Soperton Criminal Defense Attorney

Defending Against Criminal Charges in Southeast Georgia

If you have been arrested or accused of a crime, you are likely feeling frightened, overwhelmed, and unsure of what comes next. Will you go to jail? Will you lose your job? Who will protect your rights and fight for your future? 

At Calhoun Law Firm, we understand the stress you are under, and we are here to help. Our Soperton criminal defense attorney has a long track record of successfully representing people accused of all types of crimes throughout Southeast Georgia. Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, Attorney Paul W. Calhoun, III is here to stand up for you and aggressively defend your rights. 

Our team works quickly and develops individualized strategies tailored to each client’s unique needs. We recognize that the prosecution is likely already building its case against you; we’re here to start putting together a powerful defense on your behalf. In many cases, we are able to negotiate favorable plea bargains, fight for case dismissals, or have our clients’ charges or sentences reduced. Yet, we prepare every case for trial and are always prepared to fight for you in the courtroom.

If you or someone you love has been arrested for a crime, contact Calhoun Law Firm now at (912) 301-4047 for a free and confidential 30-minute consultation. 

Know Your Rights: What to Do During & After an Arrest

When a person is arrested or charged with a crime, they have certain rights protected by both state and federal law. 

These rights include but are not limited to: 

• The right to remain silent
• The right to be free from unreasonable search/seizure
• The right to an attorney
• The right to a fair trial

It is important for individuals to understand and assert these rights during every stage of the criminal process.

During interrogation, individuals have the right to refuse to answer questions without an attorney present. An attorney can help protect their client's rights by ensuring that any statements made are voluntary and obtained in accordance with the law.

If you are stopped or arrested by the police, you should remain compliant. Do not resist arrest, and do not provide any additional information outside of identifying yourself to the arresting officer. Remember, you do not have to answer any questions about what you are doing, where you are going, who you are with, or your citizenship status. You also do not have to consent to a search of your personal belongings, vehicle, or home if the police do not have a signed and valid search warrant. If the police search your possessions without a warrant, do not attempt to intervene. Instead, clearly state that you do not consent to a search. This may be used later as grounds for dismissal of evidence based on unlawful search and seizure. 

You should also contact an attorney as soon as possible if you are arrested or even simply under investigation for a crime. Hiring an attorney will not make you seem guilty; in fact, it is the best way to protect your rights throughout the criminal justice process. We recommend that you refrain from speaking to law enforcement without an attorney if you believe that you are a suspect in a crime or if you have been arrested on any type of charge. 

Common Criminal Defense Cases 

Some of the most common types of criminal defense cases include those involving: 

• Drug Crimes: Drug crimes involve the possession, sale, manufacture, or distribution of illegal substances. Convictions for drug offenses can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and probation. Defense strategies in drug crime cases may include challenging the legality of the search and seizure, questioning the chain of custody of evidence, or raising issues related to entrapment.
• DUI: Driving under the influence (DUI) charges typically arise from operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Consequences for conviction may include license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, or even jail time. Defense strategies in DUI cases often involve challenging the accuracy of breathalyzer or field sobriety tests, questioning the legality of the traffic stop, or disputing the officer's observations.
• Assault: Assault refers to intentionally causing physical harm or injury to another person. Depending on the severity of the offense, assault charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies. Convictions may result in imprisonment, probation, or restitution. Common defense strategies for assault cases include self-defense claims, lack of intent, or challenging the credibility of witnesses.
• Battery: Battery involves unlawfully and intentionally causing bodily harm or offensive contact with another person. Like assault, the severity of battery charges can vary, leading to different penalties upon conviction. Defense strategies for battery cases may include disputing the alleged victim's injuries, establishing consent, or raising issues related to mistaken identity.
• Domestic Violence: Domestic violence encompasses a range of abusive behaviors committed against someone in an intimate relationship. Consequences for domestic violence convictions may include protective orders, mandatory counseling, or even imprisonment. Defense strategies in domestic violence cases can involve challenging the credibility of the accuser, presenting evidence of self-defense, or asserting the absence of intent.
• Theft: Theft involves unlawfully taking someone else's property without their consent. The seriousness of theft charges depends on the value of the stolen property. Convictions can result in imprisonment, fines, or restitution. Defense strategies for theft cases may include questioning the ownership of the property, challenging the chain of custody of evidence, or asserting lack of intent to permanently deprive.
• Juvenile Offenses: Juvenile offenses are crimes committed by individuals under the age of 18. Juvenile offenders typically go through a separate legal system that focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Defense strategies for juvenile offenses may involve challenging the admissibility of evidence, advocating for alternative dispositions, or asserting the minor's rights.
• White-Collar Crimes: White-collar crimes are non-violent offenses typically committed in a business or professional context, such as fraud, embezzlement, or insider trading. Convictions for white-collar crimes can result in significant fines, restitution, or imprisonment. Defense strategies may include challenging the sufficiency of evidence, disputing intent, or presenting mitigating factors.

At Calhoun Law Firm, we represent clients who have been accused of all types of serious criminal offenses. Our Soperton criminal defense attorney has extensive experience and a reputation for providing aggressive client advocacy, both in and out of the courtroom. 

How the Criminal Defense Lawyer at Calhoun Law Firm Can Help 

It is crucial to consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after an arrest. At Calhoun Law Firm, we can provide invaluable guidance, protect your rights, and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your case. 

We are here to help you navigate the criminal justice system. Our team can help navigate complex legal procedures, investigate the case, gather evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and create innovative defense strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of your case. Our goal is to ensure that you receive fair treatment under the law and to level the playing field as we fight to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. 

To schedule a completely free and confidential consultation, please call (912) 301-4047 or contact us online using our secure form.