Georgia DUI Law: Challenging the Stop, Speeding

/in /by

Georgia DUI investigations usually begin with a routine traffic stop. At a minimum, in order to stop you and your vehicle, the stopping officer needs to have “reasonable and articulable suspicion” to believe a crime has, or is about to be committed. An officer normally satisfies this requirement by observing a traffic or equipment violation. However, if it is determined the officer did NOT have reasonable and articulable suspicion to stop your vehicle; this could result in the suppression of evidence and the ultimate dismissal of a DUI charge.

Therefore, it is crucial to examine the most common types of traffic violations that result in a DUI investigation. This article serves to inform you of the nature, methods of proof, penalties, and challenges to a speeding offense in Georgia.

The Offense

Speeding is one of the most common traffic offenses associated with DUI arrests in Georgia. This is likely because officers are equipped with speed detection devices and it is the type of offense that catches an officer’s eye.

In order to fully understand speeding laws in Georgia, you would have to refer to various parts of five different statutes: O.C.G.A. §§ 40-6-180, 40-6-181, 40-6-182, 40-6-183 and 40-6-188. The provisions of O.C.G.A. § 40-6-180 also cover the catch-all offense known as “driving too fast for conditions.”

Georgia has “absolute” speed limits, meaning a violation occurs even at one mile per hour over the posted speed limit. Unless otherwise posted, the absolute speed limits are as follows:

  • 20 miles per hour in school zones
  • 30 miles per hour in urban and residential districts
  • 35 miles per hour on unpaved country roads
  • 65 miles per hour on sections of physically divided highways without full access control on the state highway system
  • 70 miles per hour on interstate highways, and
  • 55 miles per hour on other roadways.

Absolute limits aside, Georgia’s basic speeding law prohibit driving at a speed greater than is “reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard for the actual and potential hazards then existing.” Therefore, a driver must always drive at a safe and reasonable speed. What is safe and reasonable depends on the circumstances. 40 miles per hour on a clear day with no traffic is more safe and reasonable than 40 miles per hour in a snow storm with heavy traffic.

Penalties

Under Georgia law, technically, speeding offenses are misdemeanors and are therefore punishable with up to a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to one year in jail. Although these are the maximum punishments, speeding cases generally do not result in jail time.

For a first time speeding offense, the maximum fines are as follows:

  • $0 for speeding by 5 miles per hour or less over the limit
  • $25 for speeding by more than 5 but less than 10 miles per hour over the limit
  • $100 for speeding by more than 10 but less than 14 miles per hour over the limit
  • $125 for speeding by more than 14 but less than 19 miles per hour over the limit
  • $150 for speeding by at least 19 but less than 24 miles per hour over the limit
  • $500 for speeding by at least 24 but less than 34 miles per hour over the limit

Speeding in “work zones” can be punished by fines ranging from $100 to $2,000 and/or jail up to twelve months as this is a “high and aggravated” misdemeanor. Also, anyone convicted of speeding at 85 miles per hour, or 75 miles per hour on a two lane highway, will be deemed a “super speeder,” causing an additional $200 fine to be added to the sentence. These fine amounts are base fines and do not include statutory surcharges which significantly increase the total fine amount. A sentencing judge can always add on defensive driving courses as a condition of your sentence. In addition to fines and course, a motorist can also expect points to be assessed on their license by DDS (2-6 points depending on the offense).

Challenging the Stop

A speeding charge may be challenged through a motion to suppress or a motion in limine which are designed to attack the stop, arrest, or any evidence gathered as a result of an unlawful stop and/or arrest.

The State has the burden of proving each and every law regarding speed detection devices.

First, the arresting officer will attempt to establish they visually estimated your speed. Visual estimation of speed is sufficient to convict in Georgia.

In order to establish a “visual estimation,” the officer must testify that: he/she is trained in the visual estimation of speed for vehicles, how long he/she has been trained, how he/she was trained, how many visual estimations he/she has made in their career, and that he/she is accurate to within +- 5 mph of their estimation.

The State must also prove:

  • The department issuing you the citation has a permit issued by the Department of Public Safety to operate speed detection devices. The prosecutor may either admit this document into evidence or just have the officer testify that such a permit exists. O.C.G.A. 40-14-2.
  • The prosecutor must prove that the location where you were speeding is on the Department of Public Safety’s list of approved locations for the use of speed detection devices. Many prosecutors think the officer’s testimony alone is enough to satisfy this requirement, but the prosecutor must admit this list into evidence. O.C.G.A. 40-14-3.
  • The prosecutor must prove that the agency issuing the citation has a permit from the Federal Communications Commission to operate the device, and that device was inspected by a technician before it was placed into service and that the device is serviced by the technician annually. This provision only applies to citations based on radar evidence. This provision does not apply to speeding tickets issued based on Lidar/laser, VASCAR, pacing, or other forms of speed detection. O.C.G.A. 40-14-4.
  • The prosecutor must prove that the officer tested his speed detection device for accuracy at the beginning and end of his shift and that he recorded the results in a logbook. This may be proven through oral testimony, or the prosecutor may admit the logbook into evidence. O.C.G.A. 40-14-5.
  • The prosecutor must prove that there are signs at least 24 by 30 inches when you enter the county, city, etc. warning that there are speed detection devices in use. O.C.G.A. 40-14-6.
  • The prosecutor must prove that the officer was not using the speed detection device within 500 feet of these signs. O.C.G.A. 40-14-6.
  • The prosecutor must prove that the officer was not using the speed detection device within 500 feet of a change in speed limit sign. O.C.G.A. 40-14-6.
  • The prosecutor must prove that the officer operating a stationary speed detection device was visible for at least 500 feet to traffic. O.C.G.A. 40-14-7.
  • The prosecutor must prove that your speed was more than 10 mph over the posted speed limit unless you are in a school zone, historic district, or residential zones all of which must be properly marked. An area with a speed limit of 35 mph is not automatically a residential zone. The area must be properly marked as a school, historic, or residential zone. O.C.G.A. 40-14-8.
  • The prosecutor must prove you were not within 300 feet of a change in speed limit sign (if inside a municipality) or within 600 feet of a change in speed limit sign (if outside a municipality). O.C.G.A. 40-14-9.
  • The prosecutor must prove that there was not a change in the speed limit in the 30 days prior to your being issued the ticket at the location where you were given the ticket. O.C.G.A. 40-14-9.
  • The prosecutor must prove the location where you received the ticket is no on a grade in excess of 7 percent. Just because a location is listed on the Department of Public Safety’s list of approved locations for the use of speed detection devices this does not mean the location has been measured for the grade. This is an excellent source for cross-examination. O.C.G.A. 40-14-9.
  • The prosecutor must prove the officer issuing you the ticket has a permit to operate speed detection devices. This may be proven by admitting the permit or having the officer testify that he is certified. O.C.G.A. 40-14-10.

