Frequently Asked Questions

The most important thing to do during and after an arrest is to remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Be respectful with law enforcement, but do not answer questions or make statements without an attorney present. Many people believe that explaining their side of the story will help, but anything you say can be used against you. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The decisions you make in the hours and days following an arrest can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. An experienced attorney can protect your rights, advise you on the next steps, and begin building your defense from the outset.

In Georgia, misdemeanors are less serious offenses punishable by up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Felonies are more serious crimes punishable by more than twelve months in prison. The distinction matters significantly for your future, as felony convictions carry more lasting consequences including impacts on employment, housing, and civil rights.

Having a defense attorney on your side can make a significant difference, even if this is your first offense. A criminal defense attorney is the only person throughout the legal process whose job is to protect your rights and advocate on your behalf. Anything you say to law enforcement or prosecutors, even if you are completely innocent and believe you are helping your case, may be used against you. By contrast, your communications with your attorney are generally protected by the attorney-client privilege. This allows you to speak openly and honestly so your attorney can provide informed legal advice, identify potential defenses, and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.

It depends on the type of charges you are facing. In Georgia, most misdemeanor criminal offenses and traffic cases are handled in State Court, while felony charges are generally handled in Superior Court. There are some exceptions, depending on the nature of the offense and the court with jurisdiction over the case. Whether your case is in Cobb County or Cherokee County, we regularly represent clients in both courts. Our Marietta office is located just two blocks from the Cobb County courthouse, and our Cherokee County office is less than a ten-minute drive from the Cherokee County courthouse.

A mental health evaluation can have a significant impact on a criminal case in Georgia. Depending on the circumstances, it may affect whether a defendant is competent to stand trial, influence bond decisions, delay court proceedings, or play a role in plea negotiations and sentencing. Unfortunately, Georgia's mental health system is experiencing significant delays, and defendants who require competency evaluations or treatment may spend months waiting for services. Because these cases involve both legal and mental health issues, it is important to work with an attorney who understands both. Melissa's background as a former social worker, combined with her experience as a criminal defense attorney, gives her a unique perspective when representing clients with mental health concerns. If you would like to learn more about how mental health evaluations work in Georgia and how they can affect a criminal case, please read our detailed blog post on mental health defenses in the criminal justice system.

A dead docket means that a criminal case has been placed on hold and is no longer actively moving through the court system. The case is not dismissed, and the charges do not automatically go away. Instead, the prosecution is paused unless circumstances change that allow the case to return to the active docket. In Georgia, dead dockets can arise in certain situations, including cases involving serious mental health concerns where a defendant is unable to proceed with the legal process. These cases can be complicated because they often involve both legal issues and the need for appropriate mental health treatment. A case may remain on the dead docket until the defendant's circumstances change, such as becoming competent to proceed or another legal development requiring the case to move forward. Because mental health cases require an understanding of both the criminal justice system and available treatment resources, it is important to work with an attorney who understands these challenges. Melissa's background as a former social worker, combined with her experience as a criminal defense attorney, gives her a unique perspective when representing clients facing mental health-related legal issues. She understands not only the legal process, but also the human side of these cases and the challenges individuals and families often face while navigating the system. To learn more about how mental health evaluations, competency issues, and the dead docket process can affect a criminal case, please read our detailed blog post on mental health defenses in Georgia.

Yes. Kreimer Law proudly represents juveniles under the age of seventeen who are facing delinquency proceedings in Cobb County, Cherokee County, and throughout the Metro Atlanta area. Representing young people is one of Melissa's greatest passions. In addition to her experience as a juvenile defense attorney, her background in social work gives her a unique understanding of the challenges that children and their families face. She takes a compassionate, individualized approach to every case while providing strong, effective legal advocacy.

The answer depends on the circumstances. In Georgia, juvenile court proceedings are generally closed to the public and handled differently than adult criminal cases. Unlike adult criminal proceedings, juvenile cases are typically not open to the public. However, juvenile records are not automatically sealed, and whether a record remains accessible can have a significant impact on your child's future, including educational opportunities, employment, military service, and other important aspects of adulthood. It is also important to understand that these protections apply only to persons who are under the age of seventeen. In Georgia, once a child turns seventeen, most criminal charges are handled in adult court, where proceedings are generally public and the case becomes part of the adult criminal justice system. One of the most important reasons to hire an experienced juvenile defense attorney is to advocate for the best possible outcome, both in the case itself and with respect to your child's record. When appropriate, a skilled attorney can present evidence and legal arguments in support of sealing a juvenile record and advocate for an outcome that helps protect your child's future opportunities. Georgia's juvenile justice system is designed to emphasize rehabilitation rather than punishment. That focus can create opportunities to demonstrate why a young person deserves a second chance and why sealing a record may be appropriate. Melissa brings extensive experience representing juveniles, along with a background in social work, giving her a unique understanding of the legal and personal challenges that young people and their families face. She develops individualized strategies for every case and works diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for each client. While no attorney can guarantee that a juvenile record will be sealed, experienced legal representation can make a meaningful difference in protecting your child's future.

