Criminal Defense Attorney in Liberty County

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

Being arrested often comes unexpectedly and can be a frightening experience. After an arrest or accusation, worry about the next steps can feel overwhelming. You do not have to face this alone. No matter how serious the charges, you have the right to legal counsel.

At Schneider Lerch, LLC, we bring over four decades of combined experience to every case. Our firm commits to providing clients in Liberty County with accessible and personalized guidance during stressful times. While many criminal cases resolve without a trial, our attorney has extensive trial experience and stands ready to take cases as far as needed to pursue the best possible outcome.

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

Types of Criminal Cases We Defend in Liberty County

At Schneider Lerch, LLC, we handle a wide array of criminal cases, each requiring a thoughtful and strategic approach. Our practice includes:

• Drug Offenses—Drug-possession, trafficking, and distribution charges
• Sex Crimes—Sexual battery, child molestation, statutory rape, enticing minors, sexual exploitation of children, and failures to register as a sex offender are active charge categories in the county.
• DUI—Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and related court programs (e.g. the DUI Court) are standard.

We also help clients facing more serious allegations, providing steadfast representation in felonies as well as misdemeanors. Our goal is to protect your rights, inform you about each step, and support you in choosing the most constructive path forward no matter the nature of the charges.

The Legal Process in Liberty County: What to Expect

Understanding the criminal process in Liberty County can help you feel more prepared as your case progresses. When arrested or charged, you may appear first for an initial hearing at the Liberty County Jail or courthouse. Here, the judge will inform you of your charges and consider bail. 

The process then continues through arraignment, where you formally enter a plea, and may include preliminary hearings or negotiations with the District Attorney’s office. Some cases resolve early with negotiations, while others proceed to pretrial motions and, if needed, a full trial before a judge or jury. 

Liberty County courts follow Georgia state procedures, but local customs and scheduling may affect how quickly cases move or how pleadings are handled. We focus on keeping you informed about your responsibilities and your options at every stage. By approaching these hearings with preparation and local insight, we aim to reduce unnecessary delays and give you an informed voice throughout your defense.

The Defense Process: A Strategic Approach in Liberty County Courts

A successful criminal defense strategy requires understanding the local court landscape and acting decisively at every phase of the process.

• Immediate Intervention and Bond Hearing: We leverage our 24/7 availability to intervene immediately following an arrest, advising clients of their right to silence and preparing for the first appearance hearing. We fight aggressively for a reasonable bond amount or release on personal recognizance.
• Investigation and Discovery: Our firm doesn't rely solely on the State's police report. We conduct an independent investigation, which includes analyzing police reports, body camera footage, witness testimony, and forensic evidence to uncover flaws in the prosecution's case.
• Challenging Probable Cause and Evidence: We meticulously scrutinize the legality of the traffic stop or arrest. If law enforcement violated your Fourth or Fifth Amendment rights (illegal search, coerced statements), we file motions to suppress the evidence. Successfully suppressing key evidence often leads directly to a case dismissal.
• Negotiation and Diversion: We negotiate skillfully with Liberty County prosecutors, leveraging weaknesses in their case to seek:
  • Plea Reduction: Reducing a felony to a misdemeanor or a misdemeanor to a lesser charge.
  • Pre-Trial Diversion/Conditional Discharge: Seeking alternatives for first offenders that result in the charge being dismissed upon successful completion of probation/counseling.
• Trial Readiness: If a favorable resolution cannot be negotiated, our firm is fully prepared to take your case to trial, fiercely advocating for your acquittal before a judge or jury in the Liberty County Superior Court.

It Is Always in Your Best Interest to Hire an Attorney

Some people think they do not need a lawyer because they believe they are guilty of all charges and should plead guilty for a lighter sentence. Law enforcement often stacks as many charges as possible on a defendant to strengthen the prosecution’s case. A skilled attorney can work to have charges reduced or dropped when possible.

An experienced lawyer negotiates on your behalf to pursue a better outcome than the prosecution’s initial offer. Do not assume your case is set in stone at the time of arrest. The prosecution seeks a conviction, even if the charges and penalties do not fit your situation. You need someone advocating for your interests to help prevent unfair outcomes.

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

FAQs

What Should I Do Immediately After an Arrest in Liberty County?

After an arrest, stay calm and assert your right to remain silent. Request to speak with a criminal defense attorney before answering any police questions. Do not discuss your case with others or on social media.

Can I Get Charges Dropped or Reduced?

The outcome of each case depends on its unique facts, the circumstances of the investigation, and the strength of the prosecution’s evidence. Hiring an attorney can help you explore all options for having charges dropped or reduced where possible.

Will My Case Go to Trial in Liberty County?

Many criminal cases in Liberty County resolve through negotiation, dismissals, or other means before trial. Whether your case proceeds to trial depends on the nature of the charges, the evidence, and whether a fair agreement can be reached during negotiations. Your attorney will discuss all possible outcomes as your case progresses.