Will A Violent Crime Conviction Ruin My Life? A Guide For First-Time Offenders In Atlanta

The Weight Of A Violent Crime Charge

There’s nothing quite like the sinking feeling of facing a violent crime charge, especially when it’s your first brush with the law. One moment, life feels stable; the next, everything you’ve worked for seems to hang in the balance. Will this follow you forever? Could it cost you your job, your home, or even your freedom?

If you’re in Atlanta, Gwinnett, or East Cobb, you’re not alone in these fears. The truth is, a violent crime conviction can have lasting consequences, but it doesn’t have to define your future. With the right legal strategy, you may have more options than you realize.

At Lubin An Law LLC, we’ve spent over 17 years helping first-time offenders navigate these high-stakes cases. We know the system, the judges, and, most importantly, how to turn the tide in your favor. Let’s break down what you’re up against and how to fight back.

What Counts As A “Violent Crime” In Georgia?

Georgia law doesn’t take violent crimes lightly. Even a first-time offense can lead to severe penalties if the charge falls under this category. But what exactly qualifies?

Under Georgia Code § 16-1-3(12), violent crimes include (but aren’t limited to):

• Aggravated Assault – Causing serious bodily harm or using a deadly weapon.
• Aggravated Battery – Maliciously causing bodily harm (e.g., disfigurement, loss of a limb).
• Armed Robbery – Taking property from another person while armed.
• Murder & Manslaughter – Including felony murder (e.g., a death occurring during another felony).
• Kidnapping – Abducting or confining someone against their will.
• Family Violence Offenses – Such as domestic assault or strangulation.
• Sexual Assault & Rape – Including aggravated sodomy or child molestation.

Even threats or actions that don’t result in physical harm, like aggravated stalking or terroristic threats, can be classified as violent crimes if prosecutors believe there was intent to harm.

Why does this matter? Because violent crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences, longer probation periods, and stricter parole rules. A conviction could mean years behind bars, even for a first offense.

First-Time Offender? Why Georgia’s Legal System Might Work In Your Favor

If this is your first run-in with the law, you’re in a better position than you might think. Georgia’s courts often consider:

✅ Lack of Criminal History – Judges are more likely to show leniency if you have no prior convictions.

✅ Mitigating Circumstances – Was the incident a one-time mistake? Were you acting in self-defense? Did mental health or substance abuse play a role?

✅ Alternative Sentencing – First-time offenders may qualify for probation, community service, or diversion programs instead of jail time.

But here’s the catch: Prosecutors in Atlanta, Gwinnett, and Cobb counties are aggressive. They’ll push for the harshest penalties unless your attorney knows how to counter their strategies.

That’s where Lubin An’s approach makes the difference. With years of experience in North Fulton and East Cobb courts, he doesn’t just follow the standard playbook. He reads the room, judges, prosecutors, even the political climate, and adapts his strategy in real time.

“Wording, timing, and tone are everything. A single misstep in court can change your life forever. But the right move at the right moment? That can set you free.” – Lubin An, Criminal Defense Attorney

For example, in one case, Lubin waited eight years for the political landscape to shift before reducing a felony murder charge to disorderly conduct, a outcome most attorneys would consider impossible.

Bottom line? Being a first-time offender gives you leverage, but only if your lawyer knows how to use it.

The Immediate Fallout: What Happens After A Conviction?

A violent crime conviction doesn’t just mean jail time. The ripple effects can touch every part of your life:

1. Employment: Will You Lose Your Job (Or Future Opportunities)?

Georgia employers can legally ask about felony convictions. If your job requires:

• Professional licensing (e.g., healthcare, finance, real estate)
• Security clearance (government, defense, IT)
• Driving or operating machinery (CDL, commercial roles)

…a conviction could disqualify you immediately.

Even if you keep your job, background checks for promotions or new positions could slam doors shut.

2. Housing: Can You Still Rent Or Buy A Home?

Landlords and mortgage lenders routinely check criminal records. A violent crime conviction may lead to:

• Denied rental applications (especially in affluent areas like North Fulton or East Cobb).
• Higher security deposits or outright rejections.
• Difficulty qualifying for a mortgage (FHA loans, for example, have strict guidelines).

3. Immigration Status: Could You Face Deportation?

If you’re not a U.S. citizen, a violent crime conviction can trigger automatic deportation proceedings under federal law, even for green card holders.

4. Firearm Rights: Will You Lose Your Second Amendment Rights?

Georgia prohibits felons from owning or possessing firearms. A conviction means:

• No hunting licenses.
• No concealed carry permits.
• Potential violations if firearms are found in your home.

5. Family & Reputation: The Hidden Costs

Beyond legal penalties, a conviction can:

• Strain relationships (spouses, children, extended family).
• Limit custody rights in divorce or child welfare cases.
• Damage your standing in professional or social circles.

How Long Will A Violent Crime Conviction Stay On Your Record?

In Georgia, violent crime convictions are permanent unless you take legal action.

• Felonies stay on your record for life unless expunged (which is extremely difficult for violent offenses).
• Misdemeanors may be eligible for record restriction (sealing) after 5 years, but this doesn’t apply to most violent crimes.

