Lawrenceville Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing a criminal charge is a life-changing event. Your entire future is on the line, and you probably have many questions and concerns. You need an attorney who can provide you with experienced, focused criminal defense strategies. You need someone who will fight for your rights and your future.

The Law Firm of Christopher T. Adams, P.C., is a full-service criminal defense law firm. We have provided focused, knowledgeable defense of criminal charges for Georgia clients since 1992. Christopher Adams is known among peers and prosecutors as a highly experienced and capable litigator. He is the only attorney in Gwinnett County to be named on the “Best Of” list for two separate practice areas – family law and criminal defense.

Criminal Defense Across All Charges

Christopher Adams practices in state, federal and juvenile courts of Northeast Georgia. Among other things, he handles:

• Drunk driving charges, including underage DUI
• Reckless driving or suspended license charges
• Marijuana possession (misdemeanor or felony)
• Heroin use or possession
• Drug trafficking or intent to distribute
• Prescription drug charges
• Domestic violence and protective orders
• Child molestation allegations and other sex crimes
• Theft crimes such as shoplifting or burglary
• Assault and other violent crimes
• Fraud, embezzlement, identity theft and other white collar crimes

We also frequently handle criminal appeals when necessary to contest a jury’s unfair guilty verdict or a judge’s overly harsh sentence. We represent our own clients in this capacity, and we also accept referrals from other attorneys to serve as co-counsel in the Court of Appeals.

Defending Young People In Trouble

Christopher Adams has specific experience advocating for teenagers and college students who may face license suspension, a criminal record and other adverse effects on their future from:

• Traffic violations for those under 21, such as speeding
• Possession of alcohol for those under 21
• Juvenile court issues such as delinquency, unruly offenses, deprivation and dependency
• Administrative hearings for elementary, middle and high school students

Whatever charges you are facing, we can help. With over 25 years of legal experience, we know the law. In addition, Christopher Adams is a seventh-generation resident of the area, with contacts throughout Georgia’s legal community. He knows how to find the resources you need. Christopher Adams will work with you one-on-one, giving advice that goes beyond basic criminal defense. We can help you deal with a host of other life issues that spring up in the wake of criminal charges.

Lawrenceville Criminal Proceedings: A Step-By-Step Breakdown

Consider the following scenario: Sarah, a 32-year-old resident of Lawrenceville, works as a nurse at a local hospital. She has no prior criminal record and is active in her community.

The Arrest

Sarah was driving home from a late shift on Duluth Highway when a Gwinnett County police officer pulled her over near the intersection with Grayson Highway. The officer claims she was weaving between lanes. After field sobriety tests, the officer arrests her for DUI. Sarah is taken to the Gwinnett County Jail, where she’s booked and processed. She’s confused, scared and worried about losing her nursing license.

The Initial Court Appearance

Within 72 hours, Sarah appears before a judge at the Gwinnett County Courthouse on Langley Drive in Lawrenceville for her first appearance. The judge reads the charges against her and sets a bond. Sarah posts bond and is released, but she now faces serious consequences, including potential jail time, license suspension, hefty fines and the loss of her nursing career.

Working With Our Defense Team

Sarah contacts our firm immediately after her first appearance. We begin investigating her case right away. We request the police report, dashcam footage and bodycam footage from the traffic stop. We examine whether the officer had reasonable suspicion to pull her over and whether the field sobriety tests were administered correctly. We also look into Sarah’s work schedule and medical conditions that could have affected her performance on the tests. We file motions to suppress evidence if we find any constitutional violations.

Pretrial Proceedings At Gwinnett County Courthouse

We appear at multiple pretrial hearings at the Gwinnett County Courthouse. We negotiate with the Gwinnett County Solicitor General’s office, presenting evidence that challenges the prosecution’s case. We challenge the validity of the field sobriety tests and point out inconsistencies in the officer’s report.

Negotiation And Charge Reduction

After a thorough investigation and negotiation, we convinced the prosecutor to reduce Sarah’s DUI charge to reckless driving. This reduction means Sarah avoids a DUI conviction on her record, keeps her nursing license and faces significantly reduced penalties.

Why This Matters: Key Takeaways For Criminal Defense Cases

Criminal charges in Lawrenceville require immediate legal action. The Gwinnett County court system moves quickly, and evidence disappears fast. We understand Georgia criminal law, local court procedures and how to challenge the prosecution’s case effectively. We know the prosecutors, judges and court staff at the Gwinnett County Courthouse. We fight to protect your rights, your freedom and your future.

Criminal Defense FAQs: What Lawrenceville Residents Need To Know

Below, we address the most common questions we hear from our clients who are dealing with criminal charges. While every case is different, by answering these questions, we strive to provide general information about criminal defense in Georgia.

Why hire a Lawrenceville criminal defense attorney?

When your future is at stake, you need a defense attorney with deep local roots and proven results. As a 7th-generation Gwinnett County resident, our team has deep roots in this community and understands what’s at stake for people who live and work here. We have spent decades building relationships with court staff, prosecutors and judges at the Gwinnett County Courthouse, which means we know exactly which defense strategies work best in each courtroom. We are not just your attorneys – we are your neighbors, and we are committed to defending the rights of people in our community.

What do I do after being arrested in Georgia?

Remain calm and exercise your right to stay silent. Only provide basic identifying information to law enforcement. Do not answer questions or make statements without your Lawrenceville criminal defense lawyer present, even if officers tell you that talking will help your case. Avoid posting about your arrest on social media or discussing your case with friends or family members, as these conversations can become evidence. Write down everything you remember about your arrest while the details are fresh, including the time, location, officers’ names and what they said to you.

What happens after I get charged in Georgia?

You will receive a court date for your first appearance, where a judge will read the charges against you and set bond conditions. The prosecution will begin gathering evidence to build their case, and you will need to decide whether to accept a plea deal or take your case to trial. This is the critical window when we can investigate your case, challenge the evidence and negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss your charges before they become permanent.

Will I go to jail after being arrested?

Not necessarily – many people post bond and go home within hours of their arrest, depending on the charges and their criminal history. The judge will set bond at your first appearance, and you can often post bond immediately to secure your release while your case moves through the court system. However, some serious charges carry no bond or very high bond amounts, which is why you need an experienced Lawrenceville criminal defense attorney to argue for reasonable bond conditions at your first court appearance.

How can a criminal defense attorney defend me?

A criminal defense lawyer from our Lawrenceville team will investigate every detail of your arrest to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. These often involve illegal searches, violation of your rights and inconsistencies in police reports. We stand ready to represent you at every court appearance and advocate for your rights and future.

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Georgia?

Criminal defense attorney fees vary widely depending on the complexity of your case, the charges you face and how much time your defense requires. We offer free initial consultations so you can understand your options and our fee structure before making any decisions. Many people find that hiring an attorney early actually saves them money in the long run by avoiding convictions, reducing fines and protecting their ability to work and earn a living.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Located in Lawrenceville, we represent clients throughout Northeast Georgia in all traffic, misdemeanor and felony charges. To schedule a free 30-minute initial consultation to discuss criminal defense with Christopher Adams, call us today at 770-676-1083 or contact us online.