Criminal Defense Attorney in Pooler, GA.

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Drug Attorney Pooler, GA
State Crimes

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 Drug Defense Lawyer Pooler, GA
Federal Crimes

Learn about our areas of experties involving state crimes, and better understand your rights.

If you are accused of a crime, the only thing standing between your freedom and a verdict of "guilty" is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Pooler, GA.

Those who have been arrested before know that life in the legal system is no laughing matter. Aside from the imminent ramifications of fines and jail time, any goals you have of bettering yourself and advancing your life could be compromised. Without a trusted attorney by your side, you could face a lifetime of embarrassment and poor employment prospects due to a tarnished criminal record.

The good news? Dennis O'Brien and his team of experienced lawyers in Pooler are ready to clear your name. By retaining the help of a criminal defense attorney early in the legal process, you have a much better chance of securing your freedom and living a life as a productive member of society.

At O'Brien Law Firm PC, our practice was founded to fight for the rights of individuals accused of or charged with a crime. Our team of legal experts is well-equipped to take even the most difficult, contentious cases. From violent felonies to DUI, there is nothing we haven't seen and handled. As a former law enforcement officer, founding attorney Dennis O'Brien knows exactly how much a person can lose if convicted. That's why we work tirelessly to secure a verdict that is favorable for our clients.

Regardless of how serious or minor your case may be, know that we will fight fearlessly on your behalf. You deserve zealous representation - when you hire O'Brien Law Firm PC, you will receive nothing less.

 Drug Lawyer Pooler, GA
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The O'Brien Law Firm PC Difference

Many of our clients are surprised to discover that founding lawyer Dennis O'Brien was a police officer prior to his criminal defense career. As a former Field Training Officer for the Memphis Police Department, he has over two decades of knowledge and experience in the criminal justice system. Dennis truly understands the nuance and complexities involved in a criminal defense case. This rare experience gives Dennis a clear edge in any criminal defense case and gives clients priceless peace of mind when they need it the most. Unlike some criminal defense attorneys in Pooler, Dennis O'Brien and his team believe that every client deserves effective, empathetic legal assistance. While some Pooler criminal defense firms will take weekends off or pass along cases to paralegals, Dennis personally reviews each of his cases. There is no case too small or big for O'Brien Law Firm PC. When you hire our firm, you can rest easy knowing that we will be by your side when the going gets tough.

 Federal Defense Attorney Pooler, GA
Here are just a few reasons why O'Brien Law Firm PC is Pooler's top choice in criminal defense:
  • Vigorous Representation
  • Fierce Dedication to Clients
  • Unmatched Experience
  • Face-to-Face Counsel
  • Prompt Response to Inquiries and Questions
  • Commitment to Defending Your Rights
  • Thorough, Effective Research and Investigation
  • Contact Us or Call: 912-704-5150
 Criminal Defense Law Firms Pooler, GA
Our firm has represented hundreds of criminal defense clients in Pooler and is highly qualified to take your case. Some of our specialties include:

Drug Cases in Pooler, GA

When you are charged with a drug crime in Pooler, it can change your life forever. Georgia imposes very strict punishments for drug offenses. The truth is, it's hard to get your life back on track with a drug charge on your record. Your freedom and way of life could be in the hands of your criminal defense attorney. As such, you need a competent lawyer with years of experience handling drug cases. Leaving your fate in the hands of an incompetent attorney could have long-lasting effects on your family and may result in a conviction.

 Criminal Defense Lawyers Pooler, GA

Consequences for drug crimes in Pooler often include:

  • Jail
  • Prison
  • Heavy fines
  • Community service
  • Court-ordered drug and alcohol counseling
  • Probation or parole
  • Permanent criminal record

While the consequences for a drug crime in Georgia are serious, there's reason to be hopeful: O'Brien Law Firm PC is here to fight for you. Remember - being charged with a drug crime is NOT the same thing as being convicted.

Our stellar team has represented many clients facing numerous drug-related charges. While each situation varies, one constant remains the same for clients facing drug charges: a fear of what lies ahead. At O'Brien Law Firm PC our job is to help you overcome the fear of the unknown. We do so by ensuring you understand your charges, the possible outcomes associated with those charges, and the options you need to consider from a criminal defense standpoint.

