The Potential Unfairness of the Criminal Justice System

It has been reported that a Georgia mother was convicted of misdemeanor charges after her son darted into traffic and was killed by a motorist who later fled the scene. The case, which attracted national media attention and throngs of supporters for the bereaved mother, ended with the woman's conviction by a jury five weeks after she lost her son. Although she was not given jail time, she was convicted of three separate misdemeanors, carrying a potential one-year jail sentence for each, and put on probation for a year with forty hours of community service. The NAACP commented on the case, calling it a "grave miscarriage" of justice for a woman who had to "fight harder for her freedom than the man who killed her son." 

Importance of Hiring an Experienced Criminal Lawyer

This is an example of what can happen in the criminal justice system. Though judges and juries may try to be fair, nothing is guaranteed when you are faced with criminal charges. Beside jail sentences, a misdemeanor conviction in Georgia can result in fines up to $1,000. Aggravated misdemeanors can result in fines up to $5,000.

Additional penalties include community service, being prohibited from possessing a firearm for domestic violence convictions, being unable to get federal financial aid for educational purposes in drug convictions, being precluded from certain career or job opportunities, and, in some misdemeanor cases, losing your driver's license.

The above story reinforces the fact that if you are facing criminal charges of any kind, you should not do so without a dedicated and competent Lawrenceville criminal defense attorney handling your case as early as possible. You will need a skilled professional looking out for your best interests because no one else will be doing so.

Get the Help You Need from a Lawrenceville Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing criminal charges in Gwinnett County, you have the option of retaining the services of attorney Douglas N. Fox, who has been practicing criminal law since 1995. Mr. Fox has achieved successful results in criminal cases at all levels of the Georgia criminal justice system, from local municipal courts to state and federal courts. He has defended every type of misdemeanor and felony charge, from DUI to violent crimes to sex offenses and is known for his commitment to achieving results.

Don't let yourself be swamped by a criminal justice system which is not always fair. Make sure you have a dedicated and capable attorney as soon as you suspect you may be charged with a crime. Call our legal team as soon as possible!

Contact Lawrenceville criminal defense lawyer Douglas Fox if you are facing criminal charges in Gwinnett County, Georgia today.