FORMER PROSECUTOR · CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Criminal Defense Attorney

Welcome To Law Office Of Jennifer Scalia!

Criminal Defense with Integrity & Respect

Criminal Defense Attorney in Cumming, Georgia

The Law Office of Jennifer Scalia is a criminal defense practice in Cumming, Georgia, defending people charged with serious crimes in Forsyth, Hall and Dawson counties and the surrounding North Georgia area.

Jennifer Scalia spent more than two decades as a prosecutor before moving to defense work. She began her prosecutorial career with the Hall County Solicitor’s Office in 2001, where she served as the head domestic violence prosecutor, handled vehicular homicide cases, and was promoted to Chief Assistant Solicitor in 2005. In 2009 she joined the Forsyth County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney, prosecuting felonies ranging from drug possession to murder, with a focus on crimes against children, domestic violence and other serious violent felonies.

Today her practice focuses on the charges she knows best from the other side of the courtroom: sex offenses, rape, domestic and family violence, drug offenses and vehicular homicide.

Services

Criminal Defense Practice Areas

Sex Offenses

I defend people accused of sexual offenses, from public indecency and “peeping Tom” charges to sexual exploitation of children and aggravated sodomy.

Rape

I defend people accused of rape, one of the most serious charges under Georgia law, with careful investigation of every detail of the allegation.

Domestic & Family Violence

I defend people accused of domestic violence, which Georgia law calls family violence, including battery, assault and other charges involving a spouse, partner or household member.

Drug Offenses

I defend people charged with drug offenses at every level, from simple possession to trafficking, and explore options such as accountability courts, treatment programs and, where appropriate, trial.

Vehicular Homicide

I defend individuals charged with causing the death of another due to reckless or impaired driving.

Child Molestation

I defend individuals accused of engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct and contact with a minor.

Aggravated Assault

I defend people accused of aggravated assault, including cases involving weapons, vehicles and strangulation.

Battery

I defend people accused of simple battery, battery and aggravated battery, including cases alleging visible or serious injury.

Serious Injury By Vehicle

I defend individuals charged with causing serious physical harm to another due to reckless or impaired driving.

Sex Offenses

I defend people accused of sexual offenses, from public indecency and “peeping Tom” charges to sexual exploitation of children and aggravated sodomy.

Rape

I defend people accused of rape, one of the most serious charges under Georgia law, with careful investigation of every detail of the allegation.

Domestic & Family Violence

I defend people accused of domestic violence, which Georgia law calls family violence, including battery, assault and other charges involving a spouse, partner or household member.

Drug Offenses

I defend people charged with drug offenses at every level, from simple possession to trafficking, and explore options such as accountability courts, treatment programs and, where appropriate, trial.

Vehicular Homicide

I defend individuals charged with causing the death of another due to reckless or impaired driving.

Child Molestation

I defend individuals accused of engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct and contact with a minor.

Aggravated Assault

I defend people accused of aggravated assault, including cases involving weapons, vehicles and strangulation.

Battery

I defend people accused of simple battery, battery and aggravated battery, including cases alleging visible or serious injury.

Serious Injury By Vehicle

I defend individuals charged with causing serious physical harm to another due to reckless or impaired driving.

Why Choose Me?

Experienced Defense Attorney in Georgia

As a former prosecutor in both Hall and Forsyth counties, I understand how the State evaluates evidence, decides what to charge and approaches plea negotiations in serious cases. I use that knowledge to look for weaknesses in the case against you, from how the evidence was gathered to whether the charge actually fits the facts.

I explain your options in plain language, keep you informed at each stage, and prepare every case as if it will go to trial. Whether you are facing a sex offense, a domestic violence accusation, a drug charge or a vehicular homicide case, my goal is to protect your rights and pursue the best result available in your case.

Experience at a Glance

Felony Cases Handled

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Years Felony Experience

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Years as a Prosecutor

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FAQ

Common Questions About Serious Criminal Charges

Which courts handle felony cases in Forsyth, Hall and Dawson counties?

Felony cases are prosecuted in Superior Court. Forsyth County is part of the Bell-Forsyth Judicial Circuit, and Hall and Dawson counties are part of the Northeastern Judicial Circuit.

Is domestic violence the same as family violence in Georgia?

Georgia law uses the term “family violence.” It covers offenses such as battery or assault between past or present spouses, parents of the same child, parents and children, and other people who live or have lived in the same household. A second family violence battery conviction is a felony. Learn more about the Family Violence Act.

Can a magistrate set bond in a rape or sex offense case?

For certain charges, including rape, aggravated sodomy, aggravated child molestation and aggravated sexual battery, only a Superior Court judge can set bond (O.C.G.A. § 17-6-1). A petition for bond must be set for a hearing within 10 days. See what happens after a felony arrest.

How much of a drug is considered trafficking in Georgia?

Trafficking is based on weight: 28 grams or more of cocaine or methamphetamine, 4 grams or more of heroin, fentanyl and certain other opioids, or more than 10 pounds of marijuana. Trafficking carries mandatory minimum prison sentences. Read the full trafficking guide.

What makes vehicular homicide a felony?

A death caused by DUI, reckless driving, fleeing police, passing a stopped school bus or leaving the scene is first-degree vehicular homicide, punishable by 3 to 15 years in prison. Other traffic violations can lead to a misdemeanor charge. Learn more about vehicular homicide.

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes. Call (470) 505-9791 for a free, confidential consultation about your case.

Areas We Serve

Criminal Defense in Forsyth, Hall & Dawson Counties

Serving Forsyth, Hall & Dawson Counties

The Law Office of Jennifer Scalia represents people facing serious criminal charges in Cumming and Forsyth County, Gainesville and Hall County and Dawsonville and Dawson County, as well as surrounding areas including Dahlonega and Lumpkin County.

If you or someone you love has been arrested or is under investigation, call for a free, confidential consultation to discuss the charges and your options.

Testimonials

What Clients Say About Me!

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