Jarrett Maillet J.D., PC
Professional.
Trustworthy.
Honest.
Over the years, our Savannah GA lawyers have successfully defended clients against a wide range of criminal charges, including DUI, drug charges, and violent crimes.
Why Choose Us
What Sets Us Apart
Criminal Defense
Is All We Do
Over 10 Years
Of Experience
Deal Directly With
The Attorney
Jarrett Maillet Savannah
DUI & Criminal Defense Attorney
At Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., our former prosecutors-turned-criminal defense attorneys give clients the edge they need to protect their rights and their freedom. We know the criminal justice system inside and out and have seen, firsthand, the defense strategies that work. Drawing on our inside knowledge and experience, we build strong, solid defenses that protect our clients’ rights and freedom. Proudly serving Savannah and the surrounding areas, we are committed to providing exceptional legal services to our community.
Located in Savannah, our firm has extensive experience representing clients in Chatham County courts and throughout coastal Georgia. We represent clients throughout coastal South Georgia and at various colleges and universities, and military and naval bases throughout the area.
Our unwavering dedication to our clients means their needs are always our top priority.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
Testimonials
Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C.
Effective Savannah Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, the legal process can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. Individuals facing criminal charges—whether for a felony, misdemeanor, drug offenses, or even homicide—need professional legal help to protect their rights and future. At Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., we understand that the stress and fear of the unknown often only make a bad situation worse. We provide clients with a straightforward explanation of their cases, the charges they are facing, and the strategies we can use in their defense. Our professional approach ensures that clients receive experienced and qualified representation for all types of criminal cases. Once clients leave our offices, they often feel like a weight has been lifted from their shoulders. They know their cases are in good hands. Over the years, our lawyers have successfully defended clients against a wide range of criminal charges, including felony, misdemeanor, drug offenses, homicide, DUI, and violent crimes.
Dedicated To Your Defense
At Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., we are committed to fighting aggressively for our clients at every stage of the legal process. We don’t plead out cases because it is easier. Protecting your rights and interests is always our top priority. Our attorneys are experienced litigators — we know our way around the courtroom, we know how to successfully try cases in front of judges and juries, and we know how to build defense strategies that work. Throughout your case, our focus remains on protecting you and achieving the best possible outcome. We will work for you.
Professional.
Trustworthy.
Honest.
About
The Georgia
Criminal
Justice System
Upon facing arrest and criminal charges in Georgia, it’s important to learn as much as you can about the state’s justice system. Accountability courts, on-the-job training programs, and the Georgia Prisoner Reentry Initiative are reforming the state’s criminal justice system for the benefit of those convicted. Despite these improvements, however, the courts finding you guilty of a crime in Georgia could result in serious, life-long consequences. Arrests and citations for drug crimes, drunk driving, assault, and even traffic offenses could mean a jail or prison sentence. Probation is another potential consequence of a conviction, and probation hearings or revocation cases can significantly affect your future. Additionally, a criminal conviction can severely impact your reputation, affecting your standing in the community and future opportunities. The more you know about the state justice system through your attorney, the better prepared you’ll be for your case.
Fortunately, you’ll find the best criminal lawyer in Savannah, GA at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. With several years of experience working on all types of criminal cases, the full-service law firm has been helping clients in and around this beautiful place. Maillet understands how having a criminal record can be life-changing for the client and their family, which is why our top-notch defense team puts in the time and effort necessary to provide our clients unparalleled legal representation. If you have been charged for a crime in Savannah, Georgia, criminal defense attorney Jarrett Maillet is ready to help you win your case.
3 Steps
To Take If Police Arrest
You In Savannah
From the moment police pull your vehicle over or start questioning you, think like a defendant. This means defending your rights in a peaceful and appropriate manner. If you are arrested for a DUI case, it is crucial to act quickly to protect your license, as you may face an automatic license suspension if you do not contest it within a specific timeframe. The actions you take and the things you say while in police custody can impact the case against you. Promptly contesting DUI charges is essential to protect your legal rights and driving privileges. We encourage you to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after an arrest in Georgia. Until your lawyer arrives, follow these basic steps if the police arrest you in Savannah:
Remain Silent
It is a cardinal mistake to believe that the police officers are on your side. As someone in handcuffs facing a criminal conviction, it is always in your best interest to use your right to remain silent. Otherwise, the officers can (and will) use what you say against you in court later. Politely decline to answer any questions or to discuss your case or personal life until you have an attorney present.
