2 OF THE BEST CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS IN ATLANTA
Aggressive Criminal Defense is Our Specialty ™
We are one of the best criminal defense law firms in Atlanta. We are experienced and aggressive advocates, who fight tirelessly to achieve the best results for our clients. We specialize in criminal defense, so we are not intimidated by prosecutors and cannot be threatened with jury trials. We are very passionate about defending people’s rights, which is why our clients will never be bullied into an unfair resolution. If you have been charged with a crime and your freedom is at stake, you need the Atlanta Criminal Defense Team on your side.
Top 40 Under 40 Atlanta Criminal Defense Attorneys Fighting for You
We are top ranked criminal defense lawyers, who zealously advocate for their clients in courtrooms all around Atlanta, Georgia. We are skilled criminal defense attorneys and we are committed to thoroughly reviewing each case, considering all the potential outcomes, and, only then, advising clients how best to proceed. We are not scared of trial and would never push a client to close a case, unless it is in the client’s best interest. Our extensive trial experience is what sets us apart from the rest. Most attorneys are not trial lawyers and are intimidated by the very notion of a trial. As a result, most lawyers advise their clients against trial and focus on the quickest way to dispose of cases. Ultimately, those tactics negatively impact the clients and the results in their cases. We strive to obtain the best possible resolution for every single client. Our clients are our #1 priority at the Atlanta Criminal Defense Team.
We have been recognized and awarded for our incredible outcomes and our client-centered representation in the criminal defense field. The National Trial Lawyers organization presented us with the Top 40 Under 40 awards for Criminal Defense, which are only extended to America’s top young trial lawyers. The American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys named our firm one of the 10 Best Law Firms in Georgia for Criminal Defense, based on client satisfaction. Additionally, we have received Top Attorney ratings and numerous five-star reviews from our former clients.
Once you have been charged with a crime, your freedom is at stake. Never sell yourself short when hiring a criminal defense attorney because you cannot afford to be represented by anyone but the best. The Atlanta Criminal Defense Team is a pure criminal defense firm with two of the most passionate defense lawyers in Metro Atlanta. You deserve the best representation, which is why you need the Atlanta Criminal Defense Team fighting for you.
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“SABBAK is AWESOME!!! I received a call from him for our consultation and I was satisfied. He told me everything I needed to know and do for my brother and that’s all my family needed and he gave us just that. Justice is coming soon for my brother and I’m glad SABBAK was real enough to tell us what to do. Your beyond awesome SABBAK!!”
“Surpassed all expectations we had! Sadeer is very attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about his clients. We wouldn’t hesitate to hire him again and highly recommend him. He responded immediately to our phone calls and emails and explained everything to us thoroughly. I would give him more stars but the limit is 5!”
“I hiredOlga to help me follow up on a legal matter. Olga was extremely professional and above all ALWAYS followed up on her word. Olga was diligent in helping me resolve my problem. Olga went above and beyond to make sure that my situation was resolved expeditiously. I would highly recommend Olga to anyone that wants a responsible caring attorney fighting for their right and not someone that just take a retainer and you never hear from them. Olga will get the job done no matter what it is you need. This is the type of attorney you want in your corner!!!”
“Ms. Izmaylova was great I hired her for my brothers case and she the whole case was dismissed. My brother was happy with the results and she was worth every single penny. She explained everything in detail and spent time explaining the case and possible outcomes. would definitely recommend this firm to anyone looking for a great attorney!”
The Criminal Process in Georgia: From Investigation to Trial (6 Crucial Phases)
INVESTIGATION
This is the first phase in the criminal process. During this phase, the police are building their case against you by interviewing witnesses, collecting physical evidence, submitting evidence to GBI for scientific testing, and questioning potential suspects. Typically, this is when police officers obtain and execute search warrants of your home and any other personal property that belongs to you. Depending on the type of crime, the police can also secure search warrants for your blood or DNA during the investigation phase.
