Murder is the most serious criminal charge in Georgia. If you or your loved one has been charged with murder, you must seek immediate legal representation. A conviction could carry life in prison or even the death penalty. A proactive approach is a must. Here, our Atlanta murder defense attorney explains why you need to speak to a lawyer right away after an arrest.
Know the Law: Murder Statute in Georgia
Under Georgia law (GA Code § 16-5-1), murder is the unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought (express or implied). The statute includes felony murder, which occurs when someone dies during the commission of a felony, even if the death was unintentional. Notably, Georgia does not distinguish between first- and second-degree murder. It is a grave criminal offense. A conviction can result in life imprisonment (with or without parole) or the death penalty.
You Need a Lawyer Immediately After You are Charged
Do not go up against police or prosecutors alone. You should hire an Atlanta criminal defense attorney immediately after being charged with murder. You should contact a lawyer as soon as you suspect you may be under investigation for any homicide-related criminal offense. These are serious felonies. An Atlanta criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights at every step of the case, advising you during police questioning and potentially influencing charging decisions. Waiting to hire a lawyer gives the prosecution a head start. It could make it hard to raise a successful defense against a murder charge.
Your Atlanta Murder Defense Lawyer Can Guide You Through (Critical) Early Decisions
The early stages of a murder case are sometimes where it is won or lost. Many crucial decisions often need to be made, such as whether to talk to investigators, how to handle arraignment, whether to request bond, how to investigate the matter, what defenses need to be preserved, and what evidence is relevant. Among other things, the Atlanta murder defense attorney at The Law Office of Ahmad R. Crews, LLC will act quickly to gather information, challenge weak evidence, and assert your rights in court. They may even be able to request a bond hearing or fight for reduced bail. Remember, you cannot rely on police or prosecutors to look out for your best interests if you are under investigation for murder. At this point in the criminal justice process, their focus is entirely on trying to build a case against you.
Contact Our Atlanta Murder Defense Lawyer Today
At The Law Office of Ahmad R. Crews, LLC, our Atlanta murder defense attorney has the professional experience to handle even the most serious cases. If you or your loved one was arrested for and charged with murder, you need to talk to a lawyer right away. Contact us today for a completely confidential initial consultation. With an office in Atlanta, we defend murder charges throughout the surrounding region in Georgia.