If you need a defense attorney as a result of being charged with a state or federal crime, my firm is here to help. Jeff Talley of the Law Office of Jeffery C. Talley, LLC is a tenacious fighter. You have to be when you defend those accused of criminal wrongdoing. Here you will find information to assist you in deciding whether you need an attorney as well as information about my practice.
Everyone deserves their day in court; their chance to defend themselves against their accusers. Jeff is a criminal defense lawyer, all day every day. He has devoted his entire career to defending the accused, and he has never been a prosecutor. As a matter of fact, he has limited his practice to solely criminal defense. Our complex system of laws and court procedures make it very difficult for many of us to know enough about the legal system to defend ourselves adequately. Only a lawyer who is willing and able to bring out the evidence to support your case and understand its implications can make a difference to shift the odds in your favor. A skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced attorney can make the difference in the outcome of a legal case. Jeff Talley is known for his expertise and unwavering advocacy on behalf of each and every client. He is dedicated to serving his clients to the fullest extent possible regardless of the crime or allegation.
Every battle needs its hero, one bold and fearless and willing to fight. If you find yourself having to fight for your liberty and to remain free, you need the help of an experienced trial attorney who can guide you through difficult and overzealous prosecutors.
My firm is willing and able to balance the scales of justice in your favor. Jeff Talley understands that clients come to him with a need which is often the need to avoid going to prison. He knows what it takes to convince juries, judges and the prosecution in criminal matters. His intricate knowledge of the court system allows him to anticipate prosecutor’s actions and notice when an investigation may be infringing upon your rights. Furthermore, his adversaries know it, respect him, and know that it will be an aggressive challenge. Jeff has the reputation of guiding his clients through the criminal process, utilizing creative strategies, and successful execution by way of trial or settlement, but rendering immediate on the go expertise advice when confronted with emergency situations.
Information Related to Criminal Cases & Your Rights What You Need to Know:
If you are the target of an investigation, or if you have been arrested, the prosecution has already begun building its case against you. You cannot foolishly sit back and naively think that the process will clear you because you are innocent. The powers of the State or Federal government with all their vast resources are lined up against you. The goal of the prosecution is to convict you. Your freedom and wellbeing are at stake. You must start structuring your defense immediately.
Having a competent defense attorney take charge early in the process is the best way to protect your rights. The sooner and more aggressively you defend yourself, the greater the chance of avoiding a conviction. In many instances, a well-prepared and committed defense attorney can prevent an indictment or trial. No one is equipped to face the process alone. If you try to handle this situation without competent legal help, the results will be disastrous for you. If there is even a whisper that you could be facing a criminal investigation, you should not take a single step without advice from your lawyer.
Jeff Talley is here to assist and hopes that a review of his site will help you avoid costly mistakes and give you the confidence to mount your legal defense. You have already taken the first critical step toward ensuring your freedom. Give Jeff a call at (770) 534-2035.
Hiring an Attorney:
Hiring the right attorney is the most important choice you will need to make if you or a loved one has been charged with a serious crime. But what makes someone a good criminal defense attorney? How do you know if you or your loved one is in good hands? Jeff Talley has been winning criminal cases throughout North Georgia for over 25 years.
Jeff’s work has resulted in “not guilty” verdicts, pretrial dismissals, as well as helping clients avoid criminal charges in the first place. For clients who want to resolve their cases with a favorable, plea agreement, he is often able to maximize his client’s leverage and fight for a lesser charge, a reduced sentence, and in some cases, no prison time. Jeff does this by preparing every case as if it was going to go to trial and showing the prosecution that he means business.
Since selecting the attorney who will have the responsibility for your case and welfare is the threshold decision, you must not make the selection lightly. You are encouraged to take the time to call and speak with Jeff personally so that a face to face meeting can be arranged as soon as possible. You will then be in a position to intelligently evaluate your defense attorney because you will know:
- Who will have the responsibility for your defense
- The experience and professional background of your attorney
- Results achieved in cases like yours
- How your case will be prepared for trial
- Strengths and weaknesses of the evidence
- What your trial strategy will be
Jeff’s success comes through hard work, creativity, and diligence. He is often able to find legal and factual defenses that less experienced lawyers may miss. Jeff’s efforts often lead to a pretrial dismissal or very favorable resolutions of the case. In cases where a pretrial dismissal is not possible, Jeff prepares his clients for trial with unmatched diligence and focus. This trial preparation can lead to a dismissal right before trial, a “not guilty” verdict at trial, or a very favorable negotiated resolution of the case. That’s how the best criminal lawyers in Georgia get results.
The right attorney makes all the difference. With Jeff Talley you know you will have someone who has “your back.”
Avoiding Common Mistakes:
As previously pointed out, the most common mistake is to rely on the system to exonerate you. This simply will not happen. Once law enforcement becomes involved, the goal is to convict you. You have specific rights under the Constitution. You must, however, properly assert those rights, or they will be deemed waived.
