Criminal Defense Attorney Marietta, GA

Understanding Criminal Charges in Marietta, GA

In the city of Marietta and Cobb County, criminal offenses range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on their severity. According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), common criminal charges in Cobb County include theft, assault, sex crimes, murder, as well as DUI.

Misdemeanors may include certain theft crimes and DUI in most cases. If convicted of a misdemeanor, the penalty can include a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 12 months in the county jail.

However, Georgia criminal law distinguishes between a misdemeanor and a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. For example, simple assault involving family violence can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature, punishable with the same jail time but higher fines that can go up to $5,000 if convicted.

Felonies typically cover more serious charges such as murder, sex crimes, or significant drug offenses. A felony conviction can result in the individual being sentenced to prison time exceeding one year and up to life in prison or the death penalty.

A robust defense can be the turning point of your case, so it’s crucial to choose criminal defense attorneys with a comprehensive grasp of the criminal law landscape in Georgia. Furthermore, understanding Marietta city ordinances provides local lawyers insights into specific local legal provisions that may affect the arrest and prosecution of these crimes.

Impact of Criminal Convictions

A conviction’s impact on someone’s life often goes far beyond the courtroom, carrying debilitating effects on employment opportunities. For instance, a drug conviction can impact individuals in Georgia pursuing careers that require professional licenses or certifications.

Housing prospects and personal relationships also suffer, entrenching individuals in a cycle of disadvantage.

Your Rights and How to Protect Them

Every person charged with a crime in Georgia retains fundamental rights included within the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights. Some of these rights include the right to remain silent, avoid self-incrimination, and have legal representation.

If you find yourself under arrest or investigation for a criminal matter, exercising these rights is paramount:

• Remain calm and respectful.
• Do not talk to law enforcement without a criminal defense attorney present.
• Exercise your right to a phone call to contact a criminal defense attorney promptly.

Counsel from a legal professional with a profound grasp of local statutes and individuals’ rights, such as Frye Law Group, is integral to navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system in Marietta, GA.

The Legal Process in Marietta, GA

Criminal cases in Cobb County’s Marietta follow a procedure similar to other Georgian counties. Although that can sometimes depend on the nature of the charges, the category of the offense, and the jurisdiction, typically, a criminal case proceeds through the following stages:

• First, an individual is arrested. An arrest signals the system’s readiness to engage: fingerprints are cataloged, mugshots taken, and a docket number assigned.
• At the initial appearance, the individual will hear the charges against them, and if applicable, the judge will set bail.
• At the preliminary hearing, the court determines whether there is enough evidence to prosecute the charged individual.
• All capital felonies in Georgia, such as murder, have to be presented to a grand jury. If the grand jury issues a true bill, the individual is formally indicted and charged with the crime.
• Arraignment shortly follows. It is a formal hearing in which a judge reads the charges to the defendant, who then pleads guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere.

Before the trial begins, criminal defense lawyers typically make a number of pretrial motions. They present an opportunity for the defense to determine what will and won’t be presented in court and discover the strength of the prosecution’s case.

At Frye Law Group, our Cobb County criminal defense lawyer brings their wealth of experience to each step of the case. We know the nuances of Georgia law and leverage this understanding to develop robust strategies.

How Can an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Help If You Are Facing Criminal Charges

Facing criminal charges in Marietta brings unique challenges that demand specialized legal knowledge. The Cobb County court system operates with specific procedures unknown to most defendants, creating immediate disadvantages for those without proper representation.

A skilled Cobb County criminal defense attorney can serve as both shield and guide through this complex legal terrain. They can immediately step between you and law enforcement, halting interrogations that could otherwise damage your case. This critical intervention often occurs within hours of your arrest, when prosecutorial pressure is most intense.

Beyond protection, a skilled attorney can launch a comprehensive investigation. While the prosecution builds their case against you, an experienced criminal defense attorney Marietta GA can simultaneously collect evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze police procedures for constitutional violations.

Technical defense strategies require specialized training. Criminal defense cases involving DUI charges, for example, demand forensic understanding of breathalyzer calibration and testing protocols used by Marietta police. Blood tests are common after arrests for DUI, and a criminal defense attorney with specialized training in fighting blood tests can be the difference between losing your license to drive or not. A Marietta DUI lawyer can challenge these results through scientific examination.

Pre-trial motions often determine case outcomes before court proceedings begin. A Marietta criminal defense attorney can file strategic motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or limit testimony based on Marietta court precedents and Georgia law.

Most importantly, a Marietta criminal defense lawyer can translate legal complexities into clear guidance, empowering you to make informed decisions.

Why Choose Frye Law Group?

Located in Marietta, GA, our practice is deeply rooted in the community we serve. Equipped with a rich history of successful outcomes, Frye Law Group prides itself on a tailored approach to each case.

Choosing Frye Law Group means putting your trust in a team that views success through the lens of your freedom and rights. Aggressive in the courtroom yet empathetic to our clients, we ensure everyone who walks through our doors feels heard and understood. This balanced approach to defense is what sets us apart.

Our deep familiarity with Cobb County prosecutors and judges provides strategic advantages impossible to quantify. We understand which legal arguments resonate with specific judges and which prosecutors are amenable to favorable plea negotiations. This institutional knowledge directly impacts case outcomes.

Our founder, Kim Keheley Frye, as a former prosecutor, brings a unique perspective to the table, understanding both sides of the courtroom. Her experience is beneficial when formulating tailored defense strategies for our clients. Furthermore, she is constantly recognized by her peers, which resulted in her selection to Super Lawyers consistently from 2018 to 2025. She has been voted Best of Cobb County for Criminal Defense for six years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Our Criminal Defense Services

In the pursuit of justice, our Frye Law Group team handles a wide range of criminal cases, including the following:

• DUI & Driving Under the Influence: Safeguarding your rights in cases of alcohol or drug-related driving offenses.
• Drug Crimes: Providing defense strategies for possession, trafficking, or manufacturing charges.
• Domestic Violence Defense: Our attorneys’ diverse experiences working on both sides of the criminal law court give us an advantage in these cases.
• Juvenile Criminal Defense: Minors can be charged and tried in adult court. Juvenile Marietta criminal defense lawyers can provide aggressive defense and fight for your child’s future.
• Murder & Serious Felony Crimes: Offering meticulous defense for the gravest allegations.
• Sex Crimes: Protecting your reputation and rights amidst sensitive charges.

At Frye Law Group, we recognize that the implications of a criminal charge reach far beyond the courtroom, and we are determined to fight for your future. Our commitment to your case begins with a Free Case Evaluation, which can be your first step towards safeguarding your future.

Contact Frye Law Group

Navigating through the intricacies of the legal system may seem daunting. When faced with criminal charges in the Marietta area, securing experienced legal counsel is imperative.

If you’re encountering legal troubles around the metro Atlanta area or across Cobb, Fulton, Cherokee, Bartow, or Paulding counties, reaching out to a seasoned criminal defense lawyer can be pivotal in defending your rights. Your future is worth fighting for, and our Cobb County criminal defense lawyer is here to stand by your side every step of the way.

Contact us today so we can work toward achieving a favorable outcome for your case.