Can you get it expunged?

• First-offender status? If you completed probation under Georgia’s First Offender Act, you may petition to have the conviction discharged and sealed.
• Pardon? The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles can grant clemency, but this is rare for violent crimes.
• Post-Conviction Relief? A skilled attorney can file motions to reduce charges or vacate convictions based on new evidence or legal errors.

Without intervention, your conviction will follow you indefinitely.

Can You Still Get A Job In Atlanta With A Violent Crime Conviction?

Yes! But it’s an uphill battle. Here’s what you’re facing:

Industries That Will Likely Reject You

❌ Government jobs (federal, state, or local positions requiring background checks).
❌ Education & Childcare (schools, daycares, coaching).
❌ Healthcare (nursing, medical licensing).
❌ Finance & Banking (SEC, FINRA-regulated roles).
❌ Security & Law Enforcement (obviously).

Industries Where You Might Still Have A Chance

✅ Skilled Trades (construction, plumbing, electrician work, or if self-employed).
✅ Tech & Remote Work (coding, digital marketing, freelance roles).
✅ Entrepreneurship (starting your own business).
✅ Retail & Hospitality (though management roles may be off-limits).

Pro Tip: Some employers use “ban the box” policies, meaning they won’t ask about convictions on the initial application. However, they can still run background checks later.

Your best move? Work with an attorney who can:

• Negotiate for a lesser charge (e.g., reducing a felony to a misdemeanor).
• Seek a first-offender disposition to avoid a permanent conviction.
• Help you petition for record restriction if eligible.

Will A Conviction Stop You From Renting A Home Or Getting A Loan?

Renting A Home In Atlanta, Gwinnett, Or East Cobb

Most landlords run criminal background checks. A violent crime conviction can lead to:

• Automatic rejection (especially in high-end neighborhoods).
• Higher rent or deposits (if approved at all).
• Limited options (you may be forced into less desirable areas).

What can you do?

• Offer a larger security deposit (if financially possible).
• Get a co-signer (a family member or friend with a clean record).
• Look for private landlords (they’re less likely to run background checks than large property management companies).

Applying For Loans (Mortgages, Car Loans, Business Loans)

Banks and lenders don’t ask about criminal records directly, but they do check credit, and a conviction can indirectly hurt you by:

• Lowering your credit score (if you miss payments due to job loss).
• Increasing interest rates (lenders may see you as a higher risk).
• Denying business loans (if the conviction is financially related, like fraud).

What’s the solution? Work on rebuilding credit and consider credit unions, which may be more flexible than big banks.

Why Hiring The Right Attorney Is Your Best Chance At A Future

Facing a violent crime charge in Atlanta isn’t just about avoiding jail; it’s about protecting everything you’ve built. One wrong move in court could cost you your career, your home, even your family.

Here’s why Lubin An Law LLC is different:

1. We Don’t Follow The Standard Playbook

Most attorneys take a one-size-fits-all approach. Lubin studies the courtroom, the judge’s mood, the prosecutor’s weaknesses, even the political climate, and adapts in real time.

2. We Know When To Wait And When To Strike

In one case, Lubin waited eight years for a shift in the DA’s office before reducing a felony murder charge to disorderly conduct. Patience and precision won his client a second chance.

3. We Fight For More Than Just “Not Guilty”

Sometimes, the best outcome isn’t an acquittal, it’s reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or a sealed record. We explore every angle to minimize the long-term damage.

4. We Understand What’s Really At Stake

For professionals, business owners, and parents in North Fulton, East Cobb, and Gwinnett, reputation is everything. We work to keep your case out of the public eye and protect your standing in the community.

Your Next Steps: How To Protect Your Future

If you’re facing a violent crime charge in Atlanta, time is not on your side. The sooner you act, the more options you’ll have.

1. Don’t Talk To Police Without A Lawyer

Anything you say can and will be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions until your attorney is present.

2. Document Everything

Write down every detail of the incident while it’s fresh in your mind. Names, dates, witnesses, all of it could be critical later.

3. Avoid Social Media

Prosecutors will scour your profiles for evidence. Assume everything you post is being watched.

4. Call An Attorney Who Knows The Atlanta Courts

This isn’t the time for a public defender or a general practitioner. You need a strategic, adaptive lawyer who knows how to outmaneuver prosecutors in North Fulton, Gwinnett, and Cobb counties.

You Don’t Have To Handle Everything On Your Own

A violent crime charge can feel like the end of the road, but it’s not. With the right legal strategy, you can fight back. You can protect your future.

At Lubin An Law LLC, we’ve helped thousands of clients in Atlanta turn hopeless situations into second chances. We don’t just defend you in court, we defend your life, your livelihood, and your reputation.

Call us now at (404) 300-9793 or visit lubinanlaw.com for a confidential consultation.

The sooner you act, the stronger your defense will be. Your future is worth fighting for.

References

• Georgia Code § 16-1-3(12) – Definition of Violent Crimes
• Georgia First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60)
• Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles – Clemency Guidelines
• Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) – Background Check Regulations
• Atlanta Housing Authority – Rental Policies for Applicants with Criminal Records