Jeff has successfully handled many cases where clients started out making mistakes. If you read this and wonder if you have made a mistake, relax. Let him help you. What follows are some common questions clients bring up and mistakes clients make when they are being investigated, arrested or prosecuted for a crime.
Miranda:
The United States Supreme Court put some basic protections in place with case of Miranda v. Arizona. You have heard the Miranda warnings countless times if you watch television or movies. Don’t ever waive your rights without talking to an attorney.
Police Want Me to Come in for an Interview:
Really? Ask yourself why? More than likely they want to tape record an interview or put you in a little interview room with a camera up in the corner so they can videotape your statements. More than likely they are going to set you down in the corner with two police between you and the door and tell you that you are free to go. More than likely they are going to suggest that if you don’t have anything to hide you don’t need an attorney. All of this is done in an effort to get you to talk and to make you feel that you don’t have any other choice. Here is what you need to know: If you are being investigated by police, you should never talk to the police until you have consulted with an attorney.
Police Want Me to Take a Polygraph:
Polygraphs can be a helpful tool. Jeff has had numerous private polygraph tests administered on his clients. He has a list of very competent polygraph examiners available to him. However, a police polygraph can easily cost you your freedom. Police officers are trained to be intimidating and coercive. A polygraph examination is very intimidating under any circumstances and police are trained to take advantage of that. How? Well, imagine being in a room without your attorney and having a police officer tell you that you failed your examination. Now imagine that you are still hooked up to the instrument and the officer is very aggressive, even yelling at you to explain why you failed the examination. Unfortunately, this happens routinely, even when the suspect passed the test. Unless you have experienced this type of intimidation, it is hard to know what it is like. Don’t take a police polygraph unless you have hired an attorney first and thoroughly discussed it with him/her.
Should I Tell My Side of the Story?
Good question. You shouldn’t make a decision based on what you read on the web. However, in most cases the answer is going to be no. There are many people in Georgia jails and prisons, on probation or with criminal records because they thought they would help themselves by talking to police. Talking to police when you are the target of an investigation is almost always bad. I have had numerous police officers as clients and most of them “lawyer up” as soon as they know they are being investigated. Why? Because it’s always the right move. Don’t tell you side of the story without the help of an attorney!
Police Want a Second Interview:
“We just need to clear up some details.” We have heard this many times and it usually means that they have nearly completed their investigation, clearly identified you as a suspect, and are ready to make an arrest. However, the prosecution would go a little better if they could probe a little deeper and get a videotape of you being confronted with certain facts they have gathered. Jeff rarely allows a second interview of his clients.
Shouldn’t I Just Tell the Truth?
No. But you should not lie either. This question comes up a lot when parents are trying to provide guidance for their children. It also comes up with people who have high moral standards and know they have made a mistake. Jeff never tells people to lie, but telling the truth involves talking. Talking is almost always a big mistake if you are under indictment or investigation. Think of it this way, if telling the truth would mean going to prison and not talking would result in probation, which would you choose? Talking almost always makes things worse! Get an attorney on board before you make the decision to talk to police.
If I Ask for an Attorney, Won’t I Look Guilty?
No. You will look intelligent. Police understand that it is wise to hire an attorney. They just don’t want you to do it because it makes their job easier if you have unlimited access to a suspect and other witnesses friendly to a suspect.
Beware of Jail House Snitches & Jail Phones:
In the unfortunate event you are arrested and taken to jail, do not talk to anyone about your case and this includes other inmates. In many instances, an inmate will contact his attorney or even contact the prosecution and tell them what you may have said about the facts and circumstances of your case in order to get themselves a reduced or better sentence. This is called cooperation. You could end up in the trial of your case and see the guy that befriended you while you were in jail telling a jury everything you may have told him. When calling from the jail phones, do not talk to anyone about the facts and circumstances of your case. These calls are recorded by the facility and could be used against you in the prosecution of your case.
You Have No Privacy Rights in a Law Enforcement / Police Car
Do not ever assume that you have privacy inside a police car. Police cars, especially if designed to be used for DUI/DWI arrests, often have both audio and video recording focused on you. Do not engage in cell phone conversation about your case even if it is with your attorney because appellate courts have ruled that you have no expectation of privacy in the back seat of a patrol car. All recorded audio and video can be used against you, and often means the difference between winning and losing
Do I Want a Local Attorney
You want an excellent attorney. In fact, you want the best attorney you can find and afford. The quality of the lawyer matters far more than the location. Judges respect good attorneys. It actually makes their jobs easier because when you appear in court with an incompetent attorney it raises the possibility of an appeal which could require a second trip through the court later on. Jeff Talley has an excellent track record and a good reputation in the courts of Georgia.
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