Lawrenceville Criminal Lawyer: Felony and Misdemeanor Defense in Georgia

William C. Head, PC defends felony and misdemeanor criminal charges across metro Atlanta. For anyone who needs a Lawrenceville criminal lawyer, that includes Gwinnett County and its courts. Attorneys Bubba Head, Larry Kohn, and Cory Yager bring decades of criminal defense experience under Georgia law. Our team handles DUI, drug charges, vehicular homicide, and many other criminal offenses in Georgia's state and superior courts. Whether you face a first-offense misdemeanor or a serious felony indictment, our firm fights to protect your rights at every stage. Call today for a free consultation at (404) 567-5515.

What a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney Does

A criminal defense lawyer guides you through every phase of a Georgia criminal case. The process starts at arrest. Officers book you and file charges. Within two to three days, you go before a judge for a first appearance. The judge sets bond terms there. Having a lawyer at this stage can mean the difference between sitting in jail and going home.

After the first hearing, your lawyer digs into the facts. We review police reports and gather evidence. For felony charges, you can request a preliminary hearing that forces the state to show probable cause before the case moves forward. And if you are jailed without bail, Georgia law entitles you to a grand jury review within 90 days – or the court must set bail. Your lawyer can challenge weak evidence early. Sometimes charges are reduced or dismissed before indictment.

The pretrial phase involves filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence. It also includes bargaining with the state and preparing for trial. If the case does not settle through a plea, your lawyer presents your defense to a judge or jury.

Georgia handles misdemeanors and felonies in different courts. Misdemeanor cases – including simple battery, minor drug possession, and first-offense DUI – go through state court. Misdemeanor sentences max out at 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Felony cases move to superior court, where penalties are far more severe.

Early representation matters. Evidence degrades over time. Witnesses forget details. Prosecutors build stronger cases with each passing week. The sooner a skilled defense lawyer reviews your case, the more options you have.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor Charges in Georgia

Georgia splits crimes into misdemeanors and felonies. The classification affects which court hears your case. It shapes what penalties you face. It impacts how a conviction affects your future.

Misdemeanor Charges

Standard misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in county jail and a $1,000 fine. Common ones include simple assault, shoplifting under $500, and a first DUI. Georgia state courts handle these cases.

High and aggravated misdemeanors hit harder. You face up to twelve months in jail. Fines can reach $5,000. Some DUI, stalking, and domestic violence charges fall in this group.

Felony Charges

Felonies carry at least one year in state prison. Sentences can reach life, or even death for the worst crimes. Drug trafficking, armed robbery, vehicular homicide, and aggravated assault are common ones in Georgia. Only superior courts hear felony cases.

Sentencing ranges vary widely. A felony drug possession charge may carry one to three years. Cocaine trafficking can bring five to thirty years with hard minimums.

Collateral Consequences

Beyond jail time and fines, a conviction creates lasting problems. A felony strips your right to own a gun under both Georgia and federal law. Professional licensing boards – covering nurses, teachers, and lawyers – can deny or pull licenses. Non-citizens can face deportation. Even a misdemeanor conviction can limit job and housing options.

Knowing the difference shows the stakes. In one metro-Atlanta case our firm handled, we negotiated a felony charge down to a misdemeanor. The client kept his professional license and avoided prison entirely. The outcome depends on the facts of your case. Classification matters a great deal.

Criminal Charges We Defend

Mr. Head and his law partners have handled every kind of criminal case. Our firm built its name on aggressive defense across a broad range of Georgia charges. We handle these cases in Gwinnett, Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and surrounding metro-Atlanta counties. Our lawyers also appear in the Cherokee County criminal courts.

DUI and Drug-DUI

Georgia DUI charges cover alcohol, prescription drugs, marijuana, and street drugs. Penalties climb sharply from first offense through fourth offense, which is a felony. Drugged driving cases turn on complex lab evidence that takes special defense knowledge.

Drug Possession, Distribution, and Trafficking

Charges range from possession of marijuana to felony trafficking in meth or cocaine. Trafficking charges carry mandatory minimum sentences that judges cannot cut. Distribution charges often turn on the amount seized and whether the police search was lawful.

Vehicular Homicide and Serious Injury by Vehicle

These felony charges come from deadly or severe-injury crashes tied to DUI or reckless driving. Vehicular homicide can carry up to 15 years in state prison. These cases demand a fast investigation and strong expert help.

Traffic Misdemeanors

Reckless driving, hit and run, racing, and driving on a suspended license are common charges. Though labeled misdemeanors, a conviction can bring jail time, a lost license, and a permanent record.

Theft, Shoplifting, and Burglary

Georgia theft crimes range from misdemeanor shoplifting under $500 to felony burglary carrying up to 20 years. The property value and the facts decide the label.

Assault and Battery

Simple battery is a misdemeanor. Aggravated assault – with a deadly weapon or intent to murder, rape, or rob – is a felony carrying one to 20 years.

Probation Violations

A probation violation can bring back the full original sentence. Whether technical or new-offense, these hearings need a skilled lawyer to keep you out of jail.

Our Focus on DUI, Drug, and Vehicular Homicide Defense

William C. Head, PC focuses heavily on driving-related criminal cases. This focus builds deeper skill and better results for clients. DUI defense, drugged driving, vehicular homicide, and serious injury by vehicle cases form the core of our practice.

This focus matters. Georgia's DUI and vehicular crime laws turn on technical evidence. Breath test rules, blood draws, field sobriety tests, crash reconstruction, and lab reports all play key roles. A general firm may handle a handful of these cases per year. Our lawyers handle them every week.

Years of focused practice build ties with the prosecutors and judges who handle these cases across metro Atlanta's courts. We know the tendencies of individual courtrooms. We understand the strengths and weaknesses of common prosecution strategies. We know the technical standards that police officers often fail to follow.

Felony charges demand serious attention. A serious accident, a fourth-offense allegation, or a vehicular homicide accusation raises the stakes. Our defense team handles these cases as a primary practice area. We take cases to trial when the facts support it, rather than settling for a quick plea.

Attorney Credentials and Recognition

Bubba Head's commitment to criminal defense began in the 1970s. He joined the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has been a Life Member since 1995. He is also a Life Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. In 1994, Mr. Head founded the National College for DUI Defense. The group now has over 2,000 members across the country. He served as a Regent from 1995 to 1997 and again from 2000 to 2003.

Mr. Head has authored or co-authored more than a dozen books on drunk driving defense and criminal law. His landmark 1991 book explained how to fight DUI charges in Georgia courts.

Larry Kohn brings over 20 years of criminal defense experience to the firm. In 2016, he was invited to contribute to a national drunk driving defense publication. Cory Yager is a former police officer turned criminal defense attorney. He offers a rare view of police procedure and evidence work. He was also invited to author a chapter in a national DUI trial practice book in 2016.

Together, the three partners have earned over 540 five-star client reviews on AVVO. More than 135 practicing attorneys from over 30 states have posted peer endorsements for Mr. Head. These credentials reflect decades of focused Georgia criminal defense work, not general practice.

Georgia DUI Defense – Serious Cases Need Serious Lawyers

Bubba Head is the go-to criminal defense lawyer for serious Georgia DUI cases. He handles both DUI less safe charges and cases where breath test results exceed the legal limit.

When you face accident-related DUI charges – whether felony or misdemeanor – you need experienced lawyers. Child endangerment charges may also apply in some cases. A DUI accident carrying up to 15 years in state prison changes your life.

A DUI felony involving a wreck or pedestrian accident demands aggressive defense. Serious injury or vehicular homicide accusations require a lawyer focused on keeping you out of state prison.

For over 28 years, DUI lawyer William C. "Bubba" Head has authored or co-authored more than a dozen books on drunk driving defense and criminal law. This deep knowledge sets Mr. Head and his law partners apart from other lawyers.

More than 500 Georgia lawyers claim to practice drunk driving law. Fighting DUI cases effectively is rare. In 1991, Mr. Head wrote a book on how to beat a DUI in court.