With more than a decade of experience as Pooler drug crime attorneys, we have the experience and resources to defend you in court no matter what your charges may be, including:

  • Marijuana
  • Crack
  • Cocaine
  • Heroin
  • Methamphetamine
  • Ecstasy

No matter what charge you are facing, our team has the experience and resources to build a comprehensive defense strategy for your drug case in Pooler, GA. Without a criminal defense attorney acting as your advocate, you could be facing very harsh penalties. Here are a few punishments you could be facing for drug crimes in Pooler:

  • Schedule I or Schedule II Drug Possession
    Schedule I or Schedule II Drug Possession:

    Having less than a gram (or one milliliter for liquids) of this type of drug results in a prison term of one to three years. Having four grams or milliliter carries a term of one to eight years.

  • Schedule III, IV, or V Drug Possession
    Schedule III, IV, or V Drug Possession:

    Any substance on this list is punishable by a prison sentence of one to three years.

  • Non-Narcotic Schedule II Drug Possession
    Non-Narcotic Schedule II Drug Possession:

    If you have less than two grams or milliliters of this substance, punishments can be between one year and three years. Having up to four grams or milliliters results in a prison sentence of one to eight years.

  • Possession of Marijuana
    Possession of Marijuana:

    Those who are in possession of less than an ounce of marijuana are subject to a jail sentence of up to 12 months. Fines may be no more than $1,000. Possession of more than an ounce of marijuana can result in a prison term of one to 10 years.

To avoid these life-changing punishments, you must take action now. Contact O'Brien Law Firm today for a consultation about your case.

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 Defense Lawyers Pooler, GA
 Criminal Defense Attorney Pooler, GA

Violent Crime Cases in Pooler, GA

Violent crime offenses in Pooler typically involve some form of bodily harm to another individual, actions committed against an individual's will, or threatening someone with bodily harm. Aggravated violent offenses are more severe charges and often occur when a violent crime is made more serious due to circumstances like deadly weapons.

Much like serious drug cases, violent crimes create an added layer of negativity that follows the accused for the rest of their life. In these cases, even an accusation is enough to cause irreparable damage to a person's reputation. Those convicted of a violent crime face severe penalties that can include years in a correctional facility.

Common crimes of this nature include but are not limited to:
  • Murder
  • Assault with the intent to murder
  • Vehicular homicide
  • Domestic violence
  • Assault
  • Battery
  • Kidnapping
  • Rape
  • Robbery
  • Carjacking

When you are accused of any of the above crimes, your freedom hangs in the balance. The outcome of your case will determine whether you leave the courtroom with your freedom intact or stripped away to serve time behind bars. Because the punishments for violent crimes are so extreme, you should be seeking legal counsel from a criminal defense attorney in Pooler, GA, as soon as possible. As a former police officer with a long record of positive verdicts in violent crime cases, Dennis O'Brien is well equipped to represent you in court.

Having a criminal defense lawyer by your side is the best way to avoid the serious punishments associated with violent crimes. These punishments usually result in prison time if convicted and include:
Forced rape: 20 years
Armed robbery: Up to 20 years
Simple assault: Up to 12 months
Aggravated assault: 10 to 20 years
Aggravated battery: Up to 20 years
Involuntary manslaughter: One to 20 years
Vehicular homicide Up to 15 years
Murder: Life in prison or the death sentence
Zealous Representation Without Judgement

As a former police officer, Dennis O'Brien has seen the toll it takes on a person when charged with a crime. His time in law enforcement allows him to empathize with his clients who desperately need competent representation. Despite being innocent until proven guilty, accusations are scary, and conviction could be a reality. That is why you must work with a trustworthy criminal defense lawyer in Pooler, GA who will work tirelessly to clear your name.

Clients choose O'Brien Law Firm because we believe in open communication, honesty, and hard work. It is not our job to act as judges for those who have been accused of crimes. Rather, our goal is to find the best defense that allows us to protect our clients' rights and freedoms.

DUI Cases in Pooler, GA

Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most common crimes committed in Georgia. Punishments for such a crime can be severe, and for understandable reasons - when a person operates a vehicle while they are intoxicated, they're putting their life and the lives of others at risk.

While DUI is a serious crime that completely upend the accused's life, the earnest desire to end drunk driving can make police officers too eager to catch a person who they believe is under the influence.

