Criminal Defense Attorney in Skidaway Island, GA

State Crimes

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

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 Skidaway Island, 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 Skidaway Island 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.

Service Areas

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 Skidaway Island, Dennis O'Brien and his team believe that every client deserves effective, empathetic legal assistance. While some Skidaway Island 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 Skidaway Island, GA

Here are just a few reasons why O'Brien Law Firm PC is Skidaway Island'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 Skidaway Island, GA

Our firm has represented hundreds of criminal defense clients in Skidaway Island and is highly qualified to take your case. Some of our specialties include:

Drug Cases in Skidaway Island, GA

When you are charged with a drug crime in Skidaway Island, 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 Skidaway Island, GA

Consequences for drug crimes in Skidaway Island 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 Skidaway Island 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 Skidaway Island, 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 Skidaway Island:

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:

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

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:

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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Criminal Defense Attorney Skidaway Island, GA

Violent Crime Cases in Skidaway Island, GA

Violent crime offenses in Skidaway Island 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 Skidaway Island, 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 Skidaway Island, 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 Skidaway Island, 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 Skidaway Island, GA

The city of Skidaway Island, Georgia, has implemented severe punishments for DUI, even for first-time offenders. Individuals charged with DUI in Skidaway Island 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 Skidaway Island 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 Skidaway Island, 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 Skidaway Island, GA

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

Wild Georgia: Annual wildflower pilgrimage celebrates spring

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, my most favorite event of the year (besides Christmas) was back last weekend — the Georgia Botanical Society’s annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage.For me, there’s no better celebration of Georgia’s superb beauty and biodiversity in spring than the three-day pilgrimage — held each year in a different part of the state and offering several field trips to explore surrounding natural areas.This year’s pilgrimage was based in Savannah, a starting point for ...

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, my most favorite event of the year (besides Christmas) was back last weekend — the Georgia Botanical Society’s annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage.

For me, there’s no better celebration of Georgia’s superb beauty and biodiversity in spring than the three-day pilgrimage — held each year in a different part of the state and offering several field trips to explore surrounding natural areas.

This year’s pilgrimage was based in Savannah, a starting point for exploring a variety of coastal habitats — salt marshes, marsh hammocks, maritime forests, river swamps and others.

It also offered a chance to blend nature with rich human history. In particular, one of the field trips I took was a botanical survey of Savannah’s famed 175-year-old Bonaventure Cemetery. I was torn between admiring the cemetery’s unique sculptures and architecture and keeping up with our leader Tim Estep, who was pointing out the native wildflowers, vines and other plants growing on and around the century-old graves — lyre-leaf sage, wood sorrel, rain lily, yellow passion flower vine and others.

The cemetery’s dominant flora, of course, is its magnificent live oaks (Georgia’s official state tree), draped in Spanish moss and sprouting resurrection ferns from massive limbs.

Another outing took us to the edge of a salt marsh along the Sandpiper Trail at Skidaway Island State Park. By far, the marsh’s most abundant plant is Spartina alterniflora, or marsh grass, which covers hundreds of square miles along Georgia’s coast.

The marshes’ second most common plant is black needlerush. Our leader Bobby Hattaway warned us that needlerush can seriously damage an eye or eardrum if poked by one of the plant’s needle-sharp stems.

Our walk ended on a marsh hammock, or small marsh island, with dense swaths of saw palmetto, one of Georgia’s four native palms. An effective treatment for prostate ailments is made from the plant’s black berries that appear in fall, Hattaway noted.

IN THE SKY: From David Dundee, Tellus Science Museum astronomer: The moon is full Saturday night — the “Flower Moon.” The Lyrid meteor shower peaks at 20 meteors per hour on Thursday and Friday nights (April 21-22) in the northeast sky. Venus, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter are in the east a few hours before sunrise.

Easter events this weekend in Savannah

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Easter is quickly approaching and that may leave you wondering what there is to do in Savannah to celebrate the holiday. Here is a list of some of the Easter events going on in Savannah this weekend.Easter Egg Scavenger HuntWhere: Skidaway Island State ParkWhen: Sunday, April 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Price: There is no price listed.More information can be found through the link ...