Felony Attorney in Cobb County

Facing Felony Charges in Cobb County? Here’s Trusted Help

Felony charges in Cobb County can put your future, rights, and freedom at real risk. At Smith, Schnatmeier, Dettmering & Kilgo, LLP, our felony attorneys guide you through every step, using our deep experience in local courtrooms to stand with you from arrest to resolution. We know the pressures and uncertainty you face. Our legal team stands by your side so you never handle the process alone.

Georgia’s felony process can seem overwhelming, especially for first-time defendants. Our felony lawyers in Cobb County answer your questions, explain your options, and help you prepare for what comes next. We break down procedures using everyday language and help you understand key deadlines and court appearances. By working with us, you have a steady advocate in your corner throughout a stressful time.

The stakes are too high for anything less than expertise. Call (770) 599-5328 or reach out online for a free consultation with a seasoned felony attorney in Cobb County. We guarantee personalized attention backed by 100+ years of combined experience.

The Severity of Georgia Felony Charges

Unlike states that use broad felony classifications (Class A, B, etc.), Georgia law dictates the maximum penalty for a felony offense on a crime-by-crime basis. These penalties are often staggering, underscoring the necessity of a dedicated Cobb County felony defense lawyer.

Examples of Georgia Felony Penalties

• “Seven Deadly Sins” (Murder, Rape, Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, etc.): 10 years to life in prison (mandatory minimums), loss of parole eligibility, and permanent loss of civil rights.
• Aggravated Assault/Battery: 1 to 20 years in state prison; in some cases, charges may be reduced to a misdemeanor with skilled legal advocacy.
• Drug Trafficking: Mandatory minimum sentences often ranging from 10 to 15 years or more, with heavy fines and potential asset forfeiture.
• Theft by Taking (Felony): 1 to 10 years in state prison, permanent criminal record, and possible loss of professional license eligibility.

The consequences of a conviction in the Cobb County Superior Court are absolute: a felony record cannot typically be expunged in Georgia, meaning the offense will follow you for life. Our firm fights relentlessly to secure an acquittal, dismissal, or a negotiated reduction to a sealable misdemeanor offense.

The Cobb County Felony Process: Our Strategic Roadmap

Felony cases in Cobb County proceed through the Cobb County Superior Court, a process involving multiple, high-stakes hearings that require precise legal navigation. We leverage our 100+ years of combined experience to guide you through every stage.

1. Arrest, Bond Hearing, and Initial Appearance

Following arrest, securing bond is the first battle. We immediately work to prepare for your initial hearing, arguing before the magistrate judge that the bond amount should be reasonable. Our knowledge of local court standards allows us to present the most compelling case for your release, highlighting your ties to the Cobb County community and ensuring your constitutional rights are protected.

2. Grand Jury Indictment

All felony charges must be presented to a Grand Jury, which determines if sufficient probable cause exists for a formal Indictment. This pre-trial phase is often overlooked by less experienced defense teams.

• Strategic Intervention: While we cannot directly participate in the Grand Jury proceeding, we use this window to strategically communicate with the District Attorney's office. In some cases, our firm may be able to convince the prosecutor to "No-Bill" the charges (resulting in a dismissal) or reduce the charge to a misdemeanor before the Indictment is finalized.

3. Discovery, Motions, and Trial Preparation

Once formally indicted, the case enters the complex discovery and motion phase. We commit to providing personalized attention through meticulous investigation:

• Exhaustive Discovery: We compel the State to turn over all evidence, including police reports, forensic analysis, GBI lab reports, and all video/audio evidence.
• Motions to Suppress: We target constitutional violations, filing motions to exclude evidence obtained through illegal searches, unlawful traffic stops, or coerced statements. A successful motion can severely weaken the State's case.
• Accident Reconstruction/Expert Testimony: For complex cases (e.g., vehicular homicide, drug manufacturing), our firm engages top forensic experts to challenge the State's scientific and factual theories, creating reasonable doubt where prosecutors rely on speculation.