In some circumstances, a juvenile case may be transferred to adult court. In Georgia, a juvenile is generally defined as a child who is sixteen years of age or younger. Once a child turns seventeen, criminal charges are handled in adult criminal court. Whether a case is eligible for transfer depends on several factors, including the child's age and the nature of the alleged offense. If a transfer is being considered, the court may hold a transfer hearing to determine whether the case should remain in juvenile court or proceed in adult criminal court. Because the consequences of adult criminal court can be much more severe, it is critical to have an experienced attorney who can advocate for keeping the case in juvenile court whenever possible. Juvenile court provides important protections that are generally unavailable in adult court, including a greater emphasis on rehabilitation and, in many cases, increased privacy. In some situations, the opposite may also be possible. A case that begins in adult criminal court may be eligible to return to juvenile court under the right circumstances. Successfully advocating for that outcome often requires a thorough investigation and the presentation of evidence demonstrating why juvenile court is the more appropriate forum. That process may involve obtaining school records, Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) records, mental health records, treatment records, and other documentation that helps tell the child's full story. An attorney experienced in both juvenile and adult criminal matters can use that information to advocate on behalf of the defendant and present the strongest possible case for keeping the matter in, or returning it to, juvenile court.

The juvenile justice system and adult criminal court serve different purposes and handle cases in different ways. The juvenile justice system is designed to emphasize rehabilitation, accountability, and helping young people avoid future involvement with the justice system. Adult criminal court, on the other hand, places a greater emphasis on punishment, deterrence, and public safety. In Georgia, children under the age of seventeen are generally handled through the juvenile justice system, where cases are known as delinquency proceedings rather than criminal cases. Juvenile proceedings are generally closed to the public, unlike adult criminal court, where hearings are typically open and members of the public may attend. It's important to understand, juvenile records are not automatically sealed in Georgia. However, an experienced juvenile defense attorney can advocate for a child's record to be sealed when appropriate. These protections are generally more limited in adult criminal court, where criminal convictions can have more severe and lasting consequences. Because the juvenile justice system emphasizes rehabilitation, the outcome of a case often depends on more than the allegations alone. The court may consider a child's background, education, family circumstances, mental health, and other factors when determining the appropriate outcome. An experienced juvenile defense attorney can present this information to the court and advocate for solutions that encourage rehabilitation while protecting the child's future opportunities. Melissa's background in social work, combined with her experience representing juveniles, allows her to understand the legal and personal challenges that children and their families face. She takes the time to understand each client's unique circumstances and works to achieve the best possible outcome while protecting the child's rights and future.

The short answer is yes, it can. However, the full answer depends on the circumstances of the case and how it is ultimately resolved. A juvenile charge may affect a child's educational opportunities, including school discipline, college admissions, scholarships, or other future opportunities. When appropriate, obtaining an order to seal a juvenile record may help minimize the long-term impact of a juvenile case. However, whether a juvenile matter affects admission to a particular school or eligibility for financial aid depends on the policies of the individual institution and the specific circumstances involved. This is one of the many reasons it is important to have an experienced attorney. In appropriate cases, an attorney can advocate for the sealing of a child's record and work to achieve an outcome that helps protect the child's future educational and career opportunities. While no attorney can guarantee that a juvenile record will be sealed or that a school will make a particular admissions decision, experienced legal representation can make a meaningful difference in protecting your child's future.

The cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney depends on the type of charges, the complexity of the case, and the amount of work required. Factors such as whether the case involves a misdemeanor or felony, the number of charges, the need for expert witnesses or investigators, and whether the case is likely to proceed to trial can all affect legal fees. We understand that this is a stressful time, and we believe you should understand the cost of representation before making a decision. We offer consultations to discuss your case, explain your legal options, and provide a clear explanation of our fee structure. Payment plans are available in some cases. There is no obligation to hire us after your consultation. If you decide to move forward, we will explain your options and answer any questions you may have. To schedule a consultation, call (770) 833-8329 or contact us through our online contact form. You can also email us at info@kreimer.law.

Yes. When you work with Kreimer Law, you work directly with Melissa, not a paralegal or junior associate. You will always know where your case stands and have direct access to your attorney throughout the process.

Melissa's social work training taught her to see the whole person, not just the legal issue they are facing. That means taking the time to understand each client's background, the environment they grew up in, the challenges they have faced, and the factors that have influenced their decisions. Melissa does not view criminal charges in isolation. She believes that understanding the person behind the case leads to better advocacy and better outcomes. She works with each client to develop practical solutions that protect their future and avoid creating unnecessary barriers in their life whenever possible. Her experience as a social worker also reinforces a core belief that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. Regardless of the allegations, every client deserves a fair chance in court and an attorney who will take the time to understand their story and fight for the best possible outcome.

You should bring your identification, any court notices or hearing dates you have received, and any paperwork provided by law enforcement or the court. If you have any bond paperwork, conditions of release, or protective or no-contact orders, bring those too. These documents help us understand where your case stands and allow us to provide more meaningful guidance during your consultation. If you have photographs, videos, or other evidence related to your case, you generally do not need to bring them to your initial meeting. If reviewing those materials becomes necessary, we will let you know what information to gather and the best way to provide it. If you are unsure whether you should bring a particular document or piece of evidence, bring it with you or contact our office before your appointment. We are happy to answer any questions and help you prepare for your consultation.

Kreimer Law represents clients throughout Cobb County, Cherokee County, and the greater Metro Atlanta area. With offices located in Marietta and Canton, we are conveniently positioned to serve clients throughout North Georgia. We can also help clients in surrounding counties, including Fulton, DeKalb, Bartow, Forsyth, Pickens, Gwinnett, and other communities throughout the region. If you are unsure whether we can serve you, please contact our office. We are happy to discuss your case and determine how we can assist you.