 Criminal Defense Law Firm Pooler, GA

The city of Pooler, Georgia, has implemented severe punishments for DUI, even for first-time offenders. Individuals charged with DUI in Pooler could face:

  • Very expensive fines and fees
  • Loss of license
  • Incarceration

Fortunately, if you or someone you love has been charged with DUI, there is hope. This is particularly true when the accused is administered a breath or blood test for DUI. In fact, cases that involve a breath and/or blood test are beaten daily. When you hire O'Brien Law Firm PC, we will dive deep into your DUI case in Pooler and examine every angle possible for your case to be dismissed. Here are just a few questions our team will investigate:

  • Was the stop legal? If not, your case could be dismissed
  • Is there enough evidence or probable cause to arrest you? If not, Dennis O'Brien will file a pre-trial motion and will fight hard to have your case dismissed before trial.
  • Did the police read you your implied consent rights? If not, your case could be thrown out. Failure to read implied consent rights to the accused is one of the most common police errors.
  • Were your blood testing records and breathalyzer results maintained? Breath testing comes with inherent weaknesses that can create doubt in a juror's mind.

There are numerous ways to beat a DUI case in Georgia, from unreliable field sobriety tests to inaccurate state-administered breath tests. As a veteran criminal defense lawyer in Pooler, GA, Dennis O'Brien has the knowledge and experience to expose the state's mistakes and fight for your rights. When you hire O'Brien Law Firm PC your chances of dismissal are greatly increased. When your case is dismissed, you can continue living life without the burden of a criminal record.

 Criminal Justice Attorney Pooler, GA

If you or someone you love is accused of a crime in Pooler, GA, don't leave fate up to the prosecution. Take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family before it's too late.

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Latest News in Pooler, GA

As second store prepares to open in Pooler, family shares how medical cannabis helped their young son

POOLER, Ga. (WTOC) - A second medical cannabis dispensary is set to open on Wednesday after becoming legal recently.As final preparations are made, Botanical Sciences medical cannabis dispensary is almost ready for business in Pooler.“Our entire journey is about how do we get this medicinal treatment to the patients in the state of Georgia and this particular region,” Botanical Sciences CEO Gary Long said.It’ll be the second dispensary in the city, after ...

POOLER, Ga. (WTOC) - A second medical cannabis dispensary is set to open on Wednesday after becoming legal recently.

As final preparations are made, Botanical Sciences medical cannabis dispensary is almost ready for business in Pooler.

“Our entire journey is about how do we get this medicinal treatment to the patients in the state of Georgia and this particular region,” Botanical Sciences CEO Gary Long said.

It’ll be the second dispensary in the city, after Trulieve opened its doors earlier this month.

“To have this right here in our city is amazing and I’m glad it’s going to be a service to allow our residents to feel better and get better,” Pooler Councilwoman Karen Williams said.

Long said all products are organic, lab-tested, and state regulated. After the grand opening Wednesday, those products will be more easily available for patients like Cooper King.

Cooper’s dad said the 11-year-old has Dravet Syndrome, which causes seizures and gave him a life expectancy of five to 12 years.

“We used up all of our options. We went to Savannah and talked to every pediatric neurologist there was,” Cooper’s dad, Ryan King said.

Less than a year into Cooper’s life, his dad said it changed forever. And the lack of local options pushed them to try something different - medical cannabis.

“He was just having a rough day and we put drops in his mouth while he was having a seizure, put him back on his side and within 30 seconds, he was out of it,” Ryan King said.

They used it as an emergency option before finding something more accessible, but King said these new dispensaries in Pooler might bring them back to THC treatments. Something he’s been recommending to others since it helped his son.

“He’s led me to places and met up with different families who we can help and that’s the key to life right there,” King said.

Treatments from Botanical Sciences are not typically covered by insurance, but the dispensary will offer free consultations to families, like the Kings, to find what works best for patients, like Cooper.

Copyright 2023 WTOC. All rights reserved.

Pooler restaurant to be featured on hit food reality show on Friday

POOLER, Ga. (WSAV) — A Pooler restaurant is gaining social media notoriety after announcing that they would be featured on Guy Fieri’s popular food reality show, “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” this Friday.Chazito’s Latin Cuisine posted on Facebook that they will be featured on the show this Friday, July 7 at 9:00 p.m. ET.News 3 reached out to owner Chaz Ortiz to talk about the restaurant’s upcoming appearance, “My food reminds them of home even though we do Latin fusion, We do have some...

POOLER, Ga. (WSAV) — A Pooler restaurant is gaining social media notoriety after announcing that they would be featured on Guy Fieri’s popular food reality show, “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” this Friday.

Chazito’s Latin Cuisine posted on Facebook that they will be featured on the show this Friday, July 7 at 9:00 p.m. ET.

News 3 reached out to owner Chaz Ortiz to talk about the restaurant’s upcoming appearance, “My food reminds them of home even though we do Latin fusion, We do have some authentic dishes here that give people the remembrance they need of their grandma or their aunt, it feels great. I feel like I’m a part of their family.”

