A criminal charge is not a single, uniform problem. The exact allegation, the evidence in dispute, and whether the case is before trial or concerns an existing judgment all shape which defense choices may be relevant. Jody D. Peterman, LLC offers criminal-defense representation for clients facing serious felony charges in Georgia.
Start with the exact charge and case stage
Begin with the wording of the charge, not a broad label or an assumption about what happened. Identify the court named in the case papers and whether the matter is still under investigation, has a filed charge, is in pretrial proceedings, is approaching trial, or concerns a judgment already entered. The court and stage help distinguish which questions need attention.
Then identify what is contested. That may include what an account of events leaves out, how evidence was gathered or interpreted, what a witness can establish, or which ruling is at issue. Keep confirmed facts separate from assumptions, and collect the charging document and available court papers so the discussion can focus on the actual record.
Official resources: Personal injury and criminal defense services; Georgia Criminal Appeals Attorney — Jody D. Peterman, LLC
Investigate the evidence and test the allegations
A defense review can involve more than reading the accusation. The Georgia Public Defender Council describes discovery and investigation in terms of reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and investigating the case. Those are general descriptions of public-defense work, not a statement about what will occur in any private representation or individual matter.
Organize the evidence around specific questions: what supports the allegation, what may conflict with it, and what information is missing from the account you have received. For matters involving sex-crime allegations, the firm’s published approach identifies attention to the precise allegation, consent and identity issues where relevant, digital and forensic material, witness accounts, charging decisions, and constitutional protections. The applicable issues depend on the actual record and stage.
Official resources: Georgia Sex Crimes Attorney — Jody D. Peterman, LLC; The Legal Process | Georgia Public Defender Council
Choose trial-level steps based on the record
Before trial, potential defense work may include examining evidence and identifying legal issues for the court to consider. The Georgia Public Defender Council’s guide distinguishes pretrial motions and negotiations from trial and appellate review; it discusses motions concerning evidence or charges and possible plea negotiations. Which steps apply depends on the actual charge, court, and stage.
For a homicide or manslaughter charge, the firm’s published approach describes reviewing the precise charge, intent or state-of-mind allegations, self-defense or justification issues where supported, forensic evidence, witnesses, constitutional questions, and trial preparation. These are review areas, not conclusions about an individual case. An accusation is not a substitute for proof; the response must be considered against the actual evidence and procedural posture.
Official resources: Georgia Homicide and Manslaughter Attorney — Jody D. Peterman, LLC; The Legal Process | Georgia Public Defender Council
Separate trial preparation from review of a judgment
A trial-level defense addresses the case as it moves toward a decision in the trial court. Review of an existing judgment instead focuses on what happened in that proceeding and what a reviewing court may consider. The distinction matters: the records, questions, and potential relief differ, so first identify whether you are preparing for trial or asking about review after judgment.
The firm’s published criminal-appeals approach identifies review of the trial-court record, preserved objections, rulings, transcripts, legal standards, written briefs, appellate jurisdiction, and the relief a reviewing court may lawfully consider. The possible response depends on the record and procedural stage. The firm describes the first conversation as a way to understand the general nature of a matter and identify appropriate next steps.
Official resources: Personal injury and criminal defense services; Georgia Criminal Appeals Attorney — Jody D. Peterman, LLC
Information to organize before discussing a criminal case
- Write down the exact charge as it appears in the paperwork and the name of the court handling the matter.
- Note the current stage: investigation, filed charge, pretrial proceedings, trial, sentencing, or review of an existing judgment.
- Gather the charging document, court orders, motions, rulings, and any available transcripts or other case records.
- Keep a separate timeline of events and identify potential witnesses and evidence that may support or challenge an account.
- For a case involving digital or forensic material, preserve what you have and note where it came from; do not alter or discard it.
- If a judgment has already been entered, identify the specific ruling or issue you want reviewed and collect the related record.
- Use the first conversation to explain the charge and stage and ask what additional information would help identify appropriate next steps.
Questions about criminal defense
What types of criminal cases does the firm handle?
The firm describes its criminal-defense practice as representation for clients facing serious felony charges in Georgia. Whether a matter fits that offering depends on the particular charge and circumstances.
How is an appeal different from a trial-level defense?
The firm’s published practice information describes reviewing trial-court records, preserved objections, rulings, transcripts, legal standards, and the relief a reviewing court may consider. A review of an existing judgment is distinct from preparing a case for trial, and the available approach depends on the record and procedural stage.
What should I explain in the first conversation?
The firm describes the first conversation as a way to understand the general nature of a matter and identify appropriate next steps. You can start by sharing the exact charge and current stage; this general information is not advice about an individual case.
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.