When comparing Georgia lawyers, weigh our DUI law firm against others. Consider our 20-year veteran DUI lawyer Larry Kohn. Consider former police officer Cory Yager. Both bring skills that general DUI lawyers lack. Mr. Yager and Mr. Kohn have worked with Mr. Head for almost 13 years.

You will see what sets our three partners apart from less experienced DUI lawyers in Georgia. In 2016, both Mr. Yager and Mr. Kohn were invited to become legal book authors. They wrote chapters for separate national drunk driving lawyer books on DUI trial practice.

Our Sandy Springs DUI law firm is located at the top of the Perimeter. We are in The Prado shopping center off Roswell Road. Call (404) 567-5515 and speak with our friendly staff about setting up your free consultation. A live professional answers our phones 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our criminal lawyers will give you sound legal advice.

Other valuable insights on this website: Is a DUI a Criminal Offense in Georgia?

Speak With a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you face criminal charges in Georgia, time matters. DUI arrests trigger a 30-day deadline to request an administrative license suspension hearing. Miss that window and you lose the right to challenge your license suspension. Felony and misdemeanor cases also move on prosecutor timelines. Acting early gives your lawyer the best shot at reduced charges or holes in the state's case.

When you call William C. Head, PC at (404) 567-5515, you get a free, private consultation. During that call, one of our lawyers will review the facts of your case. We will explain the charges you face under Georgia law and recommend clear next steps. No obligation exists.

A live professional answers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you were just arrested – whether in Gwinnett County, Fulton County, or anywhere in metro Atlanta – call now. You can also reach us through the contact form on this page. The sooner you speak with a defense lawyer, the more options you have to protect your freedom and your future.

Lawrenceville Criminal Lawyer – Defending Gwinnett County Charges

Gwinnett County runs some of the busiest courts in Georgia. Residents facing charges need a Lawrenceville criminal lawyer who knows the local courts. William C. Head, PC regularly defends clients in Gwinnett County Superior Court. We also handle cases in Gwinnett County State Court and Gwinnett County Recorder's Court. Our office is located at 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. We also appear in Lawrenceville Municipal Court.

Common charges we handle in Gwinnett County include DUI, drug possession, theft, battery, domestic violence, and traffic misdemeanors. Each court follows its own procedures. Knowing the local prosecutors and judges creates a real edge. Our lawyers know which assistant district attorneys handle which case types. We know how each courtroom treats motions, plea offers, and sentencing.

In one recent Gwinnett County Superior Court felony matter, our firm challenged key prosecution evidence. We filed a pretrial suppression motion that helped our client. The outcome varies with the facts. Our deep knowledge of Gwinnett court procedure gives clients a real edge that less familiar lawyers may miss.

If you search for lawyers in Lawrenceville GA who focus on criminal defense, you want a team with courtroom experience in these specific venues. Our firm has spent decades building that experience across Gwinnett County's courts.

Consultations are available by phone or at our Atlanta office. We serve Lawrenceville residents and clients throughout Gwinnett County. A Lawrenceville criminal lawyer from our team can review your case and explain your options at no cost. Call (404) 567-5515.

DUI Attorneys in Lawrenceville and Gwinnett County

Gwinnett State Court handles most DUI cases filed in Gwinnett County. Georgia's DUI statute covers driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any combination that renders a driver less safe. A conviction carries license suspension, fines, community service, and possible jail time – even on a first offense.

The Lawrenceville area sees many DUI arrests along I-85, Sugarloaf Parkway, and at periodic DUI checkpoints throughout Gwinnett County. Officers from Gwinnett County Police, Lawrenceville Police Department, and Georgia State Patrol all make arrests that funnel into Gwinnett State Court.

If you were arrested for DUI, one deadline matters more than any other. You have 30 days from the date of arrest to request an administrative license suspension hearing. Miss this deadline and your license will be suspended automatically – even if you are later found not guilty of DUI in criminal court.

