Frequently Asked Questions - J.L Weaver Law Firm

About JL Weaver Law Firm

Do I really need a criminal defense lawyer, or can I handle this myself?

You wouldn’t perform surgery on yourself, and you shouldn’t defend yourself in court. The prosecutors have trained attorneys working against you—you need someone equally skilled fighting for you. Even “minor” charges can have lasting consequences on your job, driving privileges, and future opportunities. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that you’d never see on your own.

What makes JL Weaver Law Firm different from other criminal defense attorneys?

We answer the phone when you call. We prepare every case like it’s going to trial—because that’s how we win even before court. And we know these North Georgia courts inside and out. Judges, clerks, and prosecutors in Cherokee, Pickens, Gilmer, and Fannin counties know our name because we show up prepared, case after case. You won’t get handed off to an associate or left wondering what’s happening with your case.

How quickly can you start working on my case?

We can start immediately. Criminal cases move fast, and every day you wait is a day you’re not building your defense. When you call JL Weaver Law Firm, you’ll speak with a criminal defense lawyer right away—not a receptionist or paralegal. We’ll discuss your situation, answer your immediate questions, and start protecting your rights from day one.

Criminal Charges and Penalties

What's the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Georgia?

Misdemeanors are less serious crimes punishable by up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $1,000. Felonies are more serious and can result in over a year in prison, hefty fines, and long-term consequences like loss of voting rights or difficulty finding employment. But here’s what matters most: even misdemeanor convictions can show up on background checks and affect your future. Both deserve serious legal defense.

Will I go to jail if I'm convicted?

Not necessarily. Many factors influence sentencing, including your criminal history, the specific circumstances of your case, and the quality of your legal representation. Our criminal defense attorneys fight to keep clients out of jail through strategic plea negotiations, alternative sentencing options, or trial victories. We’ve helped hundreds of North Georgia clients avoid jail time entirely.

What happens if this is my first arrest?

First-time offenders often have more options than they realize. Georgia offers several programs for first offenders, including conditional discharge, pretrial diversion, and first offender treatment. However, you have to know these programs exist and how to qualify for them. Our attorneys make sure you get every advantage available to protect your clean record.

The Legal Process

What should I do if I've just been arrested?

First, don’t talk to police without an attorney present—even if you’re innocent. Be polite but invoke your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. Then call JL Weaver Law Firm immediately at 706-253-1001. The sooner we start building your defense, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.

How long will my criminal case take?

It depends on the complexity of your charges and whether your case goes to trial. Simple misdemeanor cases might resolve in a few months, while serious felony cases can take a year or more. What we can promise is that we’ll keep you informed every step of the way and work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible without sacrificing the quality of your defense.

Do I have to go to court for every hearing?

Not always. For some hearings, your attorney can appear on your behalf. However, you’ll need to be present for arraignments, plea hearings, and trials. We’ll let you know exactly when your presence is required and prepare you for what to expect at each court appearance.

What if I miss my court date?

Don’t panic, but act fast. Missing a court date can result in a bench warrant for your arrest and additional charges. Call us immediately—we can often resolve bench warrants quickly and get you back on track without additional jail time.

Working with Our Attorneys

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?

We use transparent flat-fee pricing for most criminal cases, so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying upfront—no surprise invoices or hidden charges. Fees vary depending on the complexity of your case, but we offer payment plans to make quality defense affordable. During your consultation, we’ll give you clear pricing for your specific situation.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. We understand that legal emergencies don’t wait for payday. We offer flexible payment plans that let you get quality criminal defense without emptying your savings account. Our goal is to make sure money isn’t the reason you end up with inadequate representation.

Will you personally handle my case, or will it get passed to someone else?

You’ll know exactly who’s working on your case from day one. While we work as a team, you’ll have a lead attorney responsible for your case who knows every detail. You won’t get shuffled between different lawyers or left talking to paralegals who don’t understand your situation.

How often will you update me on my case?

We proactively communicate with clients at every major milestone. You’ll never have to chase us down for updates. Between hearings, we’ll keep you informed about any developments, strategy changes, or deadlines. Our clients tell us this peace of mind is one of the most valuable things we provide.

Specific Criminal Charges

Can you get my DUI charges dismissed?

Every DUI case is different, but we’ve successfully gotten DUI charges dismissed or reduced for many clients by challenging the traffic stop, the field sobriety tests, or the breathalyzer results. Even in cases where dismissal isn’t possible, we often negotiate reduced charges that protect your license and avoid jail time.

What should I expect if I'm charged with domestic violence?

Domestic violence charges are serious and move quickly through the courts. You may face a temporary protective order, and these cases often involve mandatory arrest policies. The good news is that many domestic violence charges can be successfully defended, especially when there are questions about the alleged victim’s credibility or the circumstances of the incident.

Are drug possession charges in Georgia really that serious?

Yes. Georgia has some of the harshest drug laws in the country. Even simple possession can result in jail time, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. However, there are often good defenses to drug charges, including illegal search and seizure issues. We’ve helped many clients get drug charges dismissed or reduced.

What happens if I'm charged with a felony?

Felony charges require immediate, aggressive defense. These cases can result in years in prison and permanent loss of rights. However, felony charges can often be reduced to misdemeanors through skilled negotiation, or dismissed entirely if the prosecution’s case has weaknesses. The key is acting fast and building a strong defense from the beginning.

Court Locations and Local Knowledge

Do you handle cases in all North Georgia counties?

We focus primarily on Cherokee, Pickens, Gilmer, and Fannin counties because we know these courts, judges, and prosecutors personally. This local knowledge gives our clients a significant advantage. We also handle select cases in surrounding counties where our experience and reputation can benefit our clients.

Why does it matter that you know the local courts?

Every county has its own culture, procedures, and personalities. What works with one judge might not work with another. Prosecutors in different counties have different policies and priorities. We’ve tried the longest jury trials in Cherokee County history, and that experience means we know how to navigate the local system effectively

After Your Case

Can I get my criminal record expunged in Georgia?

Georgia has limited expungement options, but they do exist for certain cases. If your charges were dismissed, you were found not guilty, or you completed a conditional discharge program, you might be eligible to have your record restricted or expunged. We help eligible clients clean up their records so one mistake doesn’t follow them forever.

What if I violate my probation?

Probation violations can trigger harsh consequences, including revocation of probation and activation of your original sentence. However, many probation violations can be successfully defended or resolved with minimal additional penalties. The key is acting quickly and having an attorney who knows how to work with probation officers and judges.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in North Georgia