Breaking free from a cycle of criminal activity takes courage, determination and support. Athens offers various resources to help you turn your life around after your involvement with the justice system. Your past doesn't have to define your future, and many former...
Criminal Defense
Understanding juvenile diversion programs in Georgia
If your child faces charges for a minor offense, your child might benefit from a juvenile diversion program. These programs offer an alternative to traditional juvenile courts, aiming to rehabilitate rather than punish. Here's what you need to know about getting your...
Are police required to disclose reasons for arrests?
The moments following an arrest are often fraught with confusion and uncertainty. If this happens to you, you may wonder about the right to know the basis for the arrest. But do the police have an obligation to provide this information upfront? Police officers...
How does the parole process work in Georgia?
Parole offers inmates a chance to reintegrate into society while serving the remainder of their sentence under supervision. In Georgia, the parole process involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure the community's safety and the parolee's successful...
What is probation in Georgia?
When you are charged with a crime in Georgia and learn that you could receive probation, you may consider this a good option. After all, most people see probation as a better alternative to a jail or prison sentence. However, before you commit to probation, it is...
Top signs that the prosecution’s case is weak
When you’ve been charged with a criminal offense, the prosecution will appear confident that they can obtain a conviction and impose harsh penalties on you. But their case may be weaker than they’re letting on. If this is the situation, you need to identify the flaws...
Do I have to perform a field sobriety test?
When you are pulled over by police in Georgia for DUI, you are likely going to be asked to submit to field sobriety tests. If you are under the impression that you must submit to these tests, that is understandable. Refusal of a breath, blood or urine test in Georgia...
It’s possible to seal certain criminal records in Georgia
Being home to the main campus of the University of Georgia, Athens has a large student population that spends several years of their lives in this city. Students, as many people may agree, sometimes make mistakes, without realizing that those mistakes could give rise...
Can the police go through your trash?
The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. This protection extends to your home and personal property, too. That means even your trash is protected from unwarranted intrusions – unless an exception...
Possible defenses to a DUI charge in Georgia
If you have been charged with a DUI, you may think that you are guaranteed to be convicted. However, many Georgia residents facing DUI charges have successfully defended against these charges. The defense strategy you use will depend on the circumstances of the...