Criminal Law

Protect Your Rights in Douglas County

If you’ve been accused of or formally charged with a crime in Douglas County, it can be challenging to figure out which lawyer has the experience you need for your case. Accusations of drunk driving or other serious felony crimes can have a catastrophic impact on your freedom, finances, career opportunities, and future. If you or a loved one needs help with criminal charges of any kind, consult a trustworthy Douglas County criminal defense lawyer.

Arrested or Falsely Accused of a Crime?

If you’re facing an investigation, arrest, or formal charges for a Douglas County matter, you need not worry because Marc A. Watkins uses his experience to help defend you in all types of criminal matters. Marc A. Watkins defends those charged with:

• DUIs,
• Douglas County probation violations
• Serious felonies.

Cases like these can involve a wide range of intricate factors and legal regulations. A skilled defense attorney can help explain the charges you’re facing and explore all potential ways to defend your case. Attorneys can discuss your case and tailor a strong defense. Though you might find many lawyers in Douglas County, when your future is at stake, it’s important to have efficient and reliable legal assistance.

Criminal Law

Criminal law includes issues that arise from criminal offenses. These offenses are outlined by federal, state, and local laws. They can range from murder to speeding. The punishments for these crimes, also established by statutory law, are usually based on the severity of the crime. Minor offenses may only be punishable by a fine or probation.

Violent felonies, depending on the circumstances and the jurisdiction, could result in imprisonment or the death penalty. The Sixth Amendment guarantees all criminal defendants the right to be represented by an attorney. In cases where a defendant may face prison, the Constitution mandates that the state provide the defendant with legal representation if they cannot afford it.

In lesser cases, defendants have the right to an attorney, but they must pay for one themselves. Criminal proceedings can be very complex. If you are charged with a crime, especially a felony, legal representation and consulting an attorney are important. If you are facing criminal charges, you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible to protect your rights so you can build a defense.

What Types of Cases Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Take?

In Douglas County, a defense attorney can handle a wide variety of criminal matters, like:

This list is not complete, and if you believe you need help with a criminal matter, an experienced Douglas County defense attorney can help.

Terms to Know

• Charge – This is an allegation of criminal wrongdoing.
• Indictment – This is a formal charge that is authorized by a grand jury.
• Arraignment – This is a pretrial proceeding where someone who is accused of committing a crime is brought to court and informed of their charges. They will be asked to plead either guilty or not guilty.
• Felony – This is a crime that is punishable by prison time or the death penalty.
• Misdemeanor – This is a crime that is punishable by prison time but is typically less severe than a felony.
• Infraction – This is a minor violation or offense that typically leads to a fine.
• Reasonable Doubt – This means that a defendant can only be convicted if they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Plea Bargain – This is a process where a prosecutor and a defendant negotiate a compromise. The compromise usually includes a defendant pleading guilty to an offense in exchange for a dismissal of charges or a lighter sentence.
• Miranda rights – These are the rights that an arresting officer is required to read to a suspect before they are questioned by law enforcement. These rights include the right to remain silent, the right to have an attorney provided by the state at no expense if the defendant cannot afford one, and the right to have an attorney present during questioning.

What Defenses Can a Douglas County Attorney Use?

An attorney can help build a strong defense case on your behalf, which can include arguing:

• Self-defense.
• Finding an alibi.
• The prosecution’s case is flawed.
• There’s not enough or unreliable evidence, and it may have been illegally obtained.

A Douglas County private defense attorney may use available defenses to keep government prosecutors from establishing your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt if your case has to go to trial. An experienced private defense attorney can explore all available defenses to consider.

What Types of Evidence Are Admissible in Douglas County Criminal Cases?

Admissible evidence in Douglas County criminal cases can include:

• Physical evidence related to the crime scene or to the accused, like weapons, DNA, fingerprints, etc.
• Demonstrative evidence to explain a key fact, like photographs or a map.
• Scientific evidence.
• Testimonial evidence.
• Documentary evidence like receipts, letters, or emails.

If you’re concerned about a criminal matter and about evidence admissibility, a Douglas County private defense attorney can help.

Why Should I Hire a Defense Attorney?

You should hire a defense attorney because they’re familiar with complex criminal matters where there’s so much at stake if you’re convicted. A competent attorney by your side can address your defense by:

• Dedicating their attention to your case.
• Providing resources and legal experience.
• Creating a strong legal defense for your specific case.

A seasoned defense lawyer can examine the prosecutor’s evidence, identify any weaknesses, and create a strong defense strategy to address the facts of your individual case.

How Much Does a Douglas County Defense Lawyer Cost?

A Douglas County defense lawyer can provide legal work based on a variety of fee agreements, which typically depends on the case complexity, whether or not someone has prior convictions, and the level of experience of the attorney. Some defense attorneys ask for a retainer fee, while others charge an hourly fee for legal services.

If you’re considering retaining a Douglas County defense attorney, it’s important to schedule an initial consultation to discuss their individual fee agreement.

Why Should I Hire Marc A. Watkins?

Marc A. Watkins is a Georgia-based attorney who focuses on criminal law. Marc A. Watkins is a former prosecutors who now uses his experience to defend those accused of criminal offenses. Whether you’re in the Metro Atlanta area or anywhere in Douglas County, Marc A. Watkins is ready to help. So when trouble calls, Marc A. Watkins is on the way.

At the Law Offices of Marc A. Watkins, our primary focus is criminal defense. We have extensive experience with DUI cases involving both marijuana and alcohol. Contact our office to schedule an initial consultation. Let us demonstrate how our knowledge, experience, and resources can help your defense case.