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Criminal Defense

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The Gage Law Firm in Atlanta, Georgia offers a criminal defense attorney with over a decade of experience, in hundreds of cases, fighting criminal charges and defending the innocence and livelihoods of our clients. Our criminal team provides thorough, proactive, and exhaustive legal advocacy to ensure that your rights, and your liberty, are preserved.  With an office conveniently located in Decatur, we can meet on your schedule to discuss your criminal case in a private and comfortable setting.

To be accused of a crime can be one of the most traumatic and frightening experiences anyone can ever have. Whether you are simply issued a citation, or if you are arrested by law enforcement, the impacts of a criminal accusation can be sudden and dramatic. You need an aggressive and experienced legal team on your side as quickly as possible.

 

The Gage Law Firm has represented clients in every phase and type of criminal litigation in close to 1,000 cases over more than a decade's span, including felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses. We can provide you and your loved ones zealous representation in every way, including:

  • First appearances

  • Preliminary Hearings

  • Bond Hearings

  • Arraignment

  • Plea Negotiations

  • Jury and Bench Trials

The Gage Law Firm offers knowledge, advice, and advocacy in every type of criminal defense, and our decades of experience will give you the peace of mind that your life, your job, and your reputation are passionately defended. Our team can provide you with representation in any criminal case, including:

  • DUIs

  • Domestic and Battery Cases

  • Theft Cases

  • Drug Offenses

  • Driving and Traffic Offenses

  • Major Felonies

The criminal team at The Gage Law Firm also provides specialized representation in criminal cases involving mental health and mental illness. Symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression can often be mistaken by law enforcement as criminal acts. At The Gage Law Firm, we have years of experience handling cases specifically involving mental illness, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. We offer a unique level of representation with a personal knowledge of what it means to struggle with a mental illness. The Gage Law Firm has the tools and experience to address the needs of our mentally ill clients and to guide them through a criminal justice system that is often ignorant of the struggles that come with mental illness.

We are always available to give you a free consultation, which will provide you with an idea of what you can expect in your criminal case. And you can always be comfortable knowing that at The Gage Law Firm, your rights will be fiercely protected.

Major Felony

Major Felonies

 

To be accused of a serious crime is a traumatic and life-changing experience. Unlike traffic and many misdemeanor offenses, major felony crimes are accompanied by the frightening reality of the initial arrest, along with the threat of future incarceration. You need a legal partner who is both an aggressive and knowledgeable advocate.

 

The Gage Law Firm has many years of combined experience handling the full range of major felony offenses in Georgia. We can provide thorough and proactive representation in any and all phases of major felony litigation, including:

  • First Appearance

  • Bond Hearings

  • Preliminary Hearings

  • Arraignment

  • Plea Negotiation

  • Jury Trials

 

We will provide you with an exhaustive and comprehensive investigation of your case and present you with as many options as possible. If you have little or no prior criminal history, you might be able to avoid the severe penalties associated with these crimes, avoid severely tarnishing your criminal record, and in some cases avoid a felony conviction altogether. And if your case demands a jury trial, our attorneys will be a friend and zealous advocate in the fight to protect your innocence.

 

The Gage Law Firm can offer experienced advice for any felony case, including:

  • Burglary

  • Forgery and Identity Theft

  • Armed Robbery and Robbery

  • Major Theft Crimes

  • Drug Trafficking

  • Drug Possession and Possession with Intent to Distribute

  • Drug Sale

  • Rape and Sex Crimes

  • Child Molestation and Aggravated Child Molestation

  • Manslaughter

  • Murder

 

Our free consultation can help give you an understanding of what to expect in your case. If you later decide to take advantage of our experience and knowledge, our attorneys will guide you through the legal process with a dedicated and steady hand.

DUI
DUI criminal defense attorney in Atlanta at The Gage Law Firm

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (DUI)

 

For a detailed description of our skills in DUI defense, visit our Driving Under the Influence webpage.

At The Gage Law Firm, we understand the dramatic impact a DUI can have on your life. The potential consequences of fines, driver's license suspensions, and even incarceration can have a severe effect on you, your family, and your career.

DUIs often require swift action to fully protect your rights, most importantly preserving your driving privileges. In many cases, legal steps must be taken within the first 10 days of your citation and/or arrest on a DUI, or these driving privileges may be lost for some time. At The Gage Law Firm, it takes only a brief consultation for us to take immediate action on your behalf and to make sure that your ability to drive is kept safe while your case is being litigated.

You must remember if you are charged with a DUI that YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE! Officers will almost always try to have you perform field sobriety tests and on-sight breath tests after stopping you and blood alcohol tests after your arrest. You may refuse to take part in any of these tests, and it is often in your best interest to do so. These tests are based on challengeable science, and oftentimes the officers conducting the tests are unfamiliar with the methods of conducting them, resulting in inaccurate and, in many cases, completely false results. The Gage Law Firm has years of experience in DUI litigation and challenging these questionable DUI tests, and you can rest assured that we will battle any supposed scientific evidence of your intoxication the police may try to use against you.