In addition to these technical requirements, an experienced attorney can also raise challenges to errors committed by the operator of a speed detection device. Examples include, but are not limited to: lack of training, misidentifying your vehicle as the speeding vehicle, improper movement or aiming of the speed detection device, the officer’s visibility and/or reaction time, interference with the device (weather conditions, radio interference, air conditioning, reflective surfaces).

As we can see, there are many intricate requirements the prosecution must properly satisfy in order to prove speeding. Because of these various requirements, it is highly recommended you contact an experienced attorney who can raise these challenges in a pre-trial motion or at trial.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been arrested for driving under the influence, contact the law firm of W. Scott Smith at 404.581.0999 today for a free case evaluation. You’ll find a local Atlanta DUI attorney ready to aggressively fight on your behalf. You can also find out more detailed information about Atlanta laws here.

Georgia Law: Nolo Contendere Plea

/in /by

Georgia law allows individuals to enter this special type of plea once every five years. This article serves to explore the meaning of this plea, its effect, who can use it, and when to use it.   

Nolo Contendere Defined

Nolo contendere literally means, “no contest.” By entering this plea, although you acknowledge there may be enough evidence to convict you of the alleged crime, you are technically not admitting guilt. It is important to note the nolo contendere plea (also called “nolo”) acts as a conviction. Additionally, a nolo plea will not reduce punishment ordered by the sentencing judge, you will have the same punishment as if you had plead guilty.

The Benefit of a Nolo Plea

If a nolo plea acts as a conviction, then what separates it from a guilty plea? A nolo plea to certain traffic offenses prevents the conviction from being reported to DDS. As a result, no points will be assessed to your license. But, whether your insurance company raises your insurance rates is uncertain as every insurance company has different terms and conditions.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Holders and Nolo Pleas

Unfortunately, a nolo plea does not prevent a commercial driver’s license from being suspended or disqualified. CDL holders are held to a higher standard than the general public because commercial vehicles pose a greater risk to the public (they are much larger and more difficult to operate) than non-commercial vehicles. As a result, a nolo plea has no value to a CDL holder; the CDL holder should contact an experienced attorney to get the case dismissed or reduced to a non-reportable offense.  

Drivers Under 18 and 21 Years Old

Drivers under the age of 18 are unable to use a nolo plea. The law seeks to hold young drivers accountable for traffic violations to deter them from future offenses. Those under 18 should also consider hiring a lawyer to get their case dismissed or reduced to a non-reportable offense. Drivers under the age of 21 can use a nolo plea, but it rarely helps. For the following offenses provided under O.C.G.A. § 40-5-57, a nolo plea will not avoid a license suspension for drivers under the age of 21:

  • Reckless Driving;
  • Aggressive Driving;
  • Escaping or Fleeing Using a Motor Vehicle;
  • Racing;
  • Improper Passing on Hill or Curve;
  • Unlawful Passing of a School Bus;
  • Hit and Run / Leaving the Scene of an Accident; and
  • Exceeding the Speed Limit by 24 mph or greater

When to Use a Nolo Plea

For those drivers above the age of 21, a nolo plea can be very useful in many different circumstances. Nolo pleas are generally useful in driving without insurance, driving with a suspended license, and hit and run cases. That being said, it is still generally good practice to consult an attorney to determine whether you should use a nolo plea or try to get the case dismissed or reduced to a non-reporting offense, thereby saving your nolo plea (remember, you can use it only once every 5 years).

You do not want to use a nolo plea for minor traffic offenses where the case could be dismissed or reduced to a non-reporting offense. Examples include but are not limited to: failure to yield, speeding (over 14mph the limit but not super speeder), improper turn, following too closely, failure to maintain lane. A lot of times, prosecutors will dismiss the case if you successfully complete a driving course or something similar. You also do not want to use a nolo plea where other alternative sentencing options are available, such as: pre-trial diversion, conditional discharge pleas, or some type of informal agreement to dismiss. These are common in marijuana possession cases, minor in possession cases, and shoplifting cases if you have no prior criminal history. Lastly, you should not use a nolo plea on a traffic charge that would not show up on a Motor Vehicle Report because it would not be reported to DDS. Examples include but are not limited to