Cobb County Felony Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me: Felony and Misdemeanor Cases

A felony criminal defense lawyer near me in Cobb County represents people charged with serious crimes. These crimes carry more than twelve months in state prison. Felony arrests demand immediate action. Your charges may include felony DUI, drug trafficking, vehicular homicide, aggravated assault, or repeat traffic offenses. You need a defense lawyer who knows the local courts and acts fast.

Cobb County splits criminal cases between two courts. Cobb County State Court handles misdemeanor charges such as first-offense DUI, simple battery, and reckless driving. Cobb County Superior Court handles all felony matters, from drug distribution to murder. The court that hears your case depends on the severity of the charge, and the consequences differ sharply.

A felony conviction in Georgia means more than prison time. You may lose your right to vote while incarcerated and on supervision. You lose your right to possess firearms. Professional licensing boards may deny or revoke your credentials. Employers and landlords run background checks, and a felony record follows you for life.

A driving-under-the-influence arrest can escalate from a misdemeanor to a felony quickly. A fourth DUI conviction within ten years is charged as a felony. A DUI that causes serious bodily injury is also a felony. A DUI-related death results in felony prosecution in Cobb County Superior Court. The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony outcome often depends on how early you get legal help.

Cobb County Felony and Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer

A criminal arrest in Cobb County, Georgia, can change the course of your life. You may face a DUI charge, a drug possession claim, or a felony indictment. Either way, the Cobb County prosecutor's office will push your case hard. If you need a Cobb County felony and misdemeanor defense lawyer near me, William C. Head, PC has defended clients across every charge type for over four decades. The firm defends clients facing DUI, vehicular homicide, homicide, grand theft, drug possession and trafficking, and traffic offenses. Attorney William "Bubba" Head represents clients in Cobb County State Court, Superior Court, and Magistrate Court. His team knows how local prosecutors build cases and how judges in each courtroom handle sentencing. Cobb County is hard on DUI arrests. The county prosecutor's office pursues convictions to the fullest extent of the law. Fines, community service, alcohol classes, and license suspension are standard results – even for a first offense. Georgia's DUI laws keep changing. That makes an experienced defense lawyer more vital than ever. No matter the charge, early legal help gives you the best chance to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. Contact William C. Head, PC today at (404) 567-5515 for a free consultation.

What Is BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration)?

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is the percent of alcohol in a person's blood. A BAC of .10% means the blood holds one part alcohol for every 1000 parts of blood. In Georgia, a person is legally drunk at .08% or higher.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor Charges in Georgia

If you are charged with a crime in Cobb County, the charge is labeled a felony, a misdemeanor, or an infraction. The label depends on how severe the offense is and how a conviction will affect your future. Misdemeanors are the less serious group. Still, a misdemeanor conviction can carry stiff penalties and long-term effects. If you face any criminal charge in Cobb County, speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can.

Under Georgia law, a standard misdemeanor carries up to twelve months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Common Georgia misdemeanors include first and second DUI offenses, simple battery, shoplifting under $500, and marijuana possession under one ounce.

Georgia also recognizes high and aggravated misdemeanors. These carry harsher penalties than standard misdemeanors but remain below felony level. Sentences can reach twelve months in jail with fines up to $5,000.

Felony charges carry the harshest results. A felony conviction means more than twelve months behind bars, often in state prison rather than county jail. Georgia felonies include vehicular homicide, murder, grand theft (theft by taking over $1,500), a fourth DUI within ten years, and drug trafficking. A third DUI within ten years is not a felony in Georgia. It is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.

In our work defending both felony and misdemeanor cases in Cobb County courts, the label on a charge often shapes more than the sentence. It also shapes the long-term impact on jobs, housing, and civil rights.

The twelve-month custody line is the key dividing point under Georgia law. Under the state's standard misdemeanor sentencing guidelines, a standard misdemeanor caps at twelve months in county jail and a $1,000 fine. Georgia's felony sentencing framework allows courts to impose sentences well beyond twelve months, often served in state prison.

A misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature sits between those two categories. These charges still cap at twelve months in jail, but fines can reach $5,000 and courts may impose stricter probation terms.

Common Cobb County felony charges include a fourth DUI within ten years, serious injury by vehicle, and vehicular homicide. Felony drug possession or distribution and aggravated assault are also common. Common misdemeanors include first and second DUI offenses, simple possession of marijuana under one ounce, and reckless driving. A third DUI within ten years is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.

The collateral consequences of a felony conviction extend far past the sentence. Convicted felons lose the right to possess firearms. They lose voting rights during incarceration and while on parole or probation. Many employers refuse to hire applicants with felony records. Landlords routinely deny housing. Professional licensing boards may revoke or deny credentials. These effects can last a lifetime, even after the sentence is served.

