Aggressive Defense for Homicide & Violent Offenses in Gwinnett County, Georgia

 

Facing charges for homicide or violent offenses can be one of the most harrowing experiences of your life. These crimes carry severe penalties if convicted—including lengthy prison sentences or even life without parole. If you’re under investigation or have been arrested for a violent crime in Gwinnett County, you need a dedicated, skilled legal team on your side. At Elbaz & Elbaz Law, our criminal defense attorneys understand what’s at stake and work tirelessly to build an aggressive defense aimed at protecting your freedom and your future.

 

Understanding Homicide Offenses in Georgia

 

Types of Homicide Charges

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        1.      Murder

             •    Under Georgia law, murder involves causing the death of another with “malice aforethought” (either expressed or implied). A conviction can result in life imprisonment or, in some cases, the death penalty.

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        2.      Felony Murder

             •    Occurs when someone dies during the commission of an inherently dangerous felony (e.g., armed robbery) even if the death was unintentional. The penalties are similarly severe, often mirroring those for malice murder.

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        3.      Voluntary Manslaughter

             •    Involves killing another person in the “heat of passion” due to a serious provocation. While penalties are somewhat lesser than murder, you can still face a significant prison sentence.

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        4.      Involuntary Manslaughter

             •    A death caused by reckless or negligent actions—without intent to kill. This can result in felony or misdemeanor charges depending on the circumstances.

 

Potential Penalties

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     •           Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Certain homicide convictions in Georgia carry mandatory minimum prison terms (e.g., 10 years to life).

     •           Life Without Parole: The court may impose life sentences without the possibility of parole in especially egregious cases.

     •           Death Penalty: Still a possibility under Georgia law for certain murder convictions with aggravating factors.

 

Violent Offenses Beyond Homicide

 

Georgia prosecutes violent crimes aggressively, and convictions often lead to severe punishments, including lengthy incarceration and hefty fines. Some of the most common violent offenses include:

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        1.      Aggravated Assault or Battery

             •    Involves the use of a deadly weapon or results in serious bodily harm.

             •    Classified as felonies, carrying substantial prison terms.

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        2.      Robbery & Armed Robbery

             •    Taking property from another person by force or threat.

             •    Armed robbery typically involves a firearm or other deadly weapon and comes with harsher penalties.

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        3.      Kidnapping

             •    Unlawful abduction or movement of a person against their will.

             •    Severity depends on factors like distance moved, age of the victim, and use of weapons.

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        4.      Carjacking

             •    Forceful or armed taking of a motor vehicle.

             •    Can be charged similarly to robbery or armed robbery, depending on the circumstances.

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        5.      Domestic Violence

             •    Involves violent acts against family or household members.

             •    May carry enhanced penalties if there is a pattern of abuse or protective orders in place.

 

The Stakes Are High: Consequences of a Violent Crime Conviction

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        1.      Long Prison Sentences & Fines

             •    Violent felonies can lead to multi-year or life prison terms along with heavy fines, potentially exceeding tens of thousands of dollars.

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        2.      Permanent Criminal Record

             •    A felony conviction can make it difficult to secure employment, housing, or professional licenses in the future.

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        3.      Loss of Civil Rights

             •    Felony convictions can result in losing the right to vote, possess firearms, or hold certain public offices.

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        4.      Social & Family Impact

             •    The stigma of a violent crime conviction can strain personal relationships and damage your reputation in the community.

 

Because the consequences are so severe, hiring an experienced attorney is critical to mount an effective defense.

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How Elbaz & Elbaz Law Builds a Strong Defense

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        1.      Thorough Investigation

             •    We gather and review all available evidence—police reports, eyewitness accounts, forensic data, and any relevant video footage.

             •    We also consult expert witnesses (e.g., forensic analysts, self-defense specialists) when it benefits your case.

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        2.      Challenging Police Procedure

             •    Were your Miranda rights respected? Was there an illegal search or seizure?

             •    We scrutinize every step of the law enforcement process for constitutional violations.

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        3.      Self-Defense & Defense of Others

             •    In violent offense cases, claiming self-defense or defense of another can sometimes lead to reduced or dismissed charges if justifiable force was used.

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        4.      Mental Health & Lesser Included Offenses

             •    If applicable, we explore potential mental health defenses or negotiate lesser included offenses (like manslaughter instead of murder).

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        5.      Negotiating With Prosecutors

             •    When a trial isn’t in your best interest, we work to secure plea bargains or reduced sentences.

             •    However, if taking your case to trial is the strongest approach, our trial lawyers are prepared to fight relentlessly in court.

Serving Gwinnett County with Local Knowledge & Experience

 

At Elbaz & Elbaz Law, we specialize in representing individuals facing serious charges in Gwinnett County—including Lawrenceville, Duluth, Snellville, and surrounding areas. We’re familiar with local court procedures, prosecutors, and judges, giving us a strategic edge when building your defense.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Q: What is the difference between murder and manslaughter in Georgia?

A: Murder involves “malice aforethought” (intent to kill or implied malice), whereas manslaughter typically involves killing without prior intent, often in the heat of passion (voluntary) or through negligence (involuntary).

 

Q: Can self-defense be used to fight homicide charges?

A: Yes. If you can show that you reasonably believed your life was in danger (or the life of someone else), and you used force proportionate to the threat, you may have a viable self-defense claim.

 

Q: Will I have to testify in my own defense?

A: You’re not required to testify. The decision depends on many factors, including the strength of the prosecution’s case. We’ll advise you on whether testifying is likely to help or harm your defense.

 

Q: Can violent crimes ever be expunged from my record?

A: Certain convictions, especially violent felonies, are difficult (or impossible) to expunge in Georgia. However, each case is unique. We’ll explore all available legal avenues to protect your record.

 

Contact Elbaz & Elbaz Law: Your Gwinnett County Defense Team

 

Facing homicide or violent crime charges can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face this fight alone. Elbaz & Elbaz Law will stand by your side, aggressively defending your rights and working to secure the best possible outcome. Call us today or fill out our online form for a confidential consultation.