ARREST
When the police are nearing the end of their investigation, they usually have the identity of a suspect (or suspects) that are somehow involved in the crime. If an investigator presents enough evidence for arrest, a judge will sign an arrest warrant for that suspect. With an arrest warrant in hand, police officers locate the suspect and place him under arrest. Here, it’s important to note that just because the police have enough evidence for an arrest warrant does not mean they have enough evidence for a conviction. In other words, just because you were arrested for a crime does not mean that you will be found guilty of that crime.
INDICTMENT
After the investigation is completed, the law enforcement agency turns their investigative file over to the District Attorney’s Office of that county. The DA’s Office then reviews the file and calls in a grand jury to hear evidence and determine whether probable cause exists to charge the defendant with the crimes he is alleged to have committed. Grand jury proceedings are considered secretive because no one from the defense (not even the criminal defense attorney) is allowed to be present during the proceedings. After reviewing the evidence presented, the grand jury issues an indictment, which is a formal charging document that lists each crime you are accused of committing. The indictment is dated and signed by the foreperson, and later filed with the clerk of court for that county.
ARRAIGNMENT
Sometime after the indictment if filed with the clerk’s office, you will receive a court notice for arraignment. An arraignment is the first court appearance you will make, so it is your first opportunity to formally answer to the charges. At this time, you have an option to either plead guilty to the charges in the indictment and be sentenced by the judge, or you can plead not guilty and demand a jury trial. Here, it’s important to note that most people plead not guilty at arraignment to give themselves and their attorneys time to review discovery, conduct an independent investigation, and prepare for trial.
DISCOVERY
In Georgia courts, the term, Discovery, refers to all the evidence the State has against you for the crimes charged in the indictment. Discovery usually includes investigative reports, GBI reports, witness statements, pictures, phone calls, confessions, recorded interviews, cell phone or computer data, results of any search warrants, expert reports, and any other evidence the State plans to present at trial. The discovery phase can last for a while, depending on the severity of the charges against you. This is when your attorney has the chance to review all the State’s evidence and determine how best to proceed. Sometimes, your attorney may request additional evidence from the State, if something is missing. Your attorney will usually conduct an independent investigation by following up with certain witnesses and interviewing people, who are helpful to your defense. Most importantly, your attorney will have an opportunity to file any necessary pre-trial motions and have those hearings.
TRIAL
The last phase in the criminal process is a trial. The U.S. Constitution guarantees you the right to a jury trial. However, you may choose to waive a jury trial and request a bench trial instead. Please note that it’s very important to consult with your attorney before deciding to waive your right to a jury trial. A jury trial is a process during which 12 people (chosen by both, the State and the defense) take an oath to listen to all the testimony, view all the evidence, and render a unanimous verdict in your case. So, all 12 people have to be convinced, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you are either guilty, in which case they would convict, or not guilty, in which case they would acquit.
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Client charged with Malice Murder, Felony Murder, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime. During trial, the co-defendant testified for the State and identified our client as the shooter. During cross examination, we impeached the co-defendant’s testimony with prior inconsistent statements and revealed to the jury any plea deals in exchange for testifying against our client. Following four hours of deliberations, the jury returned verdicts of “Not Guilty” on all three counts.
NOT GUILTY – SEX CRIME
Client was charged with two counts of Child Molestation and was facing 40 years in prison. The client rejected all plea offers from the State and we announced ready for trial. During the trial, we argued that the State failed to provide sufficient evidence to convict our client of these charges. Following jury deliberations, the jury found our client “Not Guilty” on count one and were hung on the second count. As we prepared to retry the case on count two, the State was forced to dismiss that count because the reliability of their witness’s testimony, from the first trial, was challenged.
DISMISSED – DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Client was charged with Family Violence Simple Battery and Pointing a Firearm at Another. Client was in the military and would be discharged, if convicted. Defense prepared and announced ready for trial. The State dismissed this case due to lack of evidence and our client remained active in the military.
NOT GUILTY – AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
Client was charged with Aggravated Assault and was facing 20 years in prison. The State’s best offer was 10 years in confinement, so client proceeded to jury trial. After approximately 30 minutes of deliberations, the jury found client “Not Guilty”.
