Drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely. Anyone who drives recklessly jeopardizes not only their own lives but also the lives of other drivers, pedestrians and even passengers. Operating a vehicle while drunk is one such reckless behavior, which...
Criminal Defense
Understanding your charges: Misdemeanors vs. felonies
When you break the law, the courts assess relevant factors before receiving appropriate punishments for the crime you committed. In Georgia, the crime categories – either a misdemeanor or a felony – vary depending on the severity of penalties. In comparison, a...
Georgia’s parole process: Eligibility and considerations
Freedom comes at a cost, which for prisoners means an unwavering commitment to breaking the cycle of crime in exchange for retaining parole. Parole is a conditional freedom afforded to qualified offenders in which they serve their remaining sentence with the rest of...
What if you get arrested for DUI with a prior record?
Getting arrested on a drunk-driving charge is never fun. But it can be an especially big problem if you already have a DUI conviction (or two) on your record. Then the potential penalties you would face if convicted start shooting up, and your priors do not have to...
Understanding searches and seizures
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...
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....