State Crimes
Georgia Criminal Defense AttorneyState-level crimes are classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony. A misdemeanor is punishable by up to 12 months, whereas a felony sentence can be anywhere from 1 year up to life, depending on the seriousness of the crime. Examples of misdemeanors include DUI, shoplifting-under $300, theft-under $500, simple assualt, simple battery, domestic violence, and possession of marijuana under 1 oz. Examples of felonies include any other drug possession, forgery, i.d. theft, possession of child pornography, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and credit card fraud. The Solicitor's Office prosecutes misdemeanors, which are formally charged through accusation. Oftentimes, if it is a first offense, pre-trial diversion is available for misdemeanors and the arrest can be expunged from the individual's record. The District Attorney's Office prosecutes felonies, which are formally charged through indictment and must be validated by a grand jury. Some counties offer felony pre-trial diversion for first-time offenders, and the State of Georgia has enacted the First Offender Act which allows an individual to enter a dischargeable plea.
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