Comply With All Orders
Absolutely do not resist arrest, try to run from the police, or ignore direct orders from officers. Do your best to remain cooperative during the entire arrest and booking processes. You will have your chance to speak and defend yourself later, with an experienced attorney by your side. Resisting arrest or orders can only get you into deeper legal trouble – or possibly injured.
Ask For A Lawyer
Request a lawyer from the very beginning. You have the right to an attorney from the start. The law does not obligate you to talk to police or anyone else until you have a lawyer present. Do not believe any officer or official who says otherwise. Don’t give in or agree to speak without a lawyer. Call (912) 396-5669 to contact our Savannah defense attorneys ASAP – even from the police station.
After these steps, it is important to understand that bond hearings are a critical part of the process following an arrest. Our firm can represent you at bond hearings to help secure your release and ensure your rights are protected throughout your DUI case. It’s crucial to start defending your rights as best you can from the very first interaction with Savannah police officers. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call a lawyer and ask. Until then, protect yourself by limiting what you say and do until your attorney arrives. You can immediately learn your rights and options as soon as you get in touch with someone from Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C.
What To Expect
During A Criminal
Trial
After the arrest, the next major event in your case will be the arraignment. It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous, angry, or afraid during the court processes that come after arrest. Hiring a lawyer you have 100% confidence in will help give you peace of mind. Our defense attorneys can walk you through every step of the criminal trial process in Georgia, from the time of your arrest to the final hearing. No matter how complex or serious your criminal matter is, our firm is equipped to handle it. Each case is unique but all will follow the same basic steps:
- Police Book You Into The System
Once the police department book you (take your fingerprints and mugshot), you’ll wait in the holding cell until you have your time in front of a judge. During this time, you’ll have your phone call available to call a lawyer, if you wish. - Initial Appearance
Your initial appearance in court is where you’ll have the opportunity to plead guilty or not-guilty. The judge will also set bail or bond, if applicable. You can request a public defender at your initial appearance if you haven’t already retained a private attorney. - Arraignment
If the prosecutors (the city) charge you with a crime, you’ll have an arraignment hearing in which you’ll learn the charges against you. You have the right to have your lawyer at your arraignment. You can enter a plea at your arraignment if you wish, or else your attorney will help you fight the charges with a not-guilty plea. - Criminal Trial
If you don’t take a plea bargain, your case will go to trial. Here you (and your lawyer) will have the opportunity to defend yourself, refute allegations and evidence against you, and fight for the courts to drop the charges against you. Our firm has extensive experience defending clients against both misdemeanor and felony charges. The outcome of your trial can have a significant impact on your life, making it crucial to have skilled legal representation. A lawyer by your side is the key to feeling confident during a criminal trial.
Our Outstanding Criminal Defense
Lawyers Have Experience As
Prosecutors And Defense
Attorneys.
This means we have insights from the other side of the justice system. We’re uniquely suited to defend people on trial in Georgia, with an in-depth understanding of both sides of the justice system. Our lawyers can stand in your corner during all criminal justice processes involved in your case.
Public Defender Vs. Private Defense Attorney: Which Is Best?
During your criminal case in Georgia, you will have the option to hire either a public defender or a private criminal defense attorney. We’re here to tell you to hire the latter – and not just because we’re a private firm. As former prosecutors with more than 10 years experience, we’ve watched public defenders fail their clients again and again. While a public defender is better than no attorney at all, hiring a private firm can give you several distinct advantages. Our real results are reflected in past client testimonials, which highlight our commitment to client success and effective representation. We know finding the right lawyer for your case can be difficult, especially if time is of the essence. Our goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome for every client. Look for these five things in your defense attorney:
Local expertise
Conduct your attorney search locally, not nationally. A local lawyer will have an in-depth understanding of state and county laws that may apply to your case, as well as relationships with judges and county clerks.
Experience handling similar cases
You don’t want your case to be the first of its kind for your attorney. A green attorney won’t be your best choice if you have a lot on the line. Instead, go with a lawyer with experience representing defendants charged with similar crimes.
Real
results
The firm should be able to show you real-life examples of cases they’ve won for clients, either by getting the charges dropped completely or minimizing the conviction and sentence. Search for client testimonials to see what past defendants have to say about the firm’s services.
The ability to listen
Your lawyer shouldn’t bulldoze you during conversations. Instead, he or she should express a genuine interest in your goals and concerns for your case. The attorney-client relationship should not be one-sided. Find a lawyer who sees you as a partner, not as just another case.
