Snellville grew around the intersection of U.S. 78 and Scenic Highway, and those roads still connect much of the city’s daily activity, from The Grove at Towne Center and surrounding businesses to routes leading toward Stone Mountain.
Snellville
Violent Crimes Lawyer
An argument or confrontation can take on much greater consequences once police become involved, particularly when someone alleges an injury or the use of a weapon.
Philip Kim Law represents people accused of assault, battery, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and other violent crimes in Snellville and throughout Gwinnett County. Georgia draws important lines between these offenses, and the difference between a misdemeanor and felony may depend on details such as the alleged injury, use of a weapon, intent, or how the confrontation unfolded.
Understanding Assault and Violent Crime Charges in Snellville, GA
Simple assault under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-20 generally involves attempting to injure someone or intentionally placing that person in reasonable fear of immediate violent injury.
Simple battery under § 16-5-23 involves certain unwanted or harmful physical contact, while battery under § 16-5-23.1 involves substantial physical harm or visible bodily harm.
These offenses are generally misdemeanors unless an enhanced provision applies. More serious allegations can result in felony charges, such as:
- Aggravated assault under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21 may involve assault with intent to murder, rape, or rob, the use of a deadly weapon or other object likely to cause serious bodily injury, or strangulation. It is a felony and generally carries one to 20 years in prison.
- Aggravated battery under § 16-5-24 involves severe injury such as serious disfigurement or loss of use of a body part. An incident may also result in a terroristic threats charge under O.C.G.A. § 16-11-37.
The distinction matters because the same encounter can look very different depending on the evidence. A shove or threatened injury should not automatically be treated like an aggravated assault involving a weapon or strangulation.
Video, photographs, medical records, witness accounts, 911 calls, and the events leading up to the confrontation can all help determine whether the evidence actually supports the charge filed.
For more information about these offenses, visit our violent crimes defense page.
Why the Misdemeanor or Felony Classification Matters
An assault case can change considerably based on a few disputed facts.
Was there actually a weapon? How serious was the injury? Who initiated the confrontation? Did someone act in self-defense? Do the witness statements match the video or physical evidence?
Those questions can affect whether prosecutors pursue simple assault or battery as a misdemeanor or a felony such as aggravated assault or aggravated battery.
The charging decision also changes the court process and the potential consequences. That is why defense work often begins with examining whether the evidence supports not only an accusation, but the particular level of offense charged.
The Gwinnett County Court Process for Snellville Cases
Snellville has its own police department and Municipal Court at 2342 Oak Road, but the court handling a state criminal charge depends on the offense and how the case was filed.
A misdemeanor assault or battery charge issued by the Snellville Police Department may begin in Snellville Municipal Court at 2342 Oak Road. If the defendant demands a jury trial, the case can proceed to the State Court of Gwinnett County at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville.
Felony charges such as aggravated assault and aggravated battery proceed through Gwinnett County Superior Court, also located at 75 Langley Drive, and are prosecuted by the District Attorney.
If arrest or citation paperwork directs someone to Snellville Municipal Court first, the documents should be reviewed carefully to determine what has been charged and where the case will ultimately proceed.
Learn more about our broader Snellville violent crimes and aggravated assault practice or our representation of people facing domestic violence charges in Norcross.
Why Snellville Residents Choose Philip Kim Law
Philip Kim brings more than a decade of criminal defense experience, with a background that includes work as a paralegal, public defender, and private defense attorney. That range of experience gives him a practical understanding of how criminal cases are built, challenged, negotiated, and prepared for court.
Our firm focuses on:
Careful preparation:
We look closely at the evidence, witness accounts, injuries, and circumstances surrounding the incident.
Strategic judgment:
Every decision is made with the larger defense strategy in mind, from early negotiations through trial preparation.
Clear communication:
Clients are kept informed about what is happening, what their options are, and what each stage of the case may mean.
Individualized defense:
No two confrontations are exactly alike. We take the time to understand the events leading up to the accusation and the client’s side of the story.
Trial readiness:
Philip’s background and advocacy training support a defense that is prepared to challenge the prosecution when the evidence does not tell the full story.
For Snellville residents facing a serious violent-crime charge, that combination of preparation, perspective, and direct advocacy can make a meaningful difference in how the case is approached.
Frequently Asked Questions About Violent Crime Charges in Snellville
View All FAQsWhat is the difference between assault and battery in Georgia?
Assault generally involves an attempted injury or putting someone in reasonable fear of immediate violent injury. Battery involves physical contact or injury.
Is aggravated assault a felony in Georgia?
Yes. Aggravated assault is a felony and generally carries a sentence of one to 20 years, although the exact penalties depend on the circumstances.
Can a fight result in either misdemeanor or felony charges?
Yes. The alleged injury, use of a weapon, intent, strangulation, and other facts can affect whether a confrontation leads to a misdemeanor or felony charge.
Can self-defense apply to an assault charge?
Yes, depending on the circumstances. The defense may turn on who initiated the confrontation, what threat was present, and whether the amount of force used was legally justified.
Where are felony violent crime cases from Snellville heard?
Felony cases are generally handled in Gwinnett County Superior Court at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville.
How Can a Snellville Violent Crimes Lawyer Help?
A Snellville violent crimes lawyer can review witness accounts, video, injuries, alleged weapons, and other evidence to determine whether the facts support the charge. An attorney can also evaluate self-defense and represent you throughout the Gwinnett County court process.
Contact Our Snellville Violent Crimes Lawyer Today
The difference between simple assault and a felony aggravated assault charge can come down to the evidence surrounding a single confrontation. Reviewing that evidence early can help clarify what the State alleges and what defenses may be available.
Contact Philip Kim Law today at 678-273-3500 to schedule a consultation.