Criminal Law

How our Law Firm Can Help You

  • In some instances, we can have your case dropped before charges are even filed. Once the Prosecutor’s Office receives the report, we make contact with them and begin defending you. This is the advantage of having a former prosecutor defending you. We know what evidence they are looking for, and we know what evidence doesn’t help them.

  • We can negotiate with the Prosecutor for drastically reduced charges. As most criminal cases comprise a unique set of variables, the degree to which your charges may be reduced will be dependent on various factors such as prior offenses, actual evidence, and other specifics surrounding your particular situation. Negotiating on your behalf will always benefit you, given the unique circumstances of dealing with former colleagues.

  • If factors such as inadmissible evidence, improper procedure, lack of probable cause, illegal arrest, unlawful search and seizure, or other crucial factors exist, we can file a Pre-trial “Motion to Suppress.” If successful, the entire case may be dismissed, or the prosecution’s most incriminating evidence may be thrown out. At this point, we will take the case to jury trial, and with our firm’s extensive trial experience, we will use that to your benefit as we seek “NOT GUILTY” verdicts

  • In the event of a conviction, we can mitigate sentencing & penalties, persuading the court for more lenient punishment and jail alternatives such as community service, an alcohol or drug treatment program, suspended sentencing, probation in lieu of jail, reduced fines, sober living, anger management classes, etc.

A Criminal Law Firm Committed to Your Defense

As a former prosecutor, Rudjard Hayes knows how to negotiate most effectively with prosecutors and judges. Christopher “Doc” Upshaw, a partner at SH&A is fluent in both English and Spanish and has almost a decade of criminal experience throughout the state of Georgia. In addition to personally handling your case from arraignment through trial, our criminal defense attorneys are available to you during every step of the criminal process. Sanchez, Hayes & Associates guarantees that you will receive the undivided, personal attention you deserve.

What We Will Do To Fight for Your Case

  • 1. We listen to what did and didn’t happen, ask pertinent questions, and assess the potential strength and or weaknesses of the case against you. We will advise you of what actions to take, what not to do, what not to say, whom you should not speak with, how to protect yourself going forward, and identify potential strategies pending review of your police report, witness statements, and any other documents or evidence affecting your case.

  • 2. Obtain and review police reports pertaining to your arrest or criminal investigation.

  • 3. Compile a list of all possible witnesses and statements concerning your case. Interview and question all parties concerned.

  • 4. Visit the scene of the arrest or alleged crime, if necessary, combing for evidence and disproving factors while notating irregularities and any contradicting or conflicting statements cited in the police report.

  • 5. Conduct a thorough background check of all potential witnesses and involved parties, looking for discrediting information which may compromise their credibility.

  • 6. We may even hire a private investigator, when applicable, to prove or disprove essential elements of your case.

  • 7. We often employ an independent laboratory or expert to test, document, and testify as to the reliability of evidence and / or samples related to your case.

  • 8. Evaluate the chain of events leading up to and resulting in your arrest and detention, looking for improper adherence to procedure, collection and handling of evidence, equipment maintenance records, lack of probable cause, illegal search and seizure, and other criteria to potentially strengthen your defense.

Criminal Defense

The criminal defense lawyers at Sanchez Hayes & Associates have extensive experience in all aspects of criminal law and in defending the rights of the individuals accused of any and all criminal offenses. After more than 12 years of experience as a Prosecutor and 18 years as a criminal defense attorney throughout the state of Georgia, various other states and multiple federal jurisdicitions, Rudjard M. Hayes heads our firm’s criminal defense practice in his vigorous and passionate defense of our clients.  After knowing the ins and outs of prosecution, there is no attorney better capable of navigating your criminal defense than Rudjard M. Hayes. From minor offenses and misdemeanors to serious crimes and felonies, our firm has the ability, knowledge and skill to ensure our clients achieve the best possible results. Our attorneys can assist you through your criminal defense and post-conviction matters in all areas of criminal law, including:

  • Driving Under the Influence / DUI Defense

  • Vehicular Homicide

  • Drug-related crimes

  • Probation violations

  • Speeding Tickets & Traffic Offenses

  • Juvenile Criminal Defense

  • Murder

  • Armed Robbery

  • Aggravated Assault

  • Assault, Battery, and other forceful crimes

  • Arson

  • Fraud, Money Laundering, and White Collar Crimes

  • Appeals

CONTACT US

CONTACT US

Contact us today for an initial case evaluation at (770) 692-5020 or email us at support@sanchezhayeslaw.com.

For more in-depth information about any of the areas of criminal defense in which we specialize, please see our individual pages on DUI Defense, Drug-related crimes, Miranda Rights, Speeding Tickets and other Traffic Offenses, and Juvenile Criminal Defense.

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