A defense strategy depends on the exact charge, the evidence, and where the case stands. Jody D. Peterman, LLC represents clients facing serious felony charges in Georgia. Consider whether the matter is still before the trial court or whether you are seeking review of an existing judgment; those are distinct questions.
Start with the exact charge and stage
Begin with the wording of the charge and the stage of the case, rather than relying on a broad label. The relevant questions may differ depending on the allegations, what evidence is available, and whether the case is at trial level or a judgment has already been entered.
The firm’s criminal-defense practice focuses on serious felony charges in Georgia. The first conversation is intended to understand the general nature of the matter and identify appropriate next steps. Bring the documents you have and describe what has happened without assuming that a particular defense or outcome applies.
Official resources: Personal injury and criminal defense services; Georgia Criminal Appeals Attorney — Jody D. Peterman, LLC
Examine the evidence and disputed issues
A meaningful review starts with the actual evidence and the issues it raises. The firm’s published approaches identify matters such as witness accounts, forensic or digital material where relevant, constitutional questions, and the precise allegations. Which issues matter depends on the charge and record.
For sex-crime allegations, the firm identifies consent and identity issues where relevant, alongside digital and forensic material, witness accounts, charging decisions, constitutional protections, and possible collateral consequences. For homicide and manslaughter allegations, its described review includes intent or state-of-mind allegations, self-defense or justification issues where supported, forensic evidence, witnesses, constitutional questions, and trial preparation. An accusation alone does not establish proof.
Official resources: Georgia Sex Crimes Attorney — Jody D. Peterman, LLC; Georgia Homicide and Manslaughter Attorney — Jody D. Peterman, LLC
Consider trial-level choices separately
When a case remains in trial court, possible steps may include investigating evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining whether a motion concerning evidence or charges is appropriate. Negotiations and trial are also distinct possibilities; which options apply depends on the charge, court, and stage.
The Georgia Public Defender Council’s guide discusses those public-defense processes, including discovery and investigation, pre-trial motions and negotiations, and trial. It is general information about public-defense representation, not a prediction about a particular case or a description of what a private firm will do. Discuss the actual evidence and choices for your matter with counsel.
Official resources: The Legal Process | Georgia Public Defender Council
Treat review of a judgment as a different task
If a judgment has already been entered, the question is not simply whether the trial strategy should have been different. The firm’s published criminal-appeals approach begins with the trial-court record, preserved objections, rulings, transcripts, applicable legal standards, appellate jurisdiction, and the relief a reviewing court may lawfully consider.
Appeal-related review depends on what occurred in the record and the procedural stage. Gather the available trial-court materials and identify the ruling or issue you want examined. The firm describes its initial review as careful and record-focused; no particular issue or result can be assumed without that review.
Official resources: Georgia Criminal Appeals Attorney — Jody D. Peterman, LLC
Prepare for a criminal-defense conversation
- Write down the exact charge as it appears in the paperwork and note the court and current stage of the case.
- Gather available charging papers, court notices, and other documents related to the matter.
- Make a list of evidence or witness accounts you believe may be disputed, and note why each matters.
- Keep track of relevant communications and materials, including digital or forensic evidence where applicable.
- If the case is still in trial court, ask about the evidence, possible motions, negotiations, and whether trial is an option.
- If a judgment has already been entered, identify the ruling you want reviewed and gather the relevant trial-court record.
- Use the first conversation to explain the matter’s general nature and identify appropriate next steps.
Questions about criminal defense
Why does the exact charge matter?
The exact charge matters because different allegations raise different factual and legal questions. The firm’s published approaches include reviewing the precise charge, the evidence and witnesses, relevant constitutional questions, and the current procedural stage. The issues to examine depend on the actual record.
What if a judgment has already been entered?
A trial-level case and a challenge to an existing judgment involve different records and choices. The firm’s published criminal-appeals approach begins with review of the trial-court record, preserved objections, rulings, transcripts, applicable legal standards, and the relief a reviewing court may consider. Whether an appeal is available or what issues may be raised depends on the actual case.
What should I prepare for 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 prepare by identifying the exact charge, the current stage, and evidence or rulings you believe need attention.
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.