GEORGIA CRIMINAL LAW GLOSSARY

Misdemeanor and felony

Misdemeanor is a crime for which the minimum jail time is less than a year. A crime with more than one year jail time is a felony.

Arraignment

Arraignment is the appearance in court of a defendant who is formally charged with a crime and asked to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If the Defendant does not respond, the judge will enter a plea of not guilty.

Conspiracy to commit a crime

Planning or preparing to commit a crime together with one or more persons is a conspiracy to commit a crime.

Miranda warning

Miranda warning is the warning all police officers must read out to suspect upon arrest. The text of the warning is: "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to be speak to an attorney, and to have an attorney present during any questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you at government expense."

First offender probation

To help first time offenders get the life back on track, the State of Georgia has develop a special program. First time offenders with no prior conviction and facing charges of a non-violent felony can apply to this program. If they successful complete the program, they can continue to have a clean record. However if they fail to complete the program, they could be sentenced to the full prison term.

Deferred adjudication

To help first time offenders get the life back on track, Georgia has a special program. The first time offenders will have the charges dismissed if they go through probation, complete a drug rehabilitation program and comply with all the requirements. During the probation and rehabilitation, the adjudication is differed. However, if the requirements are not complied, the charge will be adjudicated. This program is available only for first time offenders.

Probation

If you have been sentenced to a term of probation, you must comply with a variety of restrictions on your activity during the entire term. If you violate any terms, the probation will be revoked. If you violate any general conditions of probation, it is technical violation and the probation will be revoked for up to two years. So you have to go back to jail. Once out of jail, you must complete the time left on the probation. Violation of special conditions of the probation or conviction for a new crime during the probation will result in your probation being revoked for the rest of the term. You must serve the remaining sentence in jail.

Our criminal attorneys are based in Macon, Georgia - GA and Warner Robins, Georgia - GA. From our offices, we help clients in Roberta, Forsyth, Byron-Centerville, Culloden, Fort Valley, Haddock, Jeffersonville, Lizella, Perry, Gray, Irwinton, Milledgeville and Vienna including Bibb County, Monroe County, Jones County, Crawford County, Peach County, Twiggs County, Baldwin County, Dooly County, Houston County and also Wesleyan College, Macon State College and Mercer University in dealing with Georgia criminal law.

If you are located in Macon GA area, then contact us if you have been charged with a crime in Georgia. Call (phone).