A Georgia felony is a serious crime and can be a violation of state or federal law, or both. Georgia is unique in its sentencing of defendants who have a verdict or plea of guilty or “nolo contendere” (no contest to charges) in certain felony offenses. As long as the defendant has not been previously convicted of a felony, he or she may be placed on probation under Georgia’s First Offender Act.

Call an Alpharetta felony lawyer immediately if you are facing felony charges in northern Georgia to determine whether the First Offender Act is appropriate to your case. This type of sentencing is at the discretion of the judge and must be done before an adjudication of guilt. It is important to note that sentencing under Georgia’s First Offender Act is available only one time and only at the defendant’s consent.


Alpharetta Felony Lawyer Explains Georgia’s First Offender Act.
The Georgia First Offender Act may save you from being a convicted felon. Under the Georgia First Offender Act:

  • The court may place a person sentenced for a first time felony on probation
  • If the terms of the probation are successfully completed, the sentence will be discharged and the arrest record will be sealed

A judge may order jail time as a part of the sentence, but once the sentence is served the individual can then state that he or she has never been convicted of a felony.

Why Do I Need a Georgia Felony Lawyer?
It is important for you to contact an Alpharetta felony attorney so that you can look at both the pros and cons of the First Offender Act, which will then impact your decision to be sentenced under it.

  • First, while your record may be sealed, you are not entirely exonerated. Your record is still available to law enforcement and prosecutors, and can be used against you if you are charged with another criminal act.
  • Second, you may be excluded from certain jobs if sentenced under the First Offender Act.
  • Third, if you violate any of the terms of the probation, you may be sentenced up to the maximum penalty.

If you have been charged with a felony in northern Georgia, it is important that you speak with Scott Miller, a felony attorney in Alpharetta, about your case and possible sentencing under Georgia’s First Offender Act.

Call the Law Office of Scott Miller at (770) 408-1001. Attorney Miller assists clients in the areas of Alpharetta, Roswell and Sandy Springs, and will speak with you openly and honestly about your case.

You don’t want to face the charges unrepresented. Call our law office today.


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