Gainesville, GA Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal charges can have grave consequences that can affect the entirety of your life. However, some make the mistake of not taking these charges seriously and elect to represent themselves rather than seek the counsel of a lawyer. This mistake can cost you years of dealing with the consequences. The effects of even the most minor criminal convictions will not just result in prison and fines but also affect you being unable to secure future employment, housing, and education.

Do not allow yourself to compromise your future by neglecting to obtain the best available legal defense against your criminal charges.

The Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines have highly experienced Gainesville GA criminal defense lawyer ready to fight on your behalf.

Criminal Defense from an Experienced Gainesville Law Firm

We have been dedicated to zealous and highly effective criminal defense representation in Georgia for over 15 years. We are committed to helping our clients build the strongest possible cases. Whatever your situation may be, our team will aggressively pursue your best interests and defend your rights to obtain the best possible results for your case. We have experience in cases ranging from minor misdemeanors to major felonies, including cases involving domestic violence, assault and battery charges, drug crimes, white-collar crimes, and more. 

We know what is at stake and will use all of our knowledge and skills to secure the best possible result for your case. Gainesville GA criminal defense lawyer Matthew C. Hines and Frederick R. Mann Jr. combine over 60 years of legal experience to represent defendants against any criminal charges they may face. 

We are capable of defending anyone accused of crimes in Gainesville against nearly any charges, including the following:

  • DUI (driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol), DWI (driving while intoxicated)
  • Drug Crimes (possession, possession with intent to distribute, manufacturing, trafficking, cultivation, etc.)
  • Violent Crimes (assault and battery, etc.)
  • White-Collar Crimes (wage theft, fraud, bribery, embezzlement, money laundering, identity theft, forgery, etc.)
  • Police Brutality
  • Domestic Violence
  • Traffic and Reckless Driving (vehicular manslaughter, hit and run, driving on a suspended license, etc.)
  • Theft (theft by shoplifting, theft by taking, receiving stolen property, theft by receiving, credit card fraud, credit card theft, non-deposit fraud, burglary, theft by conversion, etc.)
  • Felony Arrests

Contact Our Criminal Defense Lawyers at The Law Offices Of Matthew C. Hines in Gainesville

If you discover that criminal charges have been filed against you or you are being suspected of a crime, then obtain legal assistance as soon as possible. Having the proper legal representation early on in the process will help you protect your rights and interests more effectively and give you better chances of winning your case.

At The Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines, you can schedule an initial consultation at absolutely no charge. We can help you review the facts and circumstances of your case and guide you through the process. We know that criminal prosecution is highly intimidating, so we will prepare an overview of the court and the type of charges you may be facing.

Understanding the Georgia Criminal Court

America has two court systems — the civil court and the criminal court. The criminal court system is what deals with crimes committed by individuals or by individuals representing organizations or business entities. 

A crime is defined as any act or omission that violates a state or federal statute and which subjects the violator to possible incarceration, fines, or both. Criminal cases are presented by prosecutors representing the state or government, each of which possess their own criminal statutes. The defendant (the person charged with the crime) is deemed innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecutor must prove each facet of the crime by the standard of “beyond a reasonable doubt.” 

Understanding a Misdemeanor vs. Felony Offense

Crimes are not weighed equally, and the seriousness of the offense is a factor in the seriousness of the consequences. Petty offenses, such as jaywalking, littering, and minor traffic violations (e.g. speeding tickets), will likely only result in a fine. 

Misdemeanors, such as DUIs, simple assault, disorderly conduct, trespassing, or shoplifting, can result in a fine and a jail sentence of up to one year. Short periods of probation or a short jail sentence combined with community service are also possible outcomes. 

Felonies are the most serious offense, including homicide, embezzlement, robbery, fraud, drug crimes, sex crimes, and gun crimes, DUIs resulting in serious injury or death, and most violent crimes. Sentences can include prison time for more than one year, substantial fines, and probation, with subsequent convictions resulting in harsher sentences (i.e. longer prison sentences and heavier fines).

Being convicted of any crime, but especially a felony, can carry consequences that will affect all areas of your life going forward. Some long-term consequences can include:

  • Damage to reputation
  • Denials of housing
  • Denials of credit
  • Denials of access to higher education
  • Difficulty in finding employment
  • Career and occupational limitations (i.e. ex-convicts barred from certain jobs)
  • Disqualification from professional licenses
  • Loss of right to vote while the sentence is carried out
  • Lifetime ban on owning a firearm

Get the Assistance of Experienced and Aggressive Gainesville, GA, Criminal Defense Lawyers

When you are in danger of being charged with a crime, you will want to be assured that your Gainesville GA criminal defense lawyer has your best interests in mind and the skills and experience to prepare a strong case for trial. Criminal charges can have serious, life-altering consequences, and you will want an attorney that can help you secure the best possible outcome for your situation. Call us at The Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines at 770-824-9998 or contact us online today to protect your future against a criminal charge.