After a Georgia Felony Arrest: What’s Next
Being arrested for a felony in Georgia can be terrifying, confusing, and life-altering. Whether it’s your first time dealing with the legal system or you’ve been through it before, understanding the step-by-step process after a felony arrest is critical to protecting your rights and your future.
At the Law Office of Jennifer Scalia, individuals in Cumming and elsewhere in Georgia may find it helpful to explore resources offering experienced, compassionate support during challenging times.
Criminal Defense Attorney-Georgia
📍 Office Address: Georgia, United States
📞 Phone: +1 (407) 505-9791
🌐 Website: Law Office Of Jennifer
📧 Email: jennifer@lawofficeofjenniferscalia.com
✅ Step 1: The Arrest
A felony arrest typically occurs when law enforcement believes there is probable cause that a serious crime has been committed—such as drug trafficking, aggravated assault, burglary, or certain white-collar offenses.
You may be
- Taken into custody on the spot
- Arrested following an investigation or warrant
🔒 Your Rights: You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Use them immediately.
✅ Step 2: Booking and Initial Processing
After your arrest, you’ll be taken to the local jail for booking, which includes:
- Fingerprinting
- Mugshots
- Recording personal information and alleged charges
You will likely be held in custody until your first court appearance unless bail is set and paid.
✅ Step 3: First Appearance & Bond Hearing
In Georgia, your first appearance hearing must occur within 72 hours of your arrest. During this hearing:
- A judge will inform you of the charges
- Your eligibility for bond (bail) will be discussed
💡 Having a defense attorney present can be crucial here—an experienced lawyer can argue for lower bail or your release on recognizance.
✅ Step 4: Preliminary Hearing (Probable Cause Hearing)
This hearing determines whether there’s enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial. It is not a trial but a key opportunity to:
- Challenge weak evidence
- Cross-examine witnesses
- Build the foundation for a defense strategy
🛡️ Our firm is known for aggressively defending clients at this stage to reduce charges or seek dismissal before indictment.
✅ Step 5: Grand Jury Indictment
For felony cases in Georgia, a grand jury may review the evidence and decide whether to formally charge (indict) you. If they issue a “true bill,” your case proceeds to Superior Court.
An indictment does not mean you’re guilty, but it does mean your case is going forward.
✅ Step 6: Arraignment and Pre-Trial Motions
After indictment, you’ll be formally arraigned and asked to enter a plea: guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Your attorney can file pre-trial motions to:
- Suppress illegally obtained evidence
- Dismiss the case for lack of evidence
- Challenge procedural errors
These motions are a critical part of building a strong defense.
✅ Step 7: Trial or Plea Deal
If no plea agreement is reached, your case will go to trial. You have the right to a jury trial, where the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
An experienced defense attorney may negotiate a favorable plea deal or aggressively defend your case in court to avoid or reduce penalties such as
- Prison time
- Heavy fines
- Probation
- A permanent felony record
📞 Facing Felony Charges in Georgia? You Need a Strong Defense—Now.
The sooner you involve a skilled criminal defense attorney, the better your chances of a positive outcome. At the Law Office of Jennifer Scalia, we offer personalized legal representation backed by years of experience in Georgia criminal courts.
We understand what’s at stake—your freedom, your future, and your reputation.
🔍 Contact Today for a Confidential Consultation:
📍 Office Address: Georgia, United States
📞 Phone: +1(407) 505-9791
🌐 Website:Law Office Of Jennifer
📧 Email: jennifer@lawofficeofjenniferscalia.com
👉 Don’t wait. Call now to protect your rights and start building your defense.
