The right questions depend on the precise charge and where the case stands. For a serious felony matter, organize the accusation, the evidence you dispute, and whether the issue is still before the trial court or concerns an existing judgment. The firm describes its first conversation as a way to understand the general nature of a matter and identify appropriate next steps.
Start with the exact charge and stage
Use the charge as written in the paperwork, rather than a broad label. Identify whether the matter is under investigation, charges have been filed, the case is in pretrial proceedings or trial, or a judgment has already been entered. The charge and stage shape which questions are relevant.
Bring a concise account of what you understand happened, what you personally know, and what information comes from another person. Mark anything uncertain instead of treating it as established. An accusation is not a substitute for proof, and a useful review depends on the actual record and procedural stage.
Official resources: Personal injury and criminal defense services; Georgia Sex Crimes Attorney — Jody D. Peterman, LLC; Georgia Homicide and Manslaughter Attorney — Jody D. Peterman, LLC
Test the evidence and the theory
Evidence questions are specific to the allegation. In a sex-crimes matter, the firm’s review may consider consent and identity issues where relevant, digital and forensic material, witness accounts, charging decisions, constitutional protections, and collateral consequences. Identify the material you believe supports or contradicts an account, and explain its source.
For a homicide or manslaughter charge, the review may focus on the precise charge, intent or state-of-mind allegations, forensic evidence, witnesses, constitutional questions, and trial preparation. Self-defense or justification is relevant only where supported by the facts. Keep a list of disputed points and the evidence connected to each one; do not assume a defense applies without reviewing the record.
Official resources: Georgia Sex Crimes Attorney — Jody D. Peterman, LLC; Georgia Homicide and Manslaughter Attorney — Jody D. Peterman, LLC
Consider trial-level choices separately
Before trial, possible issues can include whether evidence or charges should be challenged through a motion and whether negotiations are appropriate. Which steps apply depends on the actual charge, court, and stage. Reviewing evidence, investigating the case, and interviewing witnesses are distinct tasks; the appropriate work depends on the matter.
Use the conversation to identify what evidence needs closer review, what legal questions may arise, and what choices are actually available at the current stage. A possible motion or negotiation is not a predetermined outcome. The available response depends on the case record.
Official resources: The Legal Process | Georgia Public Defender Council; Personal injury and criminal defense services
Treat review of a judgment as a different task
For an existing judgment, the firm’s appellate approach focuses on the trial-court record and the issues for review. The firm’s published appeals approach begins with the trial-court record, preserved objections, rulings, transcripts, applicable legal standards, written briefs, appellate jurisdiction, and the relief a reviewing court may lawfully consider.
Gather what you have from the trial proceedings and identify rulings or objections you believe matter. Whether an issue can be raised or what relief may be considered depends on the record and procedural stage. A review of a judgment and choices still available in the trial court should be discussed as separate questions.
Official resources: Georgia Criminal Appeals Attorney — Jody D. Peterman, LLC
Prepare for a focused case discussion
- Write down the exact charge as it appears in the paperwork and the court or case information shown there.
- Identify the current stage: investigation, charges filed, pretrial proceedings, trial, or review of an existing judgment.
- Preserve relevant messages, photographs, recordings, documents, and other material in their original form; note where they came from and when you received them.
- Make a list of witnesses and what each may know, without asking anyone to change or coordinate an account.
- Separate facts you personally know from assumptions or information you heard from someone else.
- Flag evidence or statements you believe are inaccurate, incomplete, or obtained in a way that raises a legal question.
- If a judgment already exists, gather available rulings, transcripts, filings, and information about objections made during the case for discussion of possible review.
Questions about criminal defense
What should I bring up when discussing a criminal charge?
The firm’s published criminal-defense offering is for clients facing serious felony charges in Georgia. The initial review should begin with the precise charge and current procedural stage; the available response depends on the actual record and stage.
How is an appeal different from defending a case before trial?
Trial-level work and review of an existing judgment are distinct. The firm’s appeals review considers the trial-court record, preserved objections, rulings, transcripts, legal standards, briefs, jurisdiction, and the relief a reviewing court may consider. Whether an issue is available depends on the record and procedural stage.
What is the first conversation for?
The firm describes the first conversation as a way to understand the general nature of a matter and identify appropriate next steps. You can begin by stating the charge and stage and identifying the evidence or rulings you want reviewed.
General information about legal services and local resources. A lawyer must review the facts and applicable law for your matter. Contacting the firm does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship.