Cobb County Violent Crime Lawyer

Cobb County Violent Crime Attorney

Violent crimes typically carry some of the most severe penalties in the state, and you can expect prosecutors to pursue cases aggressively. That’s why it’s important to work with a Cobb County violent crime lawyer who will represent you with just as much determination. A variety of offenses fall under the category of violent crime, and it’s beneficial to understand your rights if you’re arrested, as well as the nuances of the law.

The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman has represented people accused of a wide range of crimes, including criminal defense and drug crimes, for over 25 years. Lawrence Zimmerman has experience in state and federal courts, has acquitted people of many crimes, and has reversed convictions in the appellate courts.

How Is Violent Crime Defined in Cobb County?

In Georgia, violent crime is defined as a criminal act that involves a person using or threatening force against another person. This includes the use of physical force, weapons, or just the threat of violence.

According to the 2023 summary report from the Georgia Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, a violent crime occurs every 14 minutes and 42 seconds.

Reported violent crimes totaled 35,739, including:

• 27,053 aggravated assaults
• 4,280 robberies
• 3,361 rapes
• 728 murders
• 317 human trafficking cases

And, 13,165 was the number of total crimes reported in Cobb County, GA, including:

• 1,198 aggravated assaults
• 217 robberies
• 213 rapes
• 28 murders
• 15 human trafficking cases
• 11,494 nonviolent crimes

The Special Investigations and Response Division, commanded by Major James Fincher, investigates specific crimes in Cobb County. It’s broken down into different units based on those crimes, some of which are violent crimes.

The Violent Crime Bureau (VCB) was established in 2021 to address violent crime in Cobb County through plainclothes operations, real-time intelligence, surveillance activities, and tactical operations. VCB is made up of two units: the Violent Incident Prevention and Early Response (VIPER) unit and the Tactical (TAC) unit.

The VIPER unit focuses on preventing crime and engaging local communities to improve the overall quality and safety of their cities. The TAC unit comprises the full Cobb County Police SWAT team and serves as the primary unit for any services that don’t require the full SWAT team and for any SWAT team activations. They also help organize training, evaluate equipment, and more.

The Seven Deadly Sins in Georgia

In 1994 and 1995, Georgia passed two bills in an attempt to get tough on crime in the state. The first bill, the Juvenile Reform Act of 1994 (Senate Bill 440), made it so that anyone between the ages of 13 and 17 who commits offenses known as the “seven deadly sins” would be tried in an adult criminal court instead of through the juvenile justice system.

The seven deadly sins of crime in Georgia include:

• Aggravated child molestation
• Aggravated sexual battery
• Aggravated sodomy
• Armed robbery with a firearm
• Murder
• Rape
• Voluntary manslaughter

Under this bill, juvenile offenders can serve time in adult prisons; some can even get life sentences. Under Senate Bill 441, also known as the “two strikes” law, offenders convicted of one of those seven crimes must serve a minimum of 10 years. If they are sentenced for longer, or if it’s their second offense, they won’t be eligible for parole.

Recent Penalties for a Violent Crime in Cobb County

In March of 2024, the Cobb County Superior Court sentenced a twenty-five-year-old man to life in prison without parole plus an additional 45 years. The offender was found guilty of four counts of felony murder, malice murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm, and conspiracy to commit an armed robbery.

While this sentencing is on the more extreme end for convictions for multiple serious crimes, it demonstrates the aggressive manner in which violent crimes are prosecuted. A Cobb County violent crimes lawyer can be your strongest ally if you find yourself facing charges for a violent crime.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in Cobb County?

A: The overall cost of your criminal lawyer can vary depending on a variety of factors. The attorney’s experience and reputation can impact their rates as well as the type of offense for which you need representation and the complexity of the case. Many attorneys either charge a flat fee, hourly rates, or a retainer for their services. Some may also offer payment plans to help offset expensive costs for clients.

Q: What Are My Rights if I’m Charged With a Crime in Cobb County?

A: If you are charged with a crime in Cobb County, you still have rights. This includes but is not limited to the right to plead not guilty, the right to a jury trial, the right to a Cobb County violent crime defense lawyer, the right to innocence until proven guilty, the right to remain silent, and the right to appeal.

Q: What Is the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 1994 in Georgia?

A: The Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 1994, also known as Senate Bill 440, gives the superior court jurisdiction over trials of juvenile offenders aged 13-17 years old who have committed offenses known as the “seven deadly sins.” This includes aggravated child molestation, aggravated sexual battery, aggravated sodomy, armed robbery with a firearm, murder, rape, and voluntary manslaughter.

Q: What Are the Four Violent Crime Offenses?

A: Violent crimes are defined as offenses that involve force or the threat of force. The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program categorizes violent crime into four types of offenses: aggravated assault, forcible rape, murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, and robbery. Georgia’s UCR Program follows the standard definitions and procedures set by the FBI’s program.

Contact a Cobb County Violent Crime Lawyer to Set Up a Consultation Today

Our team at The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman is committed to learning your story and building a strong defense that earns you a fair outcome in court. We’ve won a variety of high-profile cases and countless others over our 25+ years of experience.

Moreover, Lawrence Zimmerman has experience as president of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (GACDL), where he worked closely with the Supreme Court and trial courts as well as a number of government agencies to address problems with the state’s legal system.

Our office has the skills, resources, and experience to fight criminal defense cases for you in court. If you’re ready to learn more, call us to set up an appointment to discuss your case in more detail.