Many people get intimidated when facing law enforcement officers, and sometimes the intimidation causes some individuals to comply with the officers’ requests, even those that are unreasonable. This is true for many searches and seizures. However, this can impair a...
Criminal Defense
Five common mistakes the police make during investigations
Being accused of criminal wrongdoing can turn your world upside down. The threat of conviction can leave you reeling as you struggle to cope with the possibility of being hit with prison time and difficulty securing and holding employment and housing even after you’ve...
When can the synthesis of drugs in a research lab be a crime?
Many university researchers in the areas of organic chemistry and biochemistry utilize or produce controlled substances in their labs for the purpose of furthering scientific knowledge on the development of new and better medications. This begs the question of the...
What should I do after getting stopped by the police?
Getting stopped by police can be stressful. In any tense situation, your nerves can get the better of you, making you seem defensive when you have nothing to hide. Just stay calm and remember to exercise your rights, such as: Your right to remain silent. State laws...
Ravages of the opioid epidemic
Over the last quarter century, the opioid epidemic has taken over a half million lives in drug overdose deaths. The epidemic has affected people from all walks of life, and has caused an ongoing, inestimable scourge of devastation. Recently, according to news reports,...
Is it a serious crime to possess marijuana in Georgia?
College is a time of experimentation for many young adults, and some may dabble in substances such as marijuana. It may seem like a harmless activity at the time but if police catch you possessing marijuana you could find yourself facing some serious consequences....
What can you expect if you take your criminal case to trial?
A small percentage of criminal cases in Georgia go all the way to a bench or jury trial. The vast majority of criminal cases are actually dismissed or are resolved through guilty pleas and plea agreements. However, in some cases, the facts and circumstances lead...
Understanding Georgia’s implied consent law
Most Georgia drivers understand that if they are stopped under suspicion of being intoxicated, they will be asked to take either a blood or breath test to determine the alcoholic content of their blood. This content is usually expressed as a number of grams of alcohol...
What rights do students have when dealing with campus police?
College students possess constitutional rights in their dealings with campus police. But they may be in for some unpleasant surprises if they are unaware of the extent of these rights. Remaining silent The Fifth Amendment right to remain silent is an important...
What is the extent of your right to remain silent?
Far too many people have a misunderstanding about their right to remain silent. This means that you could be unintentionally putting yourself at risk of a criminal conviction. You certainly don’t want that. So, what is the full extent of your right to remain silent?...