This isn’t the restaurant’s first time appearing on the Food Network — Ortiz represented Chazito’s on Food Network’s “Guy’s Grocery Games” back in 2019.

“That definitely gave me an opening in the food for this,” Ortiz explained. “He came over here and he was great like he was over there. The dude is awesome”

The first Chazito’s first location opened in Pooler in 2016 — They have a main location in Pooler and a food truck that regularly appears at Starland Yard in Savannah.

The restaurant focuses on traditional Puerto Rican food like mofongo, empanadas and much more.

“It’s a mix of truly authentic dishes like the Khan Khan. That’s an insanely huge pork dish. And wonderful things,” one patron said.

As somebody from the Caribbean who grew up eating this type of food– I had to grab a bite for myself.

Ortiz says he truly values the opportunity to give Latin Americans a taste of home with his food.

“When somebody says ‘This tastes like my grandma’s’ — that’s like the highest achievement, you know? I get that here and there and it definitely feels good every time.

Although many local Savannahians know the Chazito’s food truck, the physical location in Pooler will be in the spotlight tomorrow evening.

The restaurant will be hosting a watch party to celebrate its appearance on the show.

Here are the qualified candidates for the Pooler city elections on Nov. 7.

Here are the qualified candidates for the Pooler elections on Nov. 7.The qualifying period for candidates ended Friday afternoon. Residents of Pooler will head to the polls to choose their next mayor and city councilmembers.Here is the slate of candidates who responded to requests for information or have campaign websites or publicly viewable social media channels.PoolerMayorStevie Wall was born and raised in Pooler and has been a resident there his entire life. He has al...

Here are the qualified candidates for the Pooler elections on Nov. 7.

The qualifying period for candidates ended Friday afternoon. Residents of Pooler will head to the polls to choose their next mayor and city councilmembers.

Here is the slate of candidates who responded to requests for information or have campaign websites or publicly viewable social media channels.

Pooler

Mayor

Stevie Wall was born and raised in Pooler and has been a resident there his entire life. He has also served on the Pooler City Council for more than 20 years. As mayor, he said his priority is doing what is best for all of Pooler and keeping Pooler quaint and friendly.

Karen Williams served on the Pooler City Council for the past three years and has four generations of family residing in Pooler. Williams is a military wife of over 30 years and used her service to country and local community during her time as a councilmember.

More:Dueling visions for Pooler's future? Mayoral candidates ramp up for November election

City Council

Wesley Bashlor was born and raised in Pooler, and has deep roots in the community, with his family history dating back to as early as the 1950s. Wesley's family is responsible for opening the original produce stand Polk's Plus. His hope is to become part of the plan to enhance and develop the growth of Pooler.

Tom Hutcherson (Incumbent) is the mayor pro-tem of the Pooler City Council. He and his wife relocated to Pooler in 2014, and he has been involved in civic and community activities his entire adult life, believing these experiences and his skill set can help move the city forward.

Aaron C. Higgins (Incumbent) is currently a member of the Pooler City Council. He and his wife moved to Pooler in 2015. Higgins said he is running for office to help the Pooler community in the most hands-on way possible.

Shirlenia Daniel is a candidate for Pooler City Council. As a long-time resident, she faithfully embraces Pooler's rising growth and development while maintaining its rich heritage.

Michae'l Carpenter is a candidate for Pooler City Council. He describes himself as an experienced leader, mentor, husband, father, and community hero. He said he is driven by his passion for service, and is committed to the Pooler community.

Rebecca Benton has served as the mayor of Pooler since 2020 and had previously been on the city council since 2004. The mayor previously mentioned age and back problems influencing her decision to step away from city government.

More:Pooler's Rebecca Benton will be a one-term mayor. Here's why and who she endorsed for the post.

Shannon Black has been a Pooler councilmember since 2010 and has been a resident of Pooler for more than 16 years.

David "Dave" Legasse and his wife are best known in Pooler as the owners of The Salt Table, which they opened 12 years ago, before officially moving to Pooler eight years ago. He said his goal is to ensure a local environment where Pooler residents can enjoy life instead of just paying taxes for the greater growth of the area. He said he plans to use his history of being involved in many different boards and commissions to accomplish that.

John M. Wilcher is currently a city council member and has been a resident of Chatham County his entire life, and has lived in Pooler 18 years. He currently works in law enforcement, and if re-elected he wants to improve the quality of life for Pooler residents while maintaining the small town feel with big city conveniences.

