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Court Process From Negotiations to Trial, We're Focused On Winning Your Case

What Happens at a Preliminary Hearing in Georgia?

You will first appear at the Recorder's Court, or Municipal Court, or Magistrate Court. At this level of court, you will have your First Appearance and Preliminary Hearing. At a Preliminary Hearing, you have the option to challenge the probable cause in your case. 

At this court level, you may also choose to enter a plea. If our Savannah criminal defense lawyer cannot find a satisfactory result then we will request that the court move your case to either State Court or Superior Court, depending on your charges.

What Does the State Court Do in Georgia?

State Court handles all misdemeanor cases. Following the transfer of your case to this court your case will be reviewed and formally charged by a State Court prosecutor. After your case is accused you will be summoned for an arraignment. 

Then you select a path for your case:

  • try to negotiate a plea,
  • challenge evidence through a motion to suppress,
  • push the case to a trial by judge or a trial by jury

What Does the Georgia Superior Court Do?

Superior Court handles all felony cases, which includes any misdemeanor charges that are part of a felony incident. Following the transfer of your case to this court your case will be reviewed and formally charged by a Superior Court prosecutor, by either an indictment or an accusation. 

After your case is indicted/accused you will be summoned for an arraignment. Then you select a path for your case.

This may include:

  • try to negotiate a plea, 
  • challenge evidence through a motion to suppress, or 
  • push the case to a trial by judge or a trial by jury

⚖️ Confident & Results-Focused

Proven Results. Thousands of Times Over.

Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.

  • Dismissed State Court: Simple Battery - Domestic Violence: (2 Counts)
  • Dismissed Municipal Court: No Tag
  • Dismissed Municipal Court: DUI
  • Dismissed Municipal Court: Open Container
  • Dismissed State Court: Failure to Wear Protective Gear on Motorcycle
  • Returned to Probation State Court: Probation Violation

Results Come With the Right Experience

Reasons to Hire Schneider Lerch, LLC
  • Misdemeanor & Felony Charges
    No matter high how the stakes may be, there is nothing that our defense attorneys cannot handle.
  • Former Prosecutor
    Working as a prosecutor gave Attorney Schneider valuable insight into how to develop and prosecute cases.
  • Trial Attorneys
    Our seasoned attorneys have handled thousands of trials. Their knowledge and experience have proven to be successful in the courtroom.
  • Over 40 Years of Combined Experience
    With many years of dedicated criminal law experience, our attorneys know the main concerns many people have when they're in this situation.

We're Ready to Fight For You

Start Your Defense Today

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Real Client Experiences

See How We Have Helped Our Clients

At Schneider Lerch, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “I would not only recommend Courtney, but I would not use anyone else for my defense needs.”
    “I would not only recommend Courtney, but I would not use anyone else for my defense needs.”
    Rick
    “My name was cleared!”
    “My name was cleared!”
    Joey
    “Was blessed to have you represent me”
    God put you in my life to help me through a dark time. I was blessed to have you represent me. You inspire me to become a lawyer and help others."
    Past Client
    “I recommend her highly!”
    “I had a traffic case and Courtney Lerch was right on top of it and resolved it in short order with an outcome better than my highest expectations.”
    Paul K.
    “Each person I spoke with was able to answer my questions.”
    I did not know what to anticipate, as I had never needed to use an attorney in the past; however, they did go above my expectations. I cannot praise Carli enough. She was patient, non-judgmental, efficient and able to answer any question I had. As I live out of town, and was very nervous and naive about all of this, I could not have received any better representation.
    Past Client
    “The BEST lawyer ever.”
    “By far, the best, most caring, communicative, honest and supportive lawyer. She truly fights for you and is an amazing person.”
    Bria S.
    “Goes Above and Beyond for You”
    “Thanks to Cris's hard work and dedication, along with his team's support, the charges against me were ultimately dropped. They fought tirelessly on my behalf, and I am so grateful for everything they did for me.”
    Ethan A.
    “I was most satisfied with the way the team worked together”
    All of my information was processed and passed from person to person. I was hoping for my charges to be dropped from DUI to reckless, and my expectations were met. Carli is a pleasure to work with and does a great job talking to clients on the phone. She makes you feel comfortable and that everything is going to be 'OK.' They are a caring group of individuals who work together to get the best possible outcome for the client.
    Past Client