Georgia. Refusing them can limit the evidence against you.

Under Georgia’s implied consent law, refusal can trigger a license suspension. You have limited time to challenge it—speak to a DUI attorney immediately.

Typically 30 days from arrest to request an ALS hearing or seek an ignition interlock permit. Deadlines are strict.

Sometimes. Issues with the stop, testing, or procedure can lead to reduced charges or dismissal. Each case is fact-specific.

Georgia does not allow expungement of DUI convictions. A strong defense at the outset is critical.

Yes. Driving “less safe” due to any substance—alcohol, drugs, or meds—can lead to DUI charges.

Possibly, with a limited permit or ignition interlock device, depending on your case. Your lawyer can advise on eligibility and deadlines.

Family Law FAQs

Uncontested divorces can finalize in as little as 31 days after filing; contested cases can take months or longer depending on disputes and court schedules.

Georgia uses equitable distribution—property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50—based on contributions, needs, and other factors.

Courts decide based on the child’s best interests, considering each parent’s involvement, stability, and the child’s needs (and, at certain ages, preferences).

Yes. A substantial change in income, custody, or needs may justify a modification of child support.

Legitimation establishes a legal father–child relationship for children born to unmarried parents and is required before a father can seek custody or parenting time.

Legal custody covers major decision-making (education, health, religion). Physical custody addresses where the child lives and parenting time schedules.

Not usually. With a complete settlement, your lawyer can submit documents to the court for approval without a hearing in many cases.

Yes. Guardianship or custody by a relative may be possible when it’s in the child’s best interests or parents are unavailable or unfit.

Traffic Tickets & Citation FAQs

Many violations carry points. Too many points can trigger suspension—especially for drivers under 21.

Often, yes. An attorney may help reduce points, avoid a license hit, or keep the citation off your record—protecting insurance rates.

Driving 75+ mph on a two-lane road or 85+ mph on any road adds a $200 state fee on top of the court fines and can impact your license and insurance.

Sometimes. Your lawyer can often appear for you or negotiate a resolution, depending on the court and the charge.

It can. Convictions and points often raise premiums. Negotiating reductions or non-reporting dispositions can help.

Act quickly. A failure to appear can lead to license suspension and a bench warrant. A lawyer may help clear the FTA and resolve the ticket.