Athens Criminal Defense Attorney
From bar-hopping downtown to a chili dog at the Varsity to a Saturday between the hedges, Athens-Clarke County offers many must-do experiences. A visit to the Clarke County Jail is not one of them.
Crawford and Boyle, LLC provides experienced, effective representation in criminal defense and appeals. Our attorneys are former prosecutors who work closely with clients to build effective strategies for every case. We offer the level of individual attention clients deserve during stressful and complex circumstances. Having trained as prosecutors, we understand the strengths and weaknesses of the government’s case. Get help by calling our firm today.
Schedule your free consultation by calling (678) 680-5000 now or contacting our firm online.
Thorough Planning for Better Results
As your advocate, we take the time to fully plan your case. Many of our best results have come from intense case preparation that led to criminal charges being dismissed, saving our clients the expense and stress of a trial. We are always ready to go to trial to defend our client’s rights. We are on your side. Let us help you fight for the future you deserve.
Our team handles a wide range of criminal charges in Athens, including:
- Appeals
- Drug crimes
- DUI defense
- Probation and parole violation
- Theft crimes
- Traffic crimes
- Sex crimes
- Computer internet offenses
- Violent crimes
- Assault and battery
- Domestic violence
- ALS hearings
The Two Tiers of Criminal Charges in Georgia
Georgia law separates offenses into two primary tiers, dictating the court where your case is heard and the maximum potential punishment you face. An effective Athens criminal defense lawyer must master the procedural rules of both court systems.
Misdemeanor Offenses
Misdemeanors are generally less serious crimes, with the most severe penalty being up to 12 months in jail.
- Jurisdiction: These cases are primarily handled in the Clarke County State Court or Athens-Clarke County Municipal Court.
- Punishment: Up to 12 months in the county jail, up to $1,000 in fines (or more for High and Aggravated Misdemeanors).
- Examples: Simple Battery, Shoplifting (under $500), Possession of Marijuana (less than an ounce), and Disorderly Conduct.
Felony Offenses
Felonies are the most serious charges, punishable by time in a state prison facility.
- Jurisdiction: These cases are exclusively handled in the Clarke County Superior Court.
- Punishment: A minimum of one year up to life in state prison, depending on the degree of the offense.
- Examples: Aggravated Assault, Drug Trafficking, Armed Robbery, Burglary, and Felony DUI (fourth offense).
We recognize that the State will always seek to charge the highest possible offense. Our firm is committed to reducing felony charges to misdemeanors whenever legally possible, thereby eliminating the risk of state prison time for clients needing a criminal defense attorney in Athens.
Why Hire a Local Criminal Defense Attorney in Athens
Experience in criminal law alone does not prepare an attorney for the unique dynamics of Athens and Clarke County courts. Choosing a criminal attorney in Athens offers several real advantages. Our presence in the area allows us to connect quickly with local court staff, receive up-to-date scheduling details, and anticipate procedural changes that could affect your case outcome.
Knowing the tendencies of local judges, community policing efforts, and how college student cases are handled influences how we approach negotiations, investigations, and court appearances.
Our background as former prosecutors adds value for Athens clients because we understand charging strategies, evidentiary standards, and possible negotiation tactics from inside the system. Our goal is to build defenses and recommendations grounded in local realities and customized to each client’s circumstances, giving students, working families, and long-time residents practical guidance throughout their defense.
Our Philosophy
Crawford and Boyle, LLC was founded on the belief that those accused of a crime have fundamental rights, with one of the most important being the right to an effective attorney. Clients deserve legal counsel who will fight for them.
Our team holds a reputation for honest, effective, and zealous representation. By defending your rights in a respectful and professional manner, we have helped many clients obtain favorable results while earning the respect of judges, prosecutors, court personnel, and fellow defense attorneys.
Schedule your free consultation today. Dial (678) 680-5000 or contact us online now.
What To Expect From the Criminal Justice Process in Athens
Anyone facing criminal charges in Athens will navigate a multi-step process that starts with arrest and booking, followed by an arraignment in the local court. In Clarke County, initial hearings typically take place at the Athens-Clarke County Courthouse, with timelines and procedures shaped by both state and county procedures.
Defendants may experience different conditions depending on the type of charge, with certain local offenses or student-related cases sometimes resulting in alternative programs or diversion opportunities. Our attorneys help guide clients through each stage, clarifying court requirements and options at each juncture.
When a case goes forward, we support clients through motions, negotiations, and—if necessary—trial. We are well acquainted with local prosecutors and the Athens area judicial community. This familiarity allows us to inform clients about common practices in Clarke County, such as how judges may approach bond hearings or what plea options might be available for first-time offenders.