Effingham County Criminal Defense Attorneys

You Are Not Alone - We Can Work Together to Defend Your Rights

Being arrested is, in many cases, an unexpected and alarming experience. Following an arrest or accusation, the anxiety about what happens next can feel overwhelming. Rest assured that you do not have to go through this alone. You are entitled to legal counsel no matter how serious the charges.

At Schneider Lerch, LLC, we have over four decades of experience. Our firm is committed to providing clients with the accessible and responsive guidance they need during this difficult time in their lives. While many criminal cases are resolved without a trial, our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers and are prepared to take a case as far as it needs to go to obtain the best possible outcome.

We support our clients through every step of the criminal defense process in Effingham County:

• Initial consultation and case assessment: We listen to your concerns, answer questions, and explain possible defenses and outcomes.
• Investigating the charges: Our team reviews all available evidence and interviews witnesses to uncover details that can strengthen your defense.
• Developing your defense strategy: We tailor legal approaches to your individual circumstances, factoring in local laws and prosecutor tendencies.
• Representing you at hearings and trial: We advocate for you during all proceedings at Effingham County courts and never hesitate to argue your case before a judge or jury.

We offer free initial consultations. Call us at (912) 417-5008 or fill out our online form today to schedule an appointment. 

Types of Criminal Cases We Handle in Effingham County

Our legal team defends clients against a broad array of criminal charges, ensuring our approach is tailored to each situation. No two cases are identical, and we draw from our courtroom experience and in-depth knowledge of Effingham County to identify the strategies that are appropriate for your situation.

Whether you are dealing with misdemeanor or felony charges, such as DUI, theft, domestic violence, assault, or drug offenses, we have navigated these matters in the Effingham County State Court and Superior Court. Our criminal defense attorney in Effingham County works directly with you to understand the unique circumstances of your arrest and the specific laws and procedures relevant to your charges.

Some examples of the types of cases we routinely handle include:

• DUI and traffic offenses: Addressing license suspension, field sobriety testing, and administrative hearings
• Drug charges: Possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances
• Theft and property crimes: Shoplifting, burglary, and larceny
• Violent crimes: Assault, battery, and domestic disputes
• Probation violations: Defending your freedom if you are accused of violating the terms of probation
• Juvenile offenses: Advocating for minors in the juvenile court system

By having an attorney experienced in a variety of criminal charges, you position yourself for a defense that meets the standards of local courts and is designed around your needs. Representation before judges in both the Effingham County Recorder's Court and the Superior Court can have a significant impact on the outcome of the case and on your future opportunities in the community.

Understanding the Landscape of Georgia Criminal Law

Georgia law classifies all crimes into two primary categories—Misdemeanors and Felonies—each carrying distinct penalties and being adjudicated in different Effingham County courts. Understanding this difference is the first step in building a proper defense strategy.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are less severe offenses, punishable by:

• Up to 12 months in a county or city jail.
• Fines up to $1,000.

Common misdemeanor offenses our firm defends include DUI, Simple Battery, misdemeanor Theft, and Possession of less than one ounce of marijuana.

High and Aggravated Misdemeanors

Georgia law elevates some misdemeanors to "high and aggravated" status, particularly for repeat offenders or offenses involving egregious behavior. These carry the same jail term limit (12 months) but come with greatly increased fines (up to $5,000) and fewer opportunities for early release or suspended sentences. 

The distinction between a standard misdemeanor and a high and aggravated one is vital, and a strong Effingham County criminal defense lawyer will work to avoid this elevation.

Felonies

Felonies are the most serious crimes, defined as any offense punishable by a minimum of one year or more in the state penitentiary. Georgia does not use lettered classes (like Class A or B); instead, each felony offense carries a specific, harsh sentencing range.

• Sentencing Range: Penalties range from a minimum of one year to life imprisonment (or death) for capital offenses like Murder. For example, Aggravated Assault carries 1 to 20 years in prison, and Burglary carries 1 to 20 years.
• Mandatory Minimums: Many serious felonies trigger mandatory minimum sentences that judges cannot suspend, such as for certain drug trafficking offenses or violent crimes like Armed Robbery.

It Is Always In Your Best Interest to Hire an Attorney in Effingham County

Some people do not think they need a lawyer because they believe they are guilty of all the charges against them, and they should just plead guilty to get a lighter sentence. It is not unusual for law enforcement to stack as many charges as possible onto a defendant to build a stronger case for the prosecution. These charges can often be reduced or dropped when a skilled attorney is working on your case.

There are several important reasons to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Effingham County:

• Knowledge of local procedures: Our familiarity with Effingham County courts allows us to anticipate prosecutor strategies and respond effectively to changing circumstances.
• Personalized negotiation: We can negotiate plea deals, recommend alternatives, and fight for charge reductions based on your individual case and local precedents.
• Support during all proceedings: We ensure you never face the judge or jury alone, and that every motion and argument is timely and well-prepared.
• Access to local resources: Our team can help you connect with support programs or services available in Effingham County, such as counseling or diversion options.

Choosing a criminal defense attorney in Effingham County offers distinct advantages over self-representation or relying on overburdened public defenders. Our team is familiar with local prosecutorial practices and has experience addressing issues such as bond hearings at the Effingham County Jail. 

Working with us means that your case will be handled with the full attention it deserves, and we diligently address any complications that might arise with your bail or court dates at the Recorder’s Court or State Court for criminal matters.

Contact our firm at (912) 417-5008 to schedule a free appointment with our seasoned criminal defense attorneys in Savannah today.