Felony Charges in Marietta
Felony charges in Marietta cover the most serious offenses in the criminal system. Cobb County handles these cases, and the consequences for the accused are real.
Knowing how the process works, and which rights protect you, is the first step toward facing it with a clear head.
What Counts as a Felony in Georgia
In Georgia, a felony is a crime punishable by more than one year in prison.
Common examples include:
- Murder
- Rape
- Aggravated assault
- Armed robbery
- Kidnapping
- Drug trafficking
The most serious of these can carry sentences up to life. Some also carry mandatory minimum sentences.
How Felony Cases Move Through Cobb County
Felony cases in Cobb County are handled by the Superior Court. The process generally looks like this:
- Arrest and booking into custody
- First appearance before a judge, who addresses bond
- Grand jury indictment, which serves as the formal charge
- Arraignment, where you enter a plea
- Pretrial motions
- Jury selection and trial, if the case doesn’t resolve earlier
- Sentencing, based on the offense and your record
Your Rights as the Accused
Georgia protects several rights throughout the process, including:
- The right to a fair trial
- The right to a lawyer, including an appointed attorney if you can’t afford one
- The right to remain silent
- The right to due process
Each of these rights applies at different stages and under different conditions. Your lawyer can explain when you qualify for an appointed attorney and how you’re protected during questioning and in court. Enforcing these rights is a big part of any defense.
Get Legal Help Early
A felony charge is overwhelming, and the earliest decisions often carry the most weight.
Early on, a defense lawyer can investigate the facts, talk with the prosecution, and look for an early resolution. Those steps can change the direction of a case.
Prompt work by a Marietta criminal defense lawyer can include investigating the facts, talking with the prosecution, and looking for an early resolution. Those steps can change the direction of a case.
If you or someone you care about is facing a felony in Marietta or Cobb County, we offer a free consultation. We’ll walk you through your options and build a defense around the specifics of your case.