Cobb County Violent Crimes Lawyer

Violent Crime Charges We Defend

• Simple assault and simple battery
• Aggravated assault and aggravated battery
• Terroristic threats
• Firearm charges, including possession of a firearm during a crime
• Robbery and armed robbery
• Murder
• Voluntary and involuntary manslaughter

Self-Defense and Justification

Marietta, Ga. Georgia law allows a person to use force, and in some situations deadly force, to defend themselves or others. When the facts support it, a defense attorney can ask the court for immunity from prosecution before trial or present justification to a jury. Whether force was legally justified is often the central question in these cases.

Serious Felonies Need an Early, Thorough Defense

In homicide and other serious violent felony cases, the early days matter. Witness memories fade and evidence can be lost. We work to investigate independently, review forensic and video evidence, and prepare every case as if it will go to trial.

What a Violent Felony Can Mean in Georgia

Ranges set by Georgia law. Armed robbery and murder are serious violent felonies: the mandatory minimum must be served in full, without parole. Every case is different.

Aggravated assault	1 to 20 years
Aggravated battery	1 to 20 years
Armed robbery	10 years to life, 10-year mandatory minimum
Gun during a felony	5 years, served in addition to any other sentence
Voluntary manslaughter	1 to 20 years
Murder	Life in prison, life without parole or death

How Austin Checks the State’s Story

Before law school, Austin Nelson was a newspaper journalist and editor. He reads a police report the way an editor reads a story: looking for what is missing.

• Find every witness Police interview some witnesses and miss others. We look for the people who saw what happened and were never asked.
• Get the video first Surveillance, phone and body camera footage can prove who started it. We move to preserve it before it is gone.
• Test the identification Eyewitness identifications are often wrong. We examine how lineups and photo arrays were done.
• Build the self-defense record Threats, prior incidents and the moments before the fight all matter. We put them in front of the judge or jury.

Violent Crime Frequently Asked Questions

Can self-defense be a valid defense to assault or battery charges?

Yes. If you reasonably believed force was necessary to defend yourself or someone else, Georgia law may justify your actions. The facts of the encounter, including who was the aggressor, are critical.

Can a felony charge be reduced?

Sometimes. Depending on the evidence, a charge may be reduced, dismissed or resolved through negotiation. No attorney can promise a result, but a careful review of the evidence shows where the State’s case is weak.

Should I talk to police about what happened?

You have the right to remain silent and to have a lawyer present. Politely decline to discuss the incident until you have spoken with an attorney.

What is a self-defense immunity hearing?

Under Georgia law, a person who acted in lawful self-defense can ask the court before trial to dismiss the charges. The judge hears evidence and decides. If immunity is granted, the case ends without a trial.

The other person wants to drop the charges. Will the case go away?

Not on its own. Once charges are filed, the State decides whether to go forward. What the other person wants can still matter, and we know how to present it properly.

Can I get a bond on a serious felony?

Often, yes. For the most serious charges, such as murder and armed robbery, only a Superior Court judge can set bond. A well-prepared bond hearing can make a real difference.

What is the difference between murder and manslaughter?

Malice. Murder requires it. Voluntary manslaughter applies when a person acted out of sudden, violent passion caused by serious provocation. The difference can mean life in prison or a sentence measured in years.

How much does a consultation cost?

Nothing. Consultations are free and confidential, and payment plans are available.