We are top ranked criminal defense lawyers, who zealously advocate for their clients in courtrooms all around Atlanta, Georgia. We are skilled criminal defense attorneys and we are committed to thoroughly reviewing each case, considering all the potential outcomes, and advising clients how best to proceed. We are not scared of trial and would never push a client to close a case, unless it is in the client’s best interest. Atlanta Criminal Defense Team’s extensive trial experience is what sets us apart from the rest. Most attorneys are not trial lawyers and are intimidated by the very notion of a trial. As a result, most lawyers advise their clients against trial and focus on the quickest way to dispose of cases. Ultimately, those tactics negatively impact their clients and the results in their cases. Atlanta Criminal Defense Team strives to obtain the best possible resolution for every single client because our clients are our #1 priority.

Atlanta Criminal Defense Team has been recognized and awarded for our incredible outcomes and our client-centered representation in the criminal defense field. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys have been rated as Rising Stars for excellence in practice by Super Lawyers every year since 2019. Atlanta Criminal Defense Team’s attorneys have also received The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 award for criminal defense, which is only awarded to premier criminal defense trial lawyers, who demonstrate superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence, stature, and public profile. Atlanta Criminal Defense Team’s lawyers have been members of America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys since 2018. The American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys named Atlanta Criminal Defense Team one of the 10 Best Law Firms in Georgia for Criminal Defense, based on client satisfaction. Additionally, Atlanta Criminal Defense Team’s lawyers have received Top Attorney ratings and numerous five-star reviews from our former clients.

When you get charged with a crime, your freedom is at stake. Never sell yourself short when hiring a criminal defense attorney because you cannot afford to be represented by anyone but the best. Atlanta Criminal Defense Team is a pure criminal defense firm with two of the most passionate defense lawyers in Atlanta. You deserve the best representation, which is why you need Atlanta Criminal Defense Team fighting for you.

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ABOUT US

PHASE 1: INVESTIGATION

This is the first phase in the criminal process. During this phase, the police are building their case against you by interviewing witnesses, collecting physical evidence, submitting evidence to GBI for scientific testing, and questioning potential suspects. Typically, this is when police officers obtain and execute search warrants of your home and any other personal property that belongs to you. Depending on the type of crime they’re investigating, the police can also secure search warrants for your blood or DNA during the investigation phase.

PHASE 2: ARREST

When the police are nearing the end of their investigation, they usually have the identity of a suspect (or suspects) that are somehow involved in the crime. If an investigator presents enough evidence for arrest, a judge will sign an arrest warrant for that suspect. With an arrest warrant in hand, police officers locate the suspect and place that person under arrest. Here, it’s important to note that just because the police have enough evidence for an arrest warrant does not mean they have enough evidence for a conviction. In other words, just because you were arrested for a crime does not mean that you will be found guilty of that crime.

PHASE 3: INDICTMENT

After the investigation is completed, the law enforcement agency turns their investigative file over to the District Attorney’s Office of that county. The DA’s Office then reviews the file and calls in a grand jury to hear evidence and determine whether probable cause exists to charge the defendant with the crimes he is alleged to have committed. Grand jury proceedings are considered secretive because no one from the defense (not even the criminal defense attorney) is allowed to be present during the proceedings. After reviewing the evidence presented, the grand jury issues an indictment, which is a formal charging document that lists each crime you are accused of committing. The indictment is dated and signed by the foreperson, and later filed with the clerk of court for that county.

PHASE 4: ARRAIGNMENT

After the investigation is completed, the law enforcement agency turns their investigative file over to the District Attorney’s Office of that county. The DA’s Office then reviews the file and calls in a grand jury to hear evidence and determine whether probable cause exists to charge the defendant with the crimes alleged to have been committed. Grand jury proceedings are considered secretive because no one from the defense (not even the criminal defense attorney) is allowed to be present during the proceedings. After reviewing the evidence presented, the grand jury issues an indictment, which is a formal charging document that lists each crime you are accused of committing. The indictment is dated and signed by the foreperson, and later filed with the clerk of court for that county.

PHASE 5: DISCOVERY

In Georgia courts, the term, Discovery, refers to all the evidence the State has against you for the crimes charged in the indictment. Discovery usually includes investigative reports, GBI reports, witness statements, pictures, phone calls, confessions, recorded interviews, cell phone or computer data, results of any search warrants, expert reports, and any other evidence the State plans to present at trial. The discovery phase can last for a while, depending on the severity of the charges against you. This is when your defense attorney has the chance to review all the State’s evidence and determine how best to proceed. Sometimes, your defense attorney may request additional evidence from the State, if something is missing. Your defense attorney will usually conduct an independent investigation by following up with certain witnesses and interviewing people, who are helpful to your defense. Most importantly, your defense attorney will have an opportunity to file any necessary pre-trial motions and have those hearings.

PHASE 6: TRIAL

The last phase in the criminal process is a trial. The U.S. Constitution guarantees you the right to a jury trial. However, you may choose to waive a jury trial and request a bench trial instead. Please note that it’s very important to consult with your defense attorney before deciding to waive your right to a jury trial. A jury trial is a process during which 12 people (chosen by both, the State and the defense) take an oath to listen to all the testimony, view all the evidence, and render a unanimous verdict in your case. So, all 12 people have to be convinced, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you are either guilty, in which case they would convict, or not guilty, in which case they would acquit.

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