Criminal Defense Attorney in Canton, Georgia

Why do seemingly good people sometimes make bad choices? In Canton, criminal charges can range from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies, each with specific consequences. Here are a few examples of criminal offenses in Canton, Georgia:

DUI Offenses

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a serious issue in Georgia that can heavily impact a person’s job opportunities. Every year, around 200,000 DUI arrests are made in Georgia, with over 20,000 of those occurring in the five Atlanta metropolitan counties.

A DUI conviction can make it harder to find or keep a job for several reasons:

• Background Checks: Many employers run background checks, and a DUI on your record could disqualify you from specific roles. 
• Professional Licenses: Some jobs require a clean record to get or renew a professional license, and a DUI can block career progress in those fields. 
• Driving-Related Jobs: A DUI can be a significant issue if the job involves driving. Employers may see it as a liability and choose not to hire you. 

Drug-Related Offenses

In Georgia, drug-related offenses carry severe legal consequences due to the state’s stringent stance on controlled substances. Here’s an overview of the penalties:

For possession of Schedule I or narcotic Schedule II substances, first-time offenders face 2 to 15 years in prison, while subsequent offenses result in 5 to 30 years. Non-narcotic Schedule II substances carry the same penalties: 2 to 15 years for a first offense and 5 to 30 years for repeat violations.

When it comes to marijuana possession, the penalties vary based on the amount. Possessing one ounce or less is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Possessing more than one ounce is classified as a felony, with potential prison sentences ranging from 1 to 10 years.

These penalties underscore the importance of understanding Georgia’s drug laws and the significant impact they can have.

White Collar Crimes

In Georgia, white-collar crimes refer to non-violent offenses committed for financial gain, such as fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering. While these crimes don’t involve physical violence, they are taken seriously and come with severe penalties. Common white-collar crimes and penalties in Georgia:

• RICO Act Violations (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations): Under Georgia law (§ 16-14-5), participating in a pattern of racketeering activity is a felony. Penalties include 5 to 20 years in prison and fines of either $25,000 or three times the financial gain from the crime, whichever is greater.
• Identity Fraud: A conviction can result in 1 to 10 years in prison and/or fines of up to $100,000. If it’s a repeat offense, the penalties increase to 3 to 15 years in prison and fines up to $250,000.
• Embezzlement (Theft by Conversion): The punishment for embezzlement depends on the value of the stolen property. If it’s worth less than $500, the offense is usually a misdemeanor, with up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $1,000. If the property is worth more than $500, it’s treated as a felony, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison.

White-collar crimes may not involve violence, but their financial and legal consequences are significant under Georgia law. 

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence charges in Georgia, defined by O.C.G.A. § 19-13-1, involve acts like physical harm, threats, stalking, or unlawful restraint between family members, partners, or people living together. These charges are taken very seriously and carry harsh penalties.

For example, a simple battery charge in a domestic situation is upgraded to a high and aggravated misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and fines of up to $5,000. More severe charges, like aggravated assault, are felonies and can lead to prison sentences ranging from 1 to 20 years.

In addition to jail time or fines, those convicted may face mandatory counseling, protective orders, loss of gun ownership rights, and limitations on child custody.

Understanding the array of criminal charges can feel overwhelming. However, acknowledging these charges and their repercussions helps us navigate the complexities of criminal law in our community.

About Our Canton Legal Team

Frye Law Group is proud to serve as a trusted criminal defense attorney in Canton GA, representing individuals throughout Cherokee County and surrounding North Georgia communities. With over 20 years of trial experience, our legal team has handled thousands of criminal defense cases involving everything from serious felonies to complex federal charges.

Our lead attorney, Kim Keheley Frye, is a former prosecutor with deep insight into how local courts, judges, and district attorneys operate. As a Cherokee County law firm, we provide tailored defense strategies based on the needs of Canton residents and others in the area. Our firm has been recognized for excellence in criminal litigation and is known for helping clients seek the best possible outcome when facing criminal charges in Georgia courts.

Whether you’re dealing with misdemeanor offenses, DUI, violent crimes, or juvenile charges, you need a responsive legal team committed to protecting your future.

Contact Frye Law Group today to schedule a meeting with our BUI lawyer in Marietta!