Felony Penalties in Georgia
While some states classify felonies (i.e. Class A, Class B, etc.), Georgia does not divide felony offenses by class or level. Instead, state laws outline the maximum penalty for offenses on a case-by-case basis. For instance, incest can be penalized with up to 30 years of imprisonment, while aggravated stalking carries a penalty of up to 10 years of imprisonment. Maximum felony penalties can range from up to five years to life imprisonment or the death penalty.
It is also important to note that certain offenses are subject to enhanced penalties. An offender can face enhanced penalties, mandatory minimum sentences, and/or parole ineligibility if they:
- Have been convicted of a serious violent crime. Violent crimes that may constitute an enhanced penalty include armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated sodomy, aggravated sexual battery, aggravated child molestations, rape, and murder. A murder conviction has an imposed mandatory life sentence, and if a person is convicted of the other offenses, a first-time offense negates a person’s parole eligibility and subsequent offenses mandate life imprisonment.
- Are considered repeat offenders. If a person has been previously convicted of a felony, they can face serious penalty enhancements for the second and subsequent offenses. For second-time offenses, a court may impose the maximum sentence, and subsequent offenses can constitute becoming ineligible for parole.
- Are being convicted of a sex crime. In Georgia, sex crime offenders may not qualify for parole and face a mandatory minimum sentence.
- Are being convicted of a hate crime. Hate crimes are offenses committed against a person because of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected status. If an offender committed a hate crime, a mandatory minimum (two years) will apply.
- Have other aggravating factors in their case. A mandatory minimum or enhanced penalty may be applicable if there are aggravating circumstances, such as committing an offense against a law enforcement officer or elderly person or committing an armed offense.
If you are under investigation or have been arrested for a felony offense, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. A qualified attorney can advise you concerning what the maximum penalty is for a crime as well as what your legal options are.
Consequences of a Felony Conviction in Georgia
If you are convicted of a felony, you can also face additional consequences (outside of the criminal penalties). Felony convictions can mean that you lose certain civil liberties, including (but not limited to) the right to run for office, the right to bear arms, and/or the right to vote. Additionally, you may lose your professional license if you work as an educator, healthcare provider, baking professional, etc.
Other areas of your life that can be impacted include:
- Your social/personal life. A felony conviction can impact your reputation, with friends and family, and if you have children, your custody case may be negatively affected as well.
- Your educational life. You may not have access to certain educational and employment opportunities.
Consult with Our Firm
At Busch, Reed, Jones & Leeper, P.C., our attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options, so you can make informed decisions regarding your case. Our firm handles a wide variety of criminal defense cases, including felony offenses. With a deep understanding of the way that felony cases are handled as well as a dedication to our clients, you can trust our skilled attorneys to help you develop a solid, individualized defense strategy.
At Busch, Reed, Jones & Leeper, P.C., our attorneys have decades of collective experience, and we are equipped to help you mount a solid defense. Call (770) 629-0154 or reach out online to schedule a case consultation today.