The Weight of a Violent Crime Charge in Georgia
Georgia prosecutors treat homicide and violent crime charges as priorities, and investigations often involve multiple law enforcement agencies. A conviction for murder under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1 carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison. Conviction for felony murder — where a death occurs in connection with the commission of a separate felony — carries the same sentence, even without proof of an intent to kill. Aggravated assault under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21 carries sentences of up to twenty years, with elevated minimums when victims are elderly, when firearms are involved, or when the assault occurs in certain additional contexts.
The most important thing you can do — immediately — is retain counsel who will begin building your defense before the state has finished building its case against you.
Charges Cullen Law Defends
Charles represents clients charged with the full range of serious violent offenses, including:
Murder and Felony Murder (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1) — Georgia’s felony murder rule is particularly broad: a death that occurs during the commission of an underlying felony can result in a murder charge even without intent to kill. How the charge is constructed shapes the defense.
Voluntary Manslaughter (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-2) — Applies where a death results from a sudden, violent passion caused by serious provocation; carries a sentence of one to twenty years.
Involuntary Manslaughter (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-3) — Applies where death results from a lawful act performed in an unlawful manner, or from an unlawful act other than a felony.
Aggravated Assault (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21) — A felony charged when an assault involves intent to murder, rape, or rob; use of a deadly weapon; or strangulation.
Armed Robbery (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-41) — One of Georgia’s most aggressively prosecuted felonies, carrying a high mandatory minimum and a barrier to parole. A prior conviction for a serious violent felony can result in life without parole.
Kidnapping (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-40) — Charges that frequently arise in domestic disputes and custody situations; the facts are often more nuanced than the charge suggests.
Gang-Related Offenses (O.C.G.A. § 16-15-4) — Georgia’s Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act can dramatically elevate sentences by stacking a mandatory consecutive term of five to twenty years on top of the underlying offense. Charles understands how these enhancements work and how to fight them.
Building a Defense When Everything Is on the Line
Serious violent crime cases require serious investigation. Charles works to secure surveillance footage, identify and interview witnesses, analyze forensic evidence, and retain experts where necessary — before that evidence ages or disappears. He scrutinizes the investigation for constitutional violations, challenges eyewitness identifications, and evaluates every available defense, including self-defense and defense of others under O.C.G.A. § 16-3-21, alibi, and the sufficiency of the state’s own evidence.
The goal is always the same: the best possible outcome for the client, pursued with total commitment from the first call to the last day in court.
Call Now — The Earlier the Better
In serious violent crime cases, time is the one resource you cannot get back. Witnesses move on, evidence fades, and the state’s investigation does not stop. The earlier Charles can get involved, the more options he can preserve. Call Cullen Law today.