The Gage Law Firm will fight your DUI case to:

  • Protect you from jail time

  • Preserve your ability to drive

  • Limit or avoid fines

  • Avoid drastic insurance premium hikes

  • Protect your record

And if your DUI case needs to be tried before a jury, you can feel comfortable that the attorneys at The Gage Law Firm will give you all of the knowledge and expertise its many years of criminal experience has to offer.

Drug and alcohol addiction is a growing concern in Georgia, especially during difficult economic times when strapped finances can bring emotional and psychological strain. In cases of alcohol and drug addiction, there may be opportunities to avoid or limit extensive criminal liability by participating in court-sanctioned programs to fight your addiction. The Gage Law Firm has extensive experience in guiding clients with addiction and may be able not only to provide protection from severe criminal liability, but also a way through a life of alcohol or drugs.

DUIs can come at any time and to any person. At The Gage Law Firm, you'll be given the time, care, and knowledgeable advice you need to successfully litigate your case.

Drugs
Atlanta's premier criminal defense attorney.

Drug Offenses

 

If you are charged with crime involving illegal drugs, The Gage Law Firm understands the broad impact these charges can have on your life and career. Not only do drug charges carry with them the threat of fines and incarceration, they can also have a severe negative impact on your job and your ability to drive. Drug offenses are often grounds for termination of your employment, and drug charges also bring with them the possibility of a driver's license suspension, which can cripple your ability to work.

Many drug charges can come from simply being in the same vehicle or home as another individual who is carrying illegal drugs. While you are innocent of these charges, having no knowledge of the illegal substances the other person may have with them, the police will often arrest everyone in the vehicle or home without any consideration for their guilt or innocence. You have Constitutional rights that must be protected in these cases.

The Gage Law Firm has almost a decade of experience fighting illegal drug offenses, and we know that you have many interests that need to be protected. We will work hard to protect your innocence, and in the event of non-trial resolution, to avoid heavy fines, jail time, and a damaging criminal record.

The Gage Law Firm can provide experienced legal advocacy in any drug case, including:

  • Possession of Marijuana

  • Possession of Cocaine

  • Possession of Ecstasy or Methamphetamine

  • Possession of Illegal Drugs with Intent to Distribute

  • Sale of Illegal Drugs

  • Drug Trafficking

Drug and alcohol addiction is a growing concern in Georgia, especially during difficult economic times when strapped finances can bring emotional and psychological strain. In cases of drug addiction, there may be opportunities to avoid extensive criminal liability by participating in court-sanctioned programs to fight your addiction. The Gage Law Firm has extensive experience in guiding clients with addiction and may be able not only to provide protection from severe criminal liability, but also a way through a life of drugs.

Being arrested for drug charges can be a harrowing experience. You can feel confident that The Gage Law Firm will give you an experienced and knowledgeable edge in your case.

Driving and Traffic Offenses

 

The Gage Law Firm understands that driving and traffic charges are more than just a simple ticket. The effects of speeding, driving with a suspended license, running a traffic light, and traffic accidents go well beyond the simple payment of a fine. Driving offenses can bring with them heavy fines, driver's license suspensions, points against your driver's license, major insurance premium hikes, civil lawsuits, and even incarceration in some cases.

We are equipped to fight your driving and traffic charges and to protect you from the extensive financial and lifestyle harm they can bring with them. We will work hard to:

  • Preserve your ability to drive

  • Dodge heavy fines

  • Protect you from costly insurance premium hikes

  • Avoid points against your license

  • Limit your liability in the event that you are sued

Traffic accidents very often bring with them the threat of a lawsuit by supposedly injured parties. The outcome of your criminal case can have a direct impact on any lawsuits pending against you, or in future lawsuits. The Gage Law Firm is experienced in both criminal and civil litigation, and we have the knowledge and legal savvy to ensure that you are protecting all of your legal interests.

The Gage Law Firm can comfortably guide you through any driving and traffic offense, including:

  • Speeding

  • DUI (Driving Under the Influence)

  • Driving with Suspended License

  • Driving Without a License

  • Running a Traffic Light or Stop Sign

  • Following Too Close

  • Failure to Yield

  • Driving Without Proof of Insurance

  • Reckless Driving

  • Vehicular Homicide

You don't want to handle a driving offense on your own. Count on The Gage Law Firm to cover all of your interests and to provide you with knowledge and assurance that you are being protected.

Traffic

Theft Crimes

 

A charge of theft can be particularly damaging to your life and your livelihood. Charges of theft bring with them not only the threat of criminal sanctions, including fines and jail time, but also a negative stigma on an individual's character which can directly impact a person's employment, cost them their job, or even affect their ability to secure a lease or to rent property.

