What Are the Differences Between Classes of Felonies?
While every felony charge is exceptionally serious and can negatively affect your life far into the future, some are even more serious than others. The State of Georgia categorizes felony charges into different classes, and better understanding these classifications can help you better understand the charge against you. If you are facing a criminal charge of any kind, you shouldn’t delay consulting with an experienced Georgia criminal defense attorney.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor
One way Georgia distinguishes between misdemeanor and felony charges is by the potential sentence that applies. For example, misdemeanor offenses carry jail time of up to 12 months, but if the charge carries a sentence of more than 12 months in prison, it’s a felony.
While felonies are more serious, misdemeanors still come with very significant consequences that can haunt your future. Finally, it’s important to note that Georgia has some of the harshest felony sentencing laws in the nation.
Third-Degree Felony Charges
Third-degree felony charges in Georgia are the least serious, but they are still serious, nonetheless. Common examples include both arson and forgery. Some third-degree felony charges carry mandatory minimum sentences, which means that the judge has no discretion when it comes to handing down prison time. For third-degree felony convictions, the sentence ranges from 1 to 5 years in prison with steep fines.
Second-Degree Felony Charges
Second-degree felony charges become even harsher in terms of how serious the consequences are. Some of the most common charges in this felony classification include the following:
- Aggravated assault
- Burglary
- Rape
- Kidnapping
The sentence for a second-degree felony can be up to 20 years.
First-Degree Felony Charges
First-degree felony charges are the most serious levied by the state, and the maximum sentence can be life without the possibility of parole. Examples include:
- Murder
- Aggravated rape
- Aggravated kidnapping
- Voluntary manslaughter
Your Future
Having a felony conviction on your record can alter the course of your future in ways that are difficult to adequately calculate, which makes bringing your strongest defense from the outset paramount. Having a capable criminal defense attorney in your corner can make a serious difference in the outcome of your case, including in all the following ways:
- Gathering and skillfully compiling all the available evidence
- Building your strongest defense – in a focused effort to have the charge against you dropped altogether or lessened
- Helping you navigate the challenging legal process
- Ably negotiating with the prosecution for a favorable plea deal
- Being well prepared to defend you at trial when this is deemed the most effective path forward
Your future is much too important to leave to chance. You need trusted legal representation on your side.
An Experienced Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney Is Standing By to Help
The dedicated Forsyth and Gwinnett County criminal defense attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland appreciate the severity of your situation and will leave no stone unturned in defense of your rights and in focused pursuit of your case’s best possible outcome. To learn more about what we can do to help you, please don’t put off reaching out and contacting or calling us at 866-455-4701 today.