Ruthie Woodard has been a resident of Pooler since 2001, and currently works as a life insurance agent and in revenue integrity for Ensemble Health Partners. Woodard said that growth is good for any city, but healthy growth is maintained by ensuring that taxes, user charges and intergovernmental payments are allocated properly in supporting the city's growth.

Taste of Pooler returns after three-year hiatus tonight

Local restaurants across Chatham County will be at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth for a community building event. Infinite Scroll Enabled GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTSThe latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.Your Email AddressPrivacy Notice POOLER, Ga. —The Taste of Pooler returns to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth t...

Local restaurants across Chatham County will be at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth for a community building event.

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POOLER, Ga. —

The Taste of Pooler returns to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth tonight at 6 p.m. after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

While the event is already sold out, there will be 20 featured local restaurants from across Chatham County, aiming to build community among neighbors and businesses.

The Pooler Chamber of Commerce says that they were contemplating whether the event should be brought back. However, over a forum sent to restaurants in the area, it was a resounding, "Yes."

"We wanted to bring it back. Pooler has so many restaurants, so many different genres of restaurants," Courtney Rawlins, president and CEO of Pooler Chamber of Commerce, said. "It would just be a shame not to highlight them and tell everybody in Chatham County about them."

Officials of the event hope that this event strengthens a sense of community not only in Pooler, but all across Chatham County, from town staples, to brand new restaurants.

One of the featured local restaurants, PhatGirlz, has only been open for four weeks and gets the chance to showcase their food tonight. Located at the Broughton Market Tanger, they make soul food that they think will keep bringing people back.

"I'm just looking forward to everybody smiling once they taste my food ... and we put a lot of love into it," Chef Willia Dukes, owner of PhatGirlz, said. "I'm eager to meet a lot of different people that are going who don't know about us, who are going to come and experience the taste that we've already been giving out.

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Dukes was a former catering and private chef before opening her restaurant. Family and friends encouraged the chef to open her own place since they were impressed every time they took a bite.

"Everyone would always tell me, 'Oh my god, I wish I could get this on a daily basis.' And once I partnered with some people and I ended up coming here and opening up a brick and mortar, it was very scary at first, but I'm loving it now," Dukes said.

PhatGirlz is one of 20 restaurants to be featured at Taste of Pooler tonight. For more information on the event, follow this link.

A medical cannabis dispensary is set to open in Pooler this summer. Here's what you can expect

Botanical Sciences expects to open its Pooler dispensary by early July. Infinite Scroll Enabled GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTSThe latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.Your Email AddressPrivacy Notice CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. —Two medical cannabis dispensaries are set to open in Pooler this year. This comes after the Georgia Access to Medical ...

Botanical Sciences expects to open its Pooler dispensary by early July.

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CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. —

Two medical cannabis dispensaries are set to open in Pooler this year. This comes after the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission voted to issue the state’s first five dispensing licenses to Botanical Sciences LLC and Trulieve GA Inc.

"We've been working very closely with the state for quite some time, as you can imagine, through the process. So, we were very excited coming out of the commission meeting that they had authorized our dispensaries," said Botanical Sciences CEO Gary Long.

Long told WJCL 22 News Botanical Sciences expects to open its Pooler location by early July.

"We've been working very diligently for quite some time as you can imagine preparing for this date and it's come, so we're so excited."

In order to enter the dispensary, people will need to be on the Department of Public Health's Low-THC Oil Patient Registry and have a Low THC Oil Identification Card. Long said if a customer has that, they'll be greeted by workers and will be guided to the right product(s) for them.

"Once they do enter, they will find a very inviting space, one where they will be greeted by a patient consultant that will engage them specifically about the disease that they are there to address symptoms they are trying to get relief from," Long said. "Through that consultation process, we will then walk them through the options available to them and help them decide on the right ratio to THC and connection with other cannabinoids to achieve the desired effect as part of their therapy."

Long said this is just the beginning for Botanical Sciences. He said the Glennville-based company has plans to open up even more dispensaries in the future.

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"What we have received authorization for is two licenses right now of the six we've been granted, so the first two will be in Pooler and in Cobb County right outside Metro Atlanta and then we'll be locating other dispensaries in and around the Atlanta Metro area and in other population centers around the state," Long said.

Trulieve has not yet said exactly when its Pooler location will open, but it has already opened locations in Macon and Marietta.

In order to get a Low THC Oil Card, people need to consult their doctor. If approved, the patient's information will be entered into a registry and a card will be issued. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, those cards are good for two years.

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