Facing misdemeanor charges in Cobb County? Our team focuses exclusively on defending teens and young adults throughout Georgia.
A misdemeanor charge might seem minor, but can still impact your immediate situation. At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we create defense strategies centered on YOUR goals, not cookie-cutter solutions. Contact our team today to discuss how we can help protect your future.
Don’t Underestimate Misdemeanor Charges in Cobb County
Misdemeanor charges in Cobb County are handled primarily in the State Court of Cobb County, with some cases processed in municipal courts. While not as severe as felonies, misdemeanors still carry penalties including up to 12 months in jail, fines up to $1,000, and probation.
You deserve a defender who will:
- Take your misdemeanor case as seriously as any felony
- Explain all your options in clear, straightforward language
- Create a strategy based on your specific situation and goals
- Fight to protect your rights throughout the legal process
Our Approach to Misdemeanor Defense for Young People
Our approach to defending against misdemeanor charges centers entirely on your specific goals.
While some law firms will tell you they have a particular way of handling every case, we won’t do that. The strategy developed for your case must align with your short-term and long-term goals.
If we determine that working together makes sense, we’ll spend time understanding what you want to achieve. Based on your goals, we’ll develop a recommended strategy. If you agree that this strategy aligns with your goals, we’ll proceed with implementing it.
Common Misdemeanor Charges We Handle in Cobb County
Theft Misdemeanors
- Shoplifting (under $500)
- Theft by taking (under $500)
- Theft of services
- Criminal trespass
Drug Misdemeanors
- Possession of marijuana (less than 1 oz)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Certain prescription medication violations
Alcohol Misdemeanors
Disorderly Conduct
- Fighting in public
- Disruptive behavior
- Public disturbance
- Loitering
Traffic Misdemeanors
Other Common Misdemeanors
- Simple assault
- Simple battery
- Criminal damage to property (under $500)
- False statements to law enforcement
Misdemeanor Classifications in Georgia
Standard Misdemeanors
- Punishable by up to 12 months in jail
- Fines up to $1,000 plus surcharges
- Possible probation, community service, and other conditions
High and Aggravated Misdemeanors
- Punishable by up to 12 months in jail
- Fines up to $5,000 plus surcharges
- Stricter probation terms
- Limited eligibility for certain disposition options
Certain misdemeanors become “high and aggravated” based on factors like:
- The victim’s status (such as a police officer, teacher, or family member)
- The location of the offense (such as a school zone)
- Prior similar offenses
- Other aggravating circumstances
The Misdemeanor Court Process in Cobb County
- Arrest/Citation: Many misdemeanors result in a citation rather than an arrest, but some (like DUI or domestic charges) typically involve being booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.
- Arraignment: Your first court appearance where charges are formally presented and you enter an initial plea. This is typically scheduled within a few weeks of the arrest or citation.
- Pretrial Conference: An opportunity to negotiate with prosecutors before trial. Many misdemeanor cases are resolved at this stage through plea agreements or diversion programs.
- Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or resolve other legal issues.
- Trial: If your case isn’t resolved earlier, you have the right to a trial by judge or jury. Misdemeanor trials in Cobb County typically last 1-2 days.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will determine appropriate penalties based on Georgia law and the specific circumstances of your case.
Why Having the Right Defense Team Matters
- Knowledge of Local Courts: We understand how the State Court and municipal courts operate, the tendencies of local judges, and how the Solicitor General’s office approaches different types of cases.
- Focus on Young People: We represent people in their teens and twenties, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities in these cases.
- Goal-Oriented Approach: Everything we do is centered on what YOU want to achieve, whether that’s fighting the charges, minimizing penalties, or finding alternative resolutions.
Options for Resolving Misdemeanor Charges
- Pretrial Diversion: The Cobb County Solicitor’s Office offers diversion programs for certain first-time offenders that can lead to dismissed charges upon successful completion.
- Conditional Discharge: For certain offenses, especially minor drug charges, Georgia law allows for conditional discharge where charges are dismissed after successful completion of probation.
- First Offender Act: For qualifying defendants, this option allows you to complete your sentence without a formal conviction on your record.
- Negotiated Pleas: In many cases, we can negotiate for reduced charges, minimum penalties, or alternative sentencing that aligns with your goals.
Our 3-Step Defense Process
1. Listen and Understand
We take time to hear your story, understand your goals, and learn about your situation. This isn’t just about the legal facts—it’s about you as a person.
2. Develop a Customized Strategy
Based on your goals and the specifics of your case, we create a defense strategy designed to achieve the best possible outcome for YOUR situation.
3. Implementation and Advocacy
We put your strategy into action—investigating, negotiating, filing motions, and if necessary, taking your case to trial.
5 Reasons to Call Our Team Today
- Professional Evaluation: Get a clear understanding of your situation and options.
- Immediate Action: Important deadlines and opportunities may be approaching quickly.
- Peace of Mind: Know that someone is fighting for your best interests.
- Goal-Centered Strategy: We build our defense around what matters most to you.
- Experience with Young Clients: We understand the unique needs and concerns of teens and young adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge?
Absolutely. Misdemeanors can still result in jail time, significant fines, and create complications in your life. Having skilled representation often leads to much better outcomes than handling the case yourself.
Will I have to go to jail for a misdemeanor?
Not necessarily. While misdemeanors can carry jail sentences of up to 12 months, many first-time offenders receive probation or alternative sentencing, especially with effective legal representation.
How long will a misdemeanor stay on my record?
Georgia does not automatically remove misdemeanors from your record after a certain period. However, with proper representation, you may have options to avoid conviction in the first place through diversion programs or First Offender provisions.
Can I just pay the fine and be done with it?
Paying a fine means pleading guilty, which results in a conviction on your record. Before making this decision, it’s important to understand all your options and the potential consequences of a conviction.
Contact a Cobb County Misdemeanor Lawyer Today
If you or someone you care about is facing misdemeanor charges in Cobb County, don’t wait. Contact our legal team today to schedule a consultation.
Our consultation process helps determine if we’re the right fit for your specific situation and goals. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you decide on the best path forward.
Take the first step toward protecting your future.
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