The Lawyer You Need When Everything Is On The Line
Last updated on January 16, 2026
Crimes against a person occur when someone commits or threatens to commit violence against another person. The range of offenses is broad and covers charges such as misdemeanor assault to felony murder.
I’m attorney Keith Fitzgerald, and I defend people charged with these serious offenses. At Fitzgerald Law in Macon, I build strong defenses for people facing these types of charges. I understand how devastating a conviction for a crime against a person can be; the rest of your life may be affected. Speak with me today in a free consultation to discuss your case.
What Charges Are You Facing?
Whether the charge includes assault, sexual assault, battery or murder, I have the experience to defend you. My experience includes:
Aggravated assault: In Georgia, this offense includes assault with the intent to rape, rob or murder a person. It can also involve the use of a device, weapon or instrument to cause serious bodily harm or trying to strangle someone with one of these objects. The charge may also be brought against someone in a vehicle who fired a gun at a person with no “legal justification” to do so.
Penalties may include a prison sentence of up to 20 years, up to a $100,000 fine and more.
Battery: This offense occurs when a person “intentionally causes substantial physical harm or visible bodily harm to another.” It may be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances of the incident.
Penalties may include up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 for a misdemeanor. For an aggravated battery charge, you can spend five to 25 years in prison. Sentences can be longer if deemed so by the judge.
Murder: In Georgia, murder comes with a life sentence in prison. In the most serious cases, it can result in life without parole or the death penalty. If you are facing murder charges, you must have a lawyer with experience in these difficult cases and the trial skills to get the charges dismissed or to mitigate the consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Violent Crimes
If you are facing violent crime charges, it is important to get answers to your questions. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions:
What are my rights if I am arrested for a violent crime in Georgia?
It is important to understand your rights if you are arrested for a violent crime. Two fundamental rights to be aware of are your right to remain silent and your right to legal representation.
Under the Fifth Amendment, your right to remain silent allows you to refuse to answer any questions law enforcement may ask you during or after an arrest. Any statements you make to the police could be used against you as self-incriminating comments during a criminal trial. Making any statements during an arrest could make it harder to defend against criminal charges. You can invoke your right to remain silent by pleading the Fifth Amendment.
Under the Sixth Amendment, you have the right to speak to an attorney. An attorney can educate you on your legal rights, protect you during an arrest, inform you of the charges you face and help you build a defense against criminal punishments.
Can violent crime charges be reduced or dismissed in Georgia?
Yes. With a strong legal defense, it is possible to have your criminal charges reduced or dismissed. Some common defense strategies include:
- Challenging evidence: Evidence against a defendant may be flimsy, illegally obtained or nonexistent.
- Identifying witnesses: A witness may have been present during a crime who could provide an alibi for the defendant.
- Lack of intent: A defendant may claim that they did not intend to hurt someone.
- Proving false claims: A charge may be challenged if there is no evidence that a crime was committed.
A strong defense starts early. Evidence can be lost and forgotten. Witnesses vanish or forget details. An experienced criminal defense attorney will tailor your defense to the specific facts of your case.
How does self-defense work as a defense in Georgia violent crime cases?
Self-defense and defense of others are two very common defense strategies to combat violent crime charges. A defendant may argue that they were protecting themself or someone else from serious harm. A defendant may need to prove that they believed they or someone else was in real danger and force was necessary to stop the threat.
The Rest Of Your Life May Be At Stake
You cannot take these charges lightly. Even a conviction for simple assault can affect you for years. Call me today at 478-787-4480 or send me an email for a free consultation.