Types of Georgia Murder & Homicide Charges: An Overview

Georgia criminal statutes distinguish between two types of misdemeanor charges:

Straight misdemeanors
Which are the standard lesser charge filed for offenses such as shoplifting, first- or second-time DUIs, drug possession, indecent exposure and other less severe offenses – Generally, the maximum potential penalties that can be imposed for these misdemeanor convictions in Georgia include up to 1 year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.

Misdemeanors of a high & aggravated nature
Which are the upgraded or more serious level of misdemeanor charges that can be filed when the accused person has certain priors and/or when the offense allegedly involved greater risk or harm to some other party (like the alleged victim). Generally, in Georgia, the maximum potential penalties that can be imposed for misdemeanors of a high and aggravated nature include up to 1 year in jail and up to $5,000 in fines.

The misdemeanor defense practice at Jason Clark, P.C. has a record of successfully defending people against both of these types of misdemeanor charges, including (but not limited to) those specifically associated with:

• Property crimes
• Sex crimes
• Violent crimes
• Drug crimes
• Traffic infractions
• White collar offenses.

Misdemeanors in Georgia: More Important Information

Alternative or Suspended Sentences
When misdemeanor charges result in convictions, it may be possible for convicted people to serve out alternative sentences, such as house arrest or probation. In these cases, jail sentences can be suspended until the successful completion of probation (or the other alternative sentence). This can greatly mitigate the potenttial negative impacts of misdemeanor convictions.

Expungements
Simply being arrested for or charged with a misdemeanor offense in Georgia will result in a criminal record. While it may be possible to get these records sealed or expunged later, expungement will not be an option if the case ends in a conviction.