In the State of Georgia, a series of unfortunate events led to your boyfriend being labeled as a felon. Last year, he found himself in an altercation with his ex-wife, where her brother became involved. As he tried to leave, the brother forcefully closed the door and initiated a physical confrontation. In self-defense, your boyfriend put the brother in a chokehold, causing him to lose consciousness. Consequently, your boyfriend was arrested and the brother was sent to prison.
During his time in jail, your boyfriend received advice from a public defender. Fearing the prospect of going to prison as a felon, the public defender advised him to plead guilty to aggravated assault, with the promise of parole. Trusting this advice, your boyfriend agreed to the plea deal. However, later on, he discovered that the charges against the brother couldn't be pursued due to his absence at trial. This realization, coupled with the renewed friendship between your boyfriend and his ex brother-in-law, has left him questioning his felony conviction.
It is important to note that I am not a lawyer, but there may be potential avenues to explore in order to address this situation. It could be beneficial for your boyfriend to consult with a criminal defense attorney in Georgia who can provide specific legal advice. They will be able to assess the details of the case and determine if there are any options available, such as appealing the conviction, seeking a pardon, or pursuing a petition for post-conviction relief.
Time may be of the essence, as there could be limitations on certain legal remedies. Therefore, it is crucial to seek professional legal guidance promptly. An attorney will be able to guide your boyfriend through the process and help him understand the available options for potentially resolving his felony status.