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The Atlanta Criminal Defense Team’s expertise ranges from handling traffic citations to defending murder charges. Because we are experienced criminal defense attorneys, we have handled thousands of criminal matters in Atlanta and throughout the State of Georgia. There are no criminal charges that the Atlanta Criminal Defense Team will not aggressively fight on your behalf.
You can also call on the Atlanta Criminal Defense Team if you need qualified criminal defense lawyers to file and argue your appeal; secure a record restriction; protect you from jail during a probation revocation hearing; obtain a limited driving permit at an ALS hearing; or fight for the return of your property at a civil forfeiture proceeding. For additional information on some of our practice areas, please click on the following links.
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2 Top Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers Are More Effective Than 1
When you retain the Atlanta Criminal Defense Team, you automatically get two of the best criminal defense attorneys in Atlanta, GA on your side. You will enjoy the benefit of having two highly skilled advocates vigorously defending you from the start of your case until its resolution. We will not rest until we obtain the best possible outcome in your case. Our main focus is providing quality representation to every single one of our clients. If you have been charged with a crime, you have to be represented by the best criminal defense attorneys, which is why you need the Atlanta Criminal Defense Team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I talk to the police?
If you are a suspect in a criminal case, you have the right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. Exercising the right against self-incrimination is often referred to as “Pleading the Fifth” because it is found in the language of the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. If you are being questioned by the police, it is always in your best interest to exercise your right to remain silent until you have an opportunity to consult with your criminal defense attorney.
What are Miranda Rights?
The Miranda Rights are warnings that the police must read to you, before they can interrogate you about a crime. In Georgia, the police must tell you that you have the following 4 rights:
You have the right to remain silent. And that anything you say can and will be used against you in court.
You have the right to consult with an attorney and to have an attorney present with you while you are being questioned by the police.
If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint an attorney to represent you free of charge.
You can decide at any time to exercise your Miranda Rights, and not answer any questions or make any statements.
When are police officers required to read you Miranda Rights?
If you are in police custody, police officers are required to read you Miranda Rights prior to questioning you about the case. For purposes of Miranda Rights, being in police custody doesn’t just mean being arrested or sitting in jail. You are in police custody anytime you are detained by the police in any way that makes you believe you are not free to leave. For example: the police come to your house, ask to speak to you in the living room, and tell you that you cannot leave. Even though you don’t even have handcuffs on, because you are not free to leave, the police must read you Miranda Rights before they question you.
Can the police search your home without a search warrant?
Typically, police officers must have a search warrant before they can search your home; however, there are a few exceptions. Below is a list of the most typical exceptions, but this list is not comprehensive.
Consenting to the Search – If the police ask for your permission to search your house and you let them (in other words, consent), then they do not need a search warrant and the search is considered legal under the law.
Search Incident to Arrest– If the police are executing an arrest warrant at your house, they can search your house for the person, named in the warrant, and for weapons. This search is considered necessary for officer safety and is a legal search under the law.
Exigent Circumstances – The law recognizes that sometimes, extreme circumstances arise, which make it impossible for the police to obtain a search warrant.
For example: if a suspect is being chased by the police and flees into someone’s house, then the police can go into that house, without a search warrant, and search for the suspect. If, while searching for the suspect, they happen to see contraband, they can confiscate it.
Another example is when the police have good reason to believe that a crime is currently being committed inside of a house, they can go into that house, without a search warrant, to intercept the commission of the crime.
A third example is when the police have good reason to believe that evidence is being destroyed inside of a house, they can go into that house, without a search warrant, to prevent the destruction of evidence. In all three examples, the searches would be legal under the law, even though the police didn’t have search warrants.
Can the police track a cell phone?
The police cannot track your cell phone for no reason. In order for the police to legally track your cell phone, they must first obtain a search warrant for your cell phone provider’s location (GPS) data. To secure a search warrant for that data, the police have to convince a magistrate judge that there is probable cause to believe you are engaged in criminal activity and their investigation requires the tracking of your cell phone. If they fail to follow the appropriate procedures, your criminal defense attorney should file a motion to suppress that evidence.
