ATLANTA
Criminal Defense Attorneys

Focusing Exclusively on Criminal Defense

Due to our extensive experience, we practice across the broad spectrum of both state and federal criminal law, including:

• Drug crimes - Both the federal government and the state of Georgia take drug crimes very seriously – in fact, you could be facing years in prison for mere possession of certain substances such as cocaine or methamphetamine, while the penalties for trafficking are even more serious. Despite popular perception, even marijuana crimes continue to be prosecuted aggressively in many jurisdictions. A number of defense options are available, depending on the circumstances, including moving to suppress the evidence G&R can help you understand these strategies and options, so you can get the best result.

• Theft crimes - Penalties for theft crimes vary widely depending on the value of the items alleged to have been stolen in fact, exaggeration of the value of the item is one of the main ways that defendants are treated unfairly. We won’t let you be taken advantage of.

• Violent crimes - Violent crimes range from murder to aggravated assault to sexual offenses to domestic violence and more. All of these are extremely serious crimes that can result in years of prison time. If you have been charged with one of these offenses, you absolutely must get the best lawyer possible to defend you

• Federal crimes - Many crimes can be charged at either the Federal level or the state level. However, the penalties for Federal crimes tend to be more serious. The Federal system is very, very different from the state system, so make sure you get a lawyer who understands Federal law. Our attorneys enjoy extensive experience representing clients under both systems.

• Probation offenses, expungements and post-conviction relief - Your legal problems (and opportunities) may not end with conviction for a crime. A probation violation, for example, could leave you facing years in prison. Meanwhile, a successful expungement could grant you a new lease on life. Either way, it’s critical to understand that your criminal case may have consequences for many years after you leave court. We can help you deal with those consequences



• White collar crimes - White collar crimes are no less serious than traditional “blue collar” crimes such as theft and assault. In fact, conviction of many such crimes, such as financial fraud and embezzlement can leave you facing decades behind bars unless you know just how to deal with the system. We do.

• DUI – Driving under the influence, DUI, is perhaps the most common criminal offense in Georgia, but it is certainly not the least serious. You face a variety of possible penalties including fines, jail time, loss of your driver’s license and even community service. You don’t even have to “blow” the legal limit of 0.08 percent to be convicted. Fortunately, a number of possible defenses are available. Don’t just use any criminal defense lawyer for your DUI case – you need a specialist. We have one of the finest DUI lawyers in the State of Georgia on our staff to help you deal with your DUI offense.

• Victim Representation – Oftentimes, victims feel they are at the mercy of the justice system and that their voice is not getting heard. We have extensive experience representing victims, so that they have their own lawyer to help them navigate the criminal courts, while also pursuing restitution in the civil courts.

• Civil Defense – Unfortunately, there are times a criminal case can have repercussions which extend far beyond a criminal court. Protective Orders, lawsuits, and other collateral consequences can arise from a criminal case. We can help you with these matters so that one law firm handles all of the aspects of your case.

Get answers to frequently asked questions about criminal charges in Atlanta from our experienced Georgia criminal defense attorneys.

Facing any type of criminal charge in Georgia is a serious matter, and it is important to get professional representation right away. At Ghanayem & Rayasam, our Georgia criminal defense attorneys protect your rights and provide the trusted legal guidance you need. The following are answers to frequently asked questions we hear from clients:

What is the Difference Between Misdemeanor and Felony Crime Charges in Georgia?

In the Georgia Criminal Court, criminal charges fall under one of two categories:

• Misdemeanor criminal offenses: These are generally considered less serious crimes. However, they can still result in heavy fines, up to a one-year jail sentence, and a criminal record that follows you for the rest of your life. Examples of misdemeanor offenses in Georgia include disorderly conduct, DUI, certain weapons or drug offenses, shoplifting, and simple assault.
• Felony offenses: These are more serious charges that could result in imprisonment for several decades. Examples include burglary, aggravated assault, sexual assault, arson, manslaughter, and murder.

What Can I Expect Throughout the Criminal Court Process?

Depending on your charges and the circumstances involved, the criminal court process typically includes the following:

• Arraignment, in which your charges are read in court and you can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest;
• Bail or bond hearings, which can allow you to remain free and play a more active role in your defense;
• Discovery hearings, during which each side shares evidence;
• Pretrial conferences, for the purpose of negotiating a reduction in charges or a plea agreement;
• Judge or jury trial, during which all evidence is presented and a verdict is reached.

What Penalties Do I Face if Convicted?

Under the Georgia Criminal Code, misdemeanor offenses can result in fines of thousands of dollars and anywhere from a month to a year behind bars. You may also be ordered to attend mandatory counseling, drug, or alcohol therapy, perform community service, and check in with the court regularly.

With felony offenses, penalties are more severe. In addition to hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, court costs, and payment of restitution to victims, you could also be facing a lengthy prison sentence, which may or may not include the possibility of parole and long probationary periods once you are released.

How Can a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me?

At Ghanayem & Rayasam, we act as strong legal advocates on the side of people who face criminal charges in Georgia, taking the swift actions needed to protect them. This includes:

• Thoroughly reviewing your case and the circumstances surrounding your arrest;
• Gathering evidence in your defense;
• Negotiating with police and prosecutors to have your charges dropped or reduced;
• Fiercely arguing your case before a judge or jury;
• Arranging for pretrial diversion and alternative sentencing, helping you avoid jail time.

With so much at stake in criminal court cases, get our experienced Georgia criminal defense attorneys on your side. Call or contact our office online today to request a consultation. 

Our practice is not limited to this list. Contact us if you have been accused of a crime to see how we can help you.

A criminal prosecution is no time to wait on getting a lawyer.

If you have been arrested, investigated or charged with a crime in the Atlanta metro area, time matters. Contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Ghanayem & Rayasam immediately by calling 404-561-0202, even from jail, or by contacting us online. Our office is located in Atlanta and we serve clients throughout Fulton County, DeKalb County, Gwinnett County, Clayton County, Cobb County, the Northern District of Georgia, and other Atlanta area courts.