Criminal Defense Attorney in Tybee Island, GA.

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 Drug Defense Lawyer Tybee Island, GA
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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 Tybee 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 Tybee 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.

 Drug Lawyer Tybee Island, 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 Tybee Island, Dennis O'Brien and his team believe that every client deserves effective, empathetic legal assistance. While some Tybee 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 Tybee Island, GA
Here are just a few reasons why O'Brien Law Firm PC is Tybee 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 Tybee Island, GA
Our firm has represented hundreds of criminal defense clients in Tybee Island and is highly qualified to take your case. Some of our specialties include:

Drug Cases in Tybee Island, GA

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

Consequences for drug crimes in Tybee 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 Tybee 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 Tybee 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 Tybee Island:

  • 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 Tybee Island, GA
 Criminal Defense Attorney Tybee Island, GA

Violent Crime Cases in Tybee Island, GA

Violent crime offenses in Tybee 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 Tybee 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 Tybee 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 Tybee 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 Tybee Island, GA

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

If you or someone you love is accused of a crime in Tybee 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.

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Latest News in Tybee Island, GA

Orange Crush organizer says safety is top priority

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - Tybee Island city leaders are expecting a very busy weekend as a decades old beach party is returning to the island.Orange Crush is back this year but not without controversy. All over social media, people are voicing their concerns about Orange Crush, an event that started as a beach party for HBCU students from across the region.In the past, there have been safety issues with the event, including a shooting in 2015. The event also hasn’t been issued a permit by the City of Tybee Island....

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - Tybee Island city leaders are expecting a very busy weekend as a decades old beach party is returning to the island.

Orange Crush is back this year but not without controversy. All over social media, people are voicing their concerns about Orange Crush, an event that started as a beach party for HBCU students from across the region.

In the past, there have been safety issues with the event, including a shooting in 2015. The event also hasn’t been issued a permit by the City of Tybee Island.

One of the organizers of the event said that safety for this year’s Orange Crush is a top priority.

Though no permit has been issued for this year’s Orange Crush event, co-organizer Britian Wigfall said that he has been in contact with City of Tybee Island officials, discussing the safety of eventgoers and islanders.

“We talked about the safety rules of the beach, the sandbar, and I put it on a flyer and I passed it out to everybody to let them know the rules of the beach and let them know that safety is the number one priority,” Wigfall said.

Safety- and fun- go hand in hand for this event, Wigfall says. Though it has a controversial reputation, he adds that the point of Orange Crush is not to get crazy, but to build community.

“We want people to have good wholesome fun and get home safely. We’re not just trying to break any rules and go down there and take over a city. We want to just have fun and enjoy the beach,” Wigfall said.

Orange Crush has taken place on Tybee since 1988- though for the last two years, it’s been held in Florida.

Wigfall says that the event is more sentimental than just a beach bash and that he wants those in attendance to make memories, like their parents did.

“It’s one of those things that people enjoy and talk about to this day. ‘I had fun at Orange Crush,’ they tell their parents about it, their kids about it. And I want them to speak about the good memories of Orange Crush, not the things that have happened in the past,” Wigfall said.

Orange Crush weekend does start Friday, and though it remains unpermitted, Tybee city officials say that they’re preparing for a big weekend like they would for any other event or holiday.

Copyright 2023 WTOC. All rights reserved.

New virtual way for people to learn about Black history on Tybee Island

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - This year will mark the second annual Lazaretto Day on Tybee Island. A commemoration of the victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade that were quarantined on the island, before being brought to Savannah to be sold.This year, there’ll be a deeper look at that history.At the second annual Lazaretto Day Commemoration on Tybee Island this Saturday, project leaders are going to be unveiling a new way to learn about Black history on the island and it’s only a click away.After years in the...

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - This year will mark the second annual Lazaretto Day on Tybee Island. A commemoration of the victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade that were quarantined on the island, before being brought to Savannah to be sold.

This year, there’ll be a deeper look at that history.

At the second annual Lazaretto Day Commemoration on Tybee Island this Saturday, project leaders are going to be unveiling a new way to learn about Black history on the island and it’s only a click away.

After years in the making, the virtual Black History Trail is online for people to see. The trail is a collaborative effort between Tybee MLK, the Tybee Historical Society, and Georgia Southern University.

“This is our statement to say that Tybee is open for everyone that wants to come out here and enjoy the island, and to learn more about it,” said Pat Leiby, the director of community engagement with Tybee MLK.

The virtual trail currently has historical information about 13 stops on the island. Though there’s no physical markers on the trail yet, project leaders tell me there will eventually be signs at each stop, as well as a brochure.

Folks are encouraged to go visit the 13 stops in person, while reading along the website.

“We go to the pier, to talk about the musicians that came to entertain during Jim Crow at the pier. We go to the back river to talk about the quarters of the maids on the back river. It’s just very informative, and I think that people will enjoy it. It’ll be a new way to see Tybee,” Tybee MLK co-founder, Julia Pearce said.