 

More importantly, a theft can be reported by anyone, and based on that person's account of events, you can be arrested for a theft you never committed. This scenario is often seen in cases of employment theft and shoplifting, as well as in cases involving the theft of rental property, in which a company seeks an arrest warrant for rental items that may have been mistakenly not returned. Both your innocence and your character are under attack in a theft case.

 

At The Gage Law Firm, we have almost a decade of experience fighting charges of theft. You can feel confident that our knowledge and legal savvy will provide you with the advocacy you demand in any theft case, including:

  • Theft by Shoplifting

  • Theft by Conversion

  • Employment Theft

  • Concealment of Property Subject to a Security Interest

  • Robbery

  • Burglary

  • Forgery

  • Identity Theft

 

At The Gage Law Firm, your rights will be zealously guarded, and we will fight to protect both your innocence and your reputation.

Theft

Domestic Crimes and Family Violence Battery

 

Accusations of domestic violence can be both frightening and emotionally taxing. Charges of domestic violence bring with them not only the task of responding to the criminal allegations, but also the simultaneous psychological burdens that accompany accusations by a loved one or domestic partner. This two-pronged nature of domestic violence cases requires deft judicial advocacy, as well as a high level of respect for and understanding of the underlying relationship and the effect of criminal accusations on the family and loved ones.

At The Gage Law Firm, we understand the complexity of domestic violence charges. We will provide you with proactive and knowledgeable representation in the judicial system, but also with a gentle and respectful analysis of your case that keeps in mind your challenges at home. The Gage Law Firm offers almost a decade of experience in criminal domestic violence litigation to give you the confidence, comfort, and peace of mind you need to fight the accusations you must face. In many domestic violence cases, our attorneys may be able to find ways to keep you from ever having to enter a courtroom and potentially to keep your criminal record clean.

The Gage Law Firm is equipped to represent you in all domestic criminal cases, including:

  • Family Violence Battery

  • Battery and Simple Battery

  • Assault

  • Stalking and Aggravated Stalking

  • Harassing Phone Calls

  • Violation of a Temporary Protective Order

  • Cruelty to Children

The Gage Law Firm also takes pride in representing the gay, lesbian and transgender community in domestic criminal litigation. Individuals charged with domestic violence who are in committed gay and lesbian relationships are often met with ignorance and insensitivity. At The Gage Law Firm, we welcome gay, lesbian and transgender individuals who are charged with domestic crimes and offer the respect and understanding that your relationship deserves.

Dom Viol

Drug and Alcohol Addiction

 

Drug and alcohol addiction is a growing concern in Georgia, especially during difficult economic times when strapped finances can bring emotional and psychological strain. In cases of drug addiction, there may be opportunities to avoid extensive criminal liability by participating in court-sanctioned programs to fight your addiction. The Gage Law Firm has extensive experience in guiding clients with addiction and may be able not only to provide protection from severe criminal liability, but also a way through a life of drugs.

The Gage Law Firm has spent years as an advocate for rehabilitation of criminal offenders whose acts are rooted in drug and/or alcohol addiction, rather than sanctioning them with incarceration. As a former team member of DeKalb County's Drug Court for many years, our firm has an intimate understanding of addiction and the toll it takes on an individual.

The Gage Law Firm is equipped to advocate for potentially dramatic mitigation that comes with one's acceptance of his or her addiction and a willingness to fight it. If you are struggling with addiction and charged with a crime, we can consult with you for free on how you might be able to take advantage of court-sanctioned programs that allow for you to fight your drug and/or alcohol addictions within the context of your criminal charges, potentially resulting in not only considerably reduced sanctions, but the possibility of an ultimate dismissal and a life free of drugs and alcohol.

Addiction
Probation

Probation Violations and Parole Hearings

 

When a probation or parole officer issues a petition to revoke your probation, it is very often due to a misunderstanding or missed communication between you and the probation officer. Unfortunately, these miscommunications can threaten your liberty in the event that a judge determines you did, in fact, violate the terms of your probation.

 

Unfortunately, the burden of proof for probation officers in probation and parole violation hearings is not as demanding as that required for a criminal trial, making an effective defense that much more critical.

The Gage Law Firm has almost a decade of experience in probation violation hearings. We have handled literally hundreds of probation violations for every accusation of a violation imaginable. These matters take a deft hand and an experienced understanding of how to approach these matters and how specific judges view probationers and the accusations that they have violated their probation or parole. The Gage Law Firm can also help those individuals eligible for parole on their prison sentences who are scheduled for hearings before the parole board.

 

You can rest assured that The Gage Law Firm has a vast knowledge of this area of the law and will fight with experience and skill to make sure your liberty is protected.

 

We are honored to represent the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community in every type of criminal litigation. Our firm is a proud member of the Stonewall Bar Association and will provide you with experienced criminal defense that respects and celebrates the gay community and gay and lesbian partnerships. The Gage Law Firm appreciates the needs of all of our clients, and as a gay, lesbian or transgendered member of our community, you can be sure that you will be treated with respect, not ignorance.

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