In a recent Gwinnett State Court DUI case, our defense team found errors in how the officer ran the breath test. These errors weakened the prosecution's case. The outcome of any case depends on its unique facts. However, these technical details often go unnoticed without the experienced DUI attorneys Lawrenceville residents count on.

Our firm's decades of focused DUI defense give us the technical knowledge and courtroom feel that general firms lack. Call (404) 567-5515 right away after a Gwinnett County DUI arrest.

Serving Clients Beyond Georgia – Referral Network

Bubba Head and his partners are licensed to practice law in Georgia. For criminal defense matters outside Georgia, the firm connects clients with vetted local attorneys. This includes Florida communities like Winter Garden, Vero Beach, and nearby areas. Someone who needs a criminal attorney Vero Beach courts know gets matched through our national referral network.

This network draws on Mr. Head's decades of involvement with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. It also draws on his founding role with the National College for DUI Defense. These groups bring together skilled defense lawyers from every state. When someone asks us for a criminal lawyer Winter Garden or another out-of-state community can offer, we refer them to counsel they can trust. We base the referral on credentials and track record.

We want to be transparent. We do not practice law in Florida or any state other than Georgia. Our professional relationships across the country help us connect you with criminal defense lawyers in your jurisdiction. These lawyers share our commitment to aggressive, client-focused defense.

If you need a criminal lawyer Vero Beach or any other out-of-state community can provide, call (404) 567-5515. We will connect you with a qualified local lawyer where your case sits.

Why Choose Bubba Head for Your Georgia Criminal Defense

William C. Head, PC has practiced only criminal defense in Georgia for decades. We do not dabble in family law, personal injury, or real estate closings. Criminal defense is all we do.

That focus matters because Georgia criminal courts reward experience. Our attorneys know how prosecutors build cases. We know how judges rule on motions. We know what evidence weaknesses to exploit. We handle both felony and misdemeanor charges statewide – from DUI and drug cases to vehicular homicide and serious injury by vehicle.

Unlike firms that settle every case with a plea, our team prepares every case for trial. Prosecutors treat defense lawyers differently when they know a lawyer will go to trial. That willingness to fight changes the dynamic of every negotiation.

Our three partners each bring distinct strengths. Bubba Head brings national authorship and reputation. Larry Kohn brings 20 years of courtroom experience. Cory Yager brings a law enforcement background. Your case gets a defense team, not a solo practitioner stretched thin.

If you need a Georgia criminal defense lawyer who will take your case seriously, call (404) 567-5515 for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Georgia?

Georgia misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in county jail and a $1,000 fine. High and aggravated misdemeanors can bring fines up to $5,000. Felonies carry at least one year in state prison and can reach life imprisonment. Felonies also carry added harms – lost gun rights, license trouble, and immigration risk. The classification determines whether your case is heard in state court or superior court.

Do I need a Lawrenceville criminal lawyer if the case is in Gwinnett County Superior Court?

You need a defense lawyer who knows Gwinnett County Superior Court specifically. This court handles all felony cases in Gwinnett County. Knowing the local prosecutors, judges, and courtroom rules can change the outcome. Our lawyers regularly appear in Gwinnett County Superior Court and know how cases move through that system. You are not required to hire a lawyer located in Lawrenceville. But you want one who works there often.

How much does a criminal defense attorney cost in Georgia?

Fees vary with the charge, the case, and whether it goes to trial. Misdemeanor cases generally cost less than felonies. Some lawyers charge flat fees while others bill hourly. William C. Head, PC offers a free initial consultation where we discuss your case and provide a clear fee estimate before you commit. The cost of not hiring a skilled lawyer – jail time, fines, a permanent record – almost always tops the legal fee.

How quickly should I contact a criminal defense attorney after being arrested in Gwinnett County?

Call a lawyer within 24 hours if possible. DUI arrests trigger a 30-day deadline to request an administrative license suspension hearing under Georgia's implied consent law. Missing this deadline results in automatic license suspension. Starting early lets your lawyer save evidence and talk to witnesses while memories are fresh. Your lawyer can also start building your defense before the state gains steam. Call (404) 567-5515 any time – we answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.