Statesboro Assault Attorney

Nearly 11 Years as a Bulloch County Felony Prosecutor. Now Fighting for You.

An assault charge in Georgia doesn’t require physical contact. Under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-20, placing someone in reasonable apprehension of immediately receiving a violent injury is enough for the charge to proceed. That legal reality means arrests happen fast, and what you do in the hours and days that follow can shape your entire case. At The Brannen Law Office P.C., we represent people facing assault charges in Statesboro and throughout Bulloch County, and we offer free personal consultations to start building a defense from day one.

Attorney Scott Brannen is a Statesboro native and second-generation lawyer who spent nearly 11 years as a felony prosecutor before transitioning to criminal defense. He has handled criminal cases in the State Court and Superior Court of Bulloch County for over two decades. He knows how prosecutors in these courts think, what evidence they prioritize, and where their cases have vulnerabilities. That background is the foundation of every assault defense we build.

Beyond the courtroom, an assault charge carries real consequences. Employment screenings, housing applications, and personal relationships can all be affected long after a case concludes. Early intervention preserves your options: evidence is fresh, witnesses are reachable, and strategic decisions made now can shape every phase ahead.

If you’re facing an assault charge in Statesboro, don’t wait. Call (912) 225-0066 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Simple Assault vs. Aggravated Assault in Georgia

Georgia law defines two distinct assault offenses, and the difference between them determines where your case is heard and what penalties you face. We handle both misdemeanor and felony assault charges in Bulloch County, and understanding these classifications is the first step toward building your defense.

• Simple Assault (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-20) – A misdemeanor charge involving an attempt to commit a violent injury or an act that places another person in reasonable apprehension of immediately receiving a violent injury. No physical contact is required for the charge. Penalties include up to 12 months in jail, fines up to $1,000, probation, and mandatory anger management classes. Misdemeanor cases are heard in the State Court of Bulloch County.
• Aggravated Assault (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21) – A felony charge involving intent to murder, rape, or rob, or the use of a deadly weapon. Penalties range from one to 20 years in state prison, significant fines, and the loss of firearm rights. Felony cases are heard in the Superior Court of Bulloch County.

Which charge applies to your situation and where it will be prosecuted matters from the start. We’re experienced in navigating both courts and prepared to guide you through every stage of the process.

How We Approach Assault Defense in Statesboro

Every assault case begins with a personal consultation. Before developing any strategy, we need to understand the specific facts of your situation. No two cases are the same, and a defense built on assumptions rarely holds up.

From there, our process follows the natural path of Bulloch County criminal proceedings: arrest or investigation, arraignment, evidence review and discovery, plea negotiations or pretrial motions, and trial if necessary. Each phase presents distinct challenges and opportunities. We explain what to expect at every step so you’re not caught off guard. Scott Brannen has tried over 100 jury trials in Superior and State Courts across felonies, misdemeanors, and civil cases, and our firm has handled thousands of criminal cases over the course of its practice.

Our work on each case includes thorough evidence analysis, witness questioning, and a careful investigation of the circumstances that led to the charge. We take an educational approach with clients, preparing them for courtroom procedures and the strategies the prosecution may pursue. You stay informed and involved at every stage. Our client testimonials reflect our commitment to client service.

Why Statesboro Clients Choose Us for Assault Defense

Scott Brannen’s nearly 11 years as a felony prosecutor in Bulloch County isn’t incidental to his defense work. It’s the core of it. He understands the evidence standards prosecutors rely on, how charging decisions get made, and the negotiating dynamics that drive assault cases toward resolution. That knowledge directly informs how he approaches each defense and how he communicates with the prosecution.

He also served as a part-time judge, which adds a third perspective to his courtroom presence. As a Statesboro native and second-generation lawyer, he has built professional relationships within the Bulloch County legal community over more than two decades. That local familiarity with courts, prosecutors, and procedures can affect how a case moves and what resolution options may be available.

The Brannen Law Office P.C. holds a 9.4 Superb Avvo Rating and the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award. Clients receive personalized attention from the initial consultation through the conclusion of the case. The experience and local grounding we bring to assault defense in Bulloch County are concrete credentials, not a general claim.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

An assault charge is serious, and the window for effective action is narrower than most people realize. We offer free consultations for people facing assault charges in Statesboro and Bulloch County. Scott Brannen can review the facts of your case, explain your options clearly, and begin developing a defense strategy tailored to your situation. Reaching out early preserves more of those options.

Call (912) 225-0066 or fill out our online form today to schedule your free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do If Charged With Assault in Statesboro?

Remain calm and don’t make any statements to law enforcement without an attorney present. Contact us as soon as possible to schedule a consultation. Early intervention matters: the sooner we can review the facts of your case, the more options may be available. We can walk you through the charges, explain what to expect in Bulloch County court, and begin building a strategy to protect your rights from the start.

What Are the Consequences of an Assault Conviction in Georgia?

The consequences depend on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. A simple assault conviction can result in up to a year in jail and fines up to $1,000, with the case handled in the State Court of Bulloch County. An aggravated assault conviction is a felony tried in Superior Court and can mean one to 20 years in state prison, along with significant fines and the loss of firearm rights. Beyond legal penalties, a conviction can affect employment, housing, and personal relationships. Contacting a Statesboro assault attorney early can help you understand your options for addressing these consequences.

Can Assault Charges Be Dropped or Reduced?

Charges may be dropped or reduced depending on the facts of the case. The strength of the evidence, witness reliability, and the defense strategy all play a role. Scott Brannen’s background as a former prosecutor gives him direct insight into how these cases are built and where they can be challenged. We negotiate with prosecutors and pursue available avenues, whether that means seeking reduced charges, alternative resolutions, or dismissal when the facts support it. We won’t promise a specific outcome, but we will apply every resource we have to your defense.

How Can Your Team Help Me Prepare My Defense?

Preparing a defense for an assault charge requires a methodical approach and an understanding of the local legal landscape. We assist with evidence gathering, witness interviews, and exploring legal precedents relevant to your case. Scott Brannen’s experience as a former prosecutor and judge informs both strategy development and negotiation with the prosecution. We keep clients informed and involved at every step, so you know where your case stands and what comes next.

Don’t wait to get help. Call (912) 225-0066 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation with a Statesboro assault attorney today.