Leaders say one of the most important things about the project is accuracy.

Sarah Jones, the executive director of the Tybee Island Historical Society, said that compiling all the information was a bit of an undertaking, but those involved had direction from Amy Potter of Georgia Southern.

“She was really, really vital in helping us and getting us organized, actually. And showing us how to start the research and where to go do the research and how to do it the proper way. That was really important. She’s a little bit of an expert in oral histories, and so that was something that we all learned a lot about, because a lot of our information from this trail comes from oral histories,” Jones said.

Jones said that they’ll be working to add more stops to the Black History Trail as they continue to learn more about Black history on Tybee Island.

If you’d like to take a look at the Black History Trail, please click here.

Copyright 2023 WTOC. All rights reserved.

Zunzi’s opening new location on Tybee Island

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - Zunzi’s in Savannah is getting ready to expand to Tybee Island.Folks with Tybee Island Main Street say what this means is that Tybee has become a place where people want to do business. They say the island had 6 million visits last year and any time a new business opens it adds to the overall experience people have when they come here.“It’s just another opportunity for us to join a community and hopefully do good things together,” said Chris Smith, the owner of Zunzi’s an...

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - Zunzi’s in Savannah is getting ready to expand to Tybee Island.

Folks with Tybee Island Main Street say what this means is that Tybee has become a place where people want to do business. They say the island had 6 million visits last year and any time a new business opens it adds to the overall experience people have when they come here.

“It’s just another opportunity for us to join a community and hopefully do good things together,” said Chris Smith, the owner of Zunzi’s and Zunzibar.

Chris Smith, the Owner of Zunzi’s and Zunzibar, says it’s been a goal of his to find a piece of property on Tybee. When Gerald’s Pig and Shrimp off Highway 80 went up for sale, it was a no brainer.

“Just an amazing piece of property and so I quickly reached out and we had a lease done in about 45 days.”

Smith applied for an entertainment license through the City of Tybee and according to the city the restaurant got approval. Since then, the building has been getting a facelift.

Smith says people can expect the same menu here as the Savannah location, but some items on the menu may have a Tybee twist. He says he hopes visitors and locals will enjoy their unique cuisine and environment.

“We’re going to shoot to have live music during peak season almost every day. We’re going to keep it simple and focused on a great guest experience. Things that our guests have loved for many years downtown.”

But it’s not only about a new cuisine experience for islanders. Cassadi Kendrick the Executive Director of the island’s Main Street program says it’s about giving people more dining options and more places to find work.

“Just getting creative with recruiting new people to come out here and work will not just help a new business but could also help the existing businesses out here too,” said Kendrick.

Kendrick says this growth further markets the island and encourages people, who might not otherwise, to choose Tybee as a place to go.

“Hopefully with their locations in Savannah some of the crowds that visit those locations come out and experience the Tybee location. They could’ve picked a lot of other places, but they picked Tybee.”

There’s also talk about another well-known restaurant in Savannah opening a location on the island as well. The city says paperwork for it hasn’t been filed yet, so stick with WTOC for that update.

Copyright 2023 WTOC. All rights reserved.

Tourism continues to grow on Tybee Island, Little Tybee Island seeing litter issues

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - With tourist season ramping up, city leaders on Tybee Island are gearing up to accommodate tens of thousands of visitors.A new study by Georgia Southern University confirms what leaders have thought for years, Tybee is seeing more and more people each year.The study took place from July 2021 to September 2022, both online and in person. Researchers found that over half of the people that visit Tybee throughout the year aren’t local to the area, but play a critical role in the local economy....

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - With tourist season ramping up, city leaders on Tybee Island are gearing up to accommodate tens of thousands of visitors.

A new study by Georgia Southern University confirms what leaders have thought for years, Tybee is seeing more and more people each year.

The study took place from July 2021 to September 2022, both online and in person. Researchers found that over half of the people that visit Tybee throughout the year aren’t local to the area, but play a critical role in the local economy.

Over the period of the study, Tybee Island saw around 1.8 million visitors. That’s up from 1.04 million the island saw the last time GSU did a study in 2015.

That’s a 59 percent increase in not even a decade. It’s a trend that city leaders have definitely taken notice of.

“We can’t just pretend that we’re 3,000 people anymore. We have to think larger. And we want everyone to be safe, so the reason we have to do that is, not only do we have to have resources on hand to respond to the needs of the millions of tourists that are here every year, but we also have to have those resources available for the people that live here,” said Tybee Island Assistant City Manager Michelle Owens.

It’s a situation, that in some ways, pays for itself. With the increase in visitors, there’s been an increase in overall revenue on the island.

The study found that tourists on the island generated around $215 million in revenue, compared to $165 million in 2015.

City leaders say that that money is critical to maintaining the island- which allows the infrastructure to keep up with the influx of visitors.

“All of our city facilities, our parks, our facilities that people like to rent for weddings, we want to make sure that all of those are up to standards, so a lot of that money will help to go towards that,” Owens said.