Types of Felony Cases We Defend in Cobb County

William C. Head, PC defends clients against a wide range of felony charges in Cobb County Superior Court. Each charge type carries its own elements, penalties, and defense strategies.

Felony DUI (Fourth Offense in Ten Years). Under Georgia's DUI statute, a fourth or later DUI conviction within a ten-year window is charged as a felony. The state measures that window from the dates of the earlier arrests to the current arrest. If that ten-year window began before July 1, 2008, the charge stays a high and aggravated misdemeanor instead. Felony cases carry one to five years in state prison, a fine of $1,000 to $5,000, and license revocation. Prosecutors often rely on certified copies of prior convictions. Errors in those records may open the door to challenge the felony enhancement.

Serious Injury by Vehicle. A driver who causes serious bodily harm while committing reckless driving, aggressive driving, or DUI faces a felony. Leaving the scene of an injury accident can also support the charge. This charge is prosecuted under Georgia's serious injury by vehicle statute. Prison sentences range from one to fifteen years. These cases often turn on accident reconstruction, toxicology results, and medical evidence linking injuries to the collision.

Vehicular Homicide. Under Georgia's vehicular homicide statute, a traffic violation or DUI that causes a death is prosecuted as a felony. First-degree vehicular homicide carries three to fifteen years. Causation is often the central issue at trial. The question is whether the driving actually caused the death.

Felony Drug Possession and Distribution. Georgia's drug trafficking and distribution statute covers a broad range of controlled substances. Possession of certain drugs above threshold weights triggers mandatory minimum sentences. Distribution or trafficking charges may carry five to thirty years depending on the substance and quantity. Search and seizure issues arise frequently in these cases.

Habitual Violator Offenses. Georgia law classifies a driver as a habitual violator after three serious traffic convictions within a five-year period. Driving while declared a habitual violator is a felony that can carry one to five years in prison. These charges often arise during routine traffic stops.

Felony Fleeing and Eluding. A driver who flees from law enforcement at high speed or causes injury during a pursuit may face felony charges. These cases often involve dashcam and bodycam footage. The circumstances of the initial stop may affect the defense.

Why Hire a Local Cobb County Felony Defense Lawyer

A felony charge in Cobb County calls for a defense lawyer who knows the local court system from the inside. Cobb County Superior Court judges each run their courtrooms differently. Some favor structured plea negotiations early in the case. Others set firm trial calendars and expect counsel to be ready. A local defense lawyer who appears regularly in these courtrooms understands how to position a case from the start.

Familiarity with the Cobb County District Attorney's office matters just as much. Local counsel knows which prosecutors handle which case types, how they evaluate evidence, and what terms they typically offer at various stages. That knowledge shapes every decision – from bond arguments to plea discussions.

Cobb County offers pretrial diversion programs and treatment court options that may apply to certain felony defendants. Drug Court, Mental Health Court, and Veterans Treatment Court each have their own eligibility rules and referral processes. A local lawyer can identify whether a client qualifies and start the application process early.

Prompt action at the bond and preliminary hearing stages can also make a meaningful difference. A lawyer who practices in Cobb County Magistrate Court can appear quickly for bond hearings. This attorney can argue for reasonable conditions and begin reviewing the state's evidence. The case can then move to Superior Court better prepared.

William C. Head, PC has defended felony and misdemeanor cases throughout Cobb County for over four decades. The firm handles DUI, homicide, drug charges, theft, and serious traffic offenses. Whether you face your first arrest or a repeat charge, the firm provides skilled, aggressive legal help.

How We Approach Felony and Misdemeanor Defense

Every criminal case starts with a careful review of the evidence. The firm examines arrest reports, body camera footage, breathalyzer or blood test records, search warrant applications, and witness statements. Early review often reveals problems with the state's case that shape the entire defense strategy.

Motion practice plays a central role in both felony and misdemeanor defense. If police stopped your vehicle without reasonable suspicion, a motion to suppress that evidence may help. If police searched your car or home without a valid warrant, a motion to suppress could weaken or eliminate the state's case. These motions are common in DUI, drug, and weapons cases.

In DUI and drug cases, expert witnesses may challenge the state's scientific evidence. Toxicologists can question blood alcohol testing procedures. Forensic chemists can dispute drug weight or identity. Accident reconstruction experts can contest the state's theory in vehicular homicide or serious injury cases.