Positive
gut feeling
Finally, and most importantly, you should have a good feeling about the attorney who represents you. Use the free consultation with the lawyer to see how you get along. Your lawyer should explain things in a way you can understand, talk openly about your future, and help you feel protected during the court process.
Let us save you some time. Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. has everything you’re looking for and more. We will explore every reasonable outlet for your criminal defense strategy and prepare a defense you can feel confident in. Our Savannah team has aggressive, experienced lawyers ready to take a stand on your behalf.
What A Criminal Defense Attorney
Will Do For You
Specializing in the defense of individuals and companies charged with a crime, what a criminal defense lawyer does involves fulfilling numerous roles during the criminal case on the client’s behalf. These include:
Case
Assignment
A lawyer may be contacted directly or a court may appoint a private lawyer.
Interview about
the Case
The lawyer will gather as many details about the case to learn about possible defenses, strengths, and weaknesses.
Investigation
into the Case
The lawyer will typically question the police, speak with witnesses, and gather information used to build a strong defense.
Analysis
of Evidence
The lawyer must study the facts and theories of the case carefully.
Continued Contact
with the Client
A lawyer will communicate often with their client, ensuring confidentiality, to provide information about the case so that they understand the possible consequences.
Jury
Selection
A lawyer is involved in the jury selection process. This means he or she may have jurors removed if they believe they may be biased against the defendant.
Plea
Bargaining
A lawyer is responsible for negotiating with the prosecutor regarding any plea bargain. He or she may be able to secure a favorable deal for the defendant, which results in a reduction of charges.
Trial
Participation
A lawyer examines witnesses, cross-examines the state’s witnesses, and tries to convince the jury that the prosecution failed to find the burden of proof.
Sentencing
If the criminal defendant is sentenced for the crime, a criminal defense lawyer can still represent the defendant during the sentencing phase. He or she may try to convince the judge or jury to limit the amount of time that the defendant serves and discuss alternatives to incarceration.
Now, even if you believe you have
committed a crime and want to
plead guilty, it is imperative that
you consult an experienced
attorney before responding to a
criminal prosecution.
At the very least, a competent attorney can warrant that the charges brought against you are just, given the facts of the case, and help you receive the lowest possible penalty. While you have the right to proceed without representation, experienced criminal lawyers advise against it even if your only option is going with a public defender.
Our attorney fees vary based on a few things, including the expertise level of each attorney, the seriousness of the offense, the intricacy of the legal issues in the case, and if the case heads to trial. Criminal cases that require the use of investigators or expert witnesses would also need to be factored into the retainer.
Being that the attorney fees can add up, we encourage our clients to ask us about how our billing works. Do not hesitate to ask why we charge the way we do and how we plan on using our time to ensure you get the best possible results. We don’t want you to have any surprises going into our attorney-client relationship.
Common Defenses
For Crimes In Georgia
Although every criminal case in Savannah is unique, federal and state laws leave room for some common defenses in many different types of cases. Our team will work closely with you to tailor your defense strategy for your exact situation. In the meantime, peruse a few common defense strategies in Georgia criminal cases:
Innocence
You do not have to prove you didn’t commit the crime for a judge or jury to find you innocent. Instead, you must simply show that the prosecutors can’t prove you’re guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Having an alibi, arguing lack of evidence, or pleading self-defense could all result in the courts finding you not guilty of the alleged crime.
Coercion
or entrapment
The defense of coercion or duress asserts that you only committed the crime because someone else threatened you with unlawful force, making you do so. Entrapment alleges that the arresting police officer set you up to commit the crime, and that you would not otherwise have broken the law.
Intoxication
Pleading intoxication might be possible if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the alleged crime. This would prove that you were not in your right mind at the time, and/or could not know what you were doing was wrong. This defense could go hand-in-hand with lack of intent to commit a crime in some cases.
No crime
existed
Laws can be extremely nuanced, leaving the potential for loopholes or situations in which what you did does not actually constitute a breach of the law. This could result in the courts finding that no one committed a crime at all.
Most criminal cases depend largely on police-gathered evidence or statements against you. One defense you may be able to use is that the arresting officer made a mistake. Common mistakes that could result in the courts dismissing your case include: unlawful search and seizure, failure to read Miranda rights, lack of probable cause, incorrectly performed sobriety tests, and inability to produce the drugs the defendant allegedly possessed. Contact our team to discuss your unique defense strategy for crimes in Savannah.