Overall, the study found that tourist spending supports jobs and the economy of Tybee, as well as Chatham County as a whole.

Still, Owens says that she wants everyone to be mindful of the people that call Tybee home.

“We love our visitors on Tybee, but we’re also a local community where people live. They have to go to work, and we’re trying to accommodate all of those types of people that love Tybee.”

Owens adds that this is the time of year where the island really starts to see a spike in tourists- which means implementing things like traffic control measures.

Some of those measures will start popping up this week.. so be mindful of that when you’re heading to the beach.

Little Tybee Island

One of the most well-known tourist destinations in the area is Tybee Island. But a lesser known relative of Tybee, is Little Tybee Island.

You’re free to visit the island, but Department of Natural Resources officials say that, not everyone is treating the island like they should.

The DNR has had control of Little Tybee and Cabbage Island since they designated it as a heritage preserve in March 1992. Now, 31 years later, they’re having issues with people building structures on the island, like makeshift bathrooms and cooking areas.

As a result, the DNR has had to carry out a cleanup of Little Tybee. The first part of that cleanup involved demolishing the unpermitted structures.

So far, the work has cost over $30,000 to carry out, and they’re not even done yet. Jason Lee, who’s overseeing the project for the DNR, says that people are welcome to camp on Little Tybee, but what they aren’t welcome to do, is disrupt the environment.

He says it’s frustrating to have to spend the time and money to clean the island up.

“To have a jewel like that in conservation is no small feat, and it took a lot of work from a lot of different parties from the Nature Conservancy to locals in the Chatham County area to make that conservation happen. And it’s disconcerting that the very folks who enjoy those natural areas don’t choose to keep them clean and protected for the rest of the public,” Lee said.

The second part of the cleanup effort, Lee estimates, is going to cost another $30,000. Bringing the grand total for the whole effort to $60,000.

They haven’t started the second part yet, he says, because they’re asking the public for help in cleaning up the island.

If you’ve built one of the structures, left litter on the island, or just want to help, Lee encourages you to do so.

You can make it to the island by kayaking or boating over, not swimming.

Lee says they’re asking people to do this immediately. They’ll set a date for the second part of the cleanup effort when they see what sort of a response they get.

Copyright 2023 WTOC. All rights reserved.

All lanes on Lazaretto Bridge reopened following construction

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) -UPDATE- All lanes on the Lazaretto Bridge are open for traffic.Original Story- The Lazaretto Creek Bridge, which is the only way on or off Tybee Island, has been shut down to one lane since Monday.The Georgia Department of Transportation says this is so crews can get preliminary work done that’s required for a future bridge replacement project.The work is necessary but has led to major traffic delays this weekend.People trying to get on and off of Tybee Island have reported hours-lo...

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) -UPDATE- All lanes on the Lazaretto Bridge are open for traffic.

Original Story- The Lazaretto Creek Bridge, which is the only way on or off Tybee Island, has been shut down to one lane since Monday.

The Georgia Department of Transportation says this is so crews can get preliminary work done that’s required for a future bridge replacement project.

The work is necessary but has led to major traffic delays this weekend.

People trying to get on and off of Tybee Island have reported hours-long waits to cross the bridge Friday into this weekend, which has been a frustrating situation all around.

“We hit the bridge around 9:30 last night and sat still a long time as we watched a single line of cars come over the bridge, until finally a pilot car let us go back. It made us about a half an hour to 45 minutes later than we would’ve been otherwise,” said Jim Crump, a Tybee Island visitor.

It’s an especially frustrating situation to get caught up in at any time, but especially after a five-hour drive on vacation.

“We have a six and a seven-year-old, and they were just like, ‘Are we there yet? Are we there yet?’ We had just gotten Wendy’s and were ready to eat and just wanted to get to the AirBnB, and that was the last thing we wanted to see when we were trying to come in,” said Allie Crump, another visitor.

The Crumps are some of the lucky ones.

They were getting onto the island, which Tybee City Manager Shawn Gillen says, hasn’t been taking as long as getting off the island.

Gillen says he got caught up for over an hour trying to leave on Friday, and when he got to the other side of the bridge, there were very few cars.

“Their lane closure sequences were off, so everything was piling up on the island. So we called GDOT and got them to relay the message to the crews on the bridge to clear the island before they let any more cars on,” said Shawn Gillen, Tybee Island City Manager.

Still, at times on Saturday, traffic to leave the island was backed up from the Lazaretto Bridge all the way past Campbell Avenue.

Gillen says that while this is a GDOT project, not a City of Tybee project, those trying to get to and from the island need to be patient. He says the future bridge replacement project will benefit everyone who enjoys Tybee in the long run.

“When you see bicycles on Lazaretto Creek Bridge now, it’s a scary situation. And pedestrians. And if there’s an accident on the bridge, that’s a real concern that we have. The new bridges will allow us to get somebody off the island, even if there is an accident,” said Gillen.

Work is expected to continue this weekend and hopefully be completed by Tuesday.

Copyright 2023 WTOC. All rights reserved.

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