Not every case goes to trial. When the evidence supports it, negotiation with the prosecutor may produce reduced charges, diversion, or a favorable sentencing recommendation. When negotiation falls short, the firm prepares for trial. Each case in Cobb County has its own facts, evidence, and degree of exposure. Contact the firm as soon as possible after an arrest so the defense can begin immediately.

Free Consultation With a Cobb County Defense Lawyer

Cobb County criminal defense lawyer William C. "Bubba" Head has earned national and state honors for his DUI and criminal defense work. Multiple groups have honored him, including every Super Lawyers list in Georgia. Best Lawyers in America also lists the firm's attorneys for their criminal defense work. If you are facing a DUI, felony, or misdemeanor case in Cobb County, call (404) 567-5515 to speak directly with an attorney. Your first consultation is free, private, and available 24 hours a day.

Board Certification and DUI Defense Recognition

More than 35,000 lawyers hold Georgia licenses. Only four DUI lawyers in the state have earned Board Certification through the National College for DUI Defense. William C. "Bubba" Head is one of those four attorneys. He has also twice been named DUI Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in America for the Atlanta metropolitan area. Beyond DUI defense, the firm handles felony and misdemeanor matters across Cobb County.

Speak With a Cobb County Felony and Misdemeanor Defense Attorney

The first 48 hours after a criminal arrest matter more than most people realize. Evidence can vanish, memories fade, and prosecutors start building their case right away. Early help gives your attorney time to preserve key evidence, challenge bond terms, and start talks before formal charges are filed. Do not make statements to police or prosecutors before speaking with a lawyer. Anything you say can and will be used against you.

William C. Head, PC offers a free, private consultation for anyone facing criminal charges in Cobb County. The firm answers calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including weekends and all major holidays. Call (404) 567-5515 to speak directly with an attorney.

When you call, have your arrest paperwork, bond documents, and any citations ready. If you do not have these documents, the firm can help you locate them. The sooner you call, the sooner the firm can review the evidence, challenge bond conditions, and begin building your defense.

Beyond DUI defense, William C. Head, PC handles the full range of criminal defense matters in Cobb County – including homicide, vehicular homicide, theft, drug charges, and serious traffic offenses. No matter the charge, the firm works to protect your rights and pursue every available defense.

Call a Cobb County criminal defense attorney today at (404) 567-5515. You have only 30 days to appeal a license suspension or apply for an ignition interlock device. Miss that window and your license could be suspended for up to one year. Every case is different and results depend on the specific facts. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Homicide and Vehicular Homicide Defense in Cobb County

Homicide charges in Georgia range from murder to involuntary manslaughter. Each carries very different penalties. Murder can result in life imprisonment or the death penalty. Voluntary manslaughter involves a killing in the heat of passion and carries one to twenty years. Involuntary manslaughter means an unintended killing during an unlawful act and carries one to ten years. Vehicular homicide applies when a traffic violation or DUI causes a death. First-degree vehicular homicide – tied to DUI, reckless driving, or fleeing police – is a felony carrying 3 to 15 years in prison. Second-degree vehicular homicide involves lesser traffic violations and carries lighter penalties. A routine DUI arrest can turn into felony vehicular homicide the moment someone dies. A misdemeanor case becomes a life-altering prosecution. If you are searching for a homicide lawyer near me in Cobb County, William C. Head, PC has the experience to handle these serious charges. In our work on homicide cases in Cobb County Superior Court, accident reconstruction often becomes the key issue. Common defenses include disputing the link between the driving and the death. Others include testing the forensic proof, attacking how blood tests were handled, and hiring independent crash experts. Every case turns on its own facts. Early help from experienced counsel may change the outcome.

Grand Theft and Property Crime Defense in Cobb County

Georgia law splits theft into several forms. Theft by taking means unlawfully taking another person's property. Theft by deception means getting property through false statements or fraud. Theft by shoplifting covers retail theft. The dollar value of the property decides whether theft is a misdemeanor or a felony. Grand theft – property worth more than $1,500 – is a felony, and the sentence rises with the value. Theft of more than $1,500 but less than $5,000 carries one to five years. Theft of $5,000 to just under $25,000 carries one to ten years. Theft of $25,000 or more carries two to twenty years. In the first two brackets the trial judge may still sentence the case as a misdemeanor. Theft below the $1,500 line is generally a misdemeanor. A fourth or later shoplifting conviction, though, is a felony carrying one to ten years no matter the value. If you need a grand theft defense lawyer near me in Cobb County, William C. Head, PC defends the full range of property crime charges in both State Court and Superior Court. Common defenses include attacking the state's proof of intent, raising mistaken identity, disputing the value of the property, and probing entrapment in sting cases. Depending on the facts, pre-trial talks may bring reduced charges or other sentence options.

Felony Criminal Defense in Cobb County Superior Court

A felony charge in Cobb County means a complex legal process with life-changing stakes. After arrest, the defendant usually appears for a bond hearing in Magistrate Court. The case then moves to the Cobb County District Attorney's office, which presents evidence to a grand jury. If indicted, the case goes to trial in Cobb County Superior Court. A felony conviction reaches far beyond prison time. Convicted felons lose the right to possess firearms. Felons also lose voting rights while in prison and on supervision. They face tight limits on jobs and professional licenses, housing denials, and possible immigration fallout – including deportation for non-citizens. If you need a felony criminal defense lawyer near me in Cobb County, early help is critical. Pre-indictment work – where the defense engages the prosecutor before the grand jury meets – can sometimes bring reduced charges or diversion. Once an indictment issues, the options narrow. William C. Head, PC has defended felony cases in Cobb County Superior Court for over 40 years and knows how to protect clients at every stage. A felony conviction in Georgia stays on your record for life. Only a pardon from the State Board of Pardons and Paroles lifts it. Georgia law does not allow a felony conviction to be expunged. First offender treatment can let some defendants with no prior felony conviction avoid a formal finding of guilt if they finish the sentence. Georgia excludes DUI and certain other offenses from it. Ask an attorney whether it is open to you.

The Cobb County Felony Court Process: What to Expect

The felony court process in Cobb County has several key stages. Understanding each stage helps you know what lies ahead. You will also learn where a defense lawyer can make a real difference.

Arrest and Booking. After a felony arrest, you are transported to the Cobb County Adult Detention Center for booking. Officers record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and document the charges. You may be held until a bond hearing.

First Appearance and Bond Hearing. Within 48 to 72 hours of arrest, you appear before a Cobb County Magistrate Court judge for a first appearance. The judge reviews the charges, sets bond conditions, and determines whether you can be released. A defense lawyer can argue for lower bond or less restrictive conditions at this stage.

Preliminary Hearing. In felony cases, you have the right to a preliminary hearing within a reasonable time. The purpose is for a judge to decide whether probable cause exists to move the case forward. A defense lawyer can cross-examine the state's witnesses and challenge weak evidence early.

Grand Jury Indictment. The Cobb County District Attorney presents the case to a grand jury. If the grand jury finds probable cause, it issues an indictment – the formal charging document. Pre-indictment work by a defense lawyer may influence the charges presented.

Arraignment in Superior Court. After indictment, the case moves to Cobb County Superior Court for arraignment. The defendant enters a plea – usually not guilty at this stage – and the court sets a trial calendar.

Discovery, Motions, and Plea Negotiations. The defense reviews the state's evidence through discovery. It files motions to suppress evidence police obtained illegally. Plea talks with the prosecutor also begin here. Many felony cases resolve during this phase through negotiated pleas or diversion programs.

Trial. If the case does not resolve through negotiation, it proceeds to a jury trial in Cobb County Superior Court. The state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A skilled defense lawyer challenges every piece of evidence and presents the strongest possible defense.

Cobb County Felony and Misdemeanor Case Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor in Georgia?

The main difference is the length of the possible sentence. Under Georgia law, a standard misdemeanor carries up to twelve months in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A felony carries more than twelve months in state prison. Felony convictions also bring collateral consequences – loss of firearm rights, voting restrictions, and barriers to employment and housing – that misdemeanors generally do not.

When Does a DUI Become a Felony in Cobb County, Georgia?

A DUI becomes a felony in several situations. A fourth or later DUI conviction within a ten-year window is charged as a felony under Georgia's DUI statute. A DUI that causes serious bodily injury may be charged as felony serious injury by vehicle. A DUI that causes a death may be charged as felony vehicular homicide. A first or second DUI is a misdemeanor, and a third within ten years is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.

How Much Does a Felony Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me Cost in Cobb County?

Fees depend on the complexity of the charge, the amount of evidence, and whether the case goes to trial. Felony cases generally cost more than misdemeanors because they involve more court appearances, longer preparation, and higher stakes. William C. Head, PC offers a free initial consultation so you can discuss your case and understand the costs before making a decision.

What Should I Do Immediately After Being Arrested for a Felony in Cobb County?

Do not make any statements to police or prosecutors. You have the right to remain silent – use it. Ask for a lawyer. Contact a felony criminal defense lawyer near me as soon as possible. Gather your arrest paperwork, bond documents, and any citations. Write down everything you remember about the arrest while details are fresh. The sooner your lawyer can review the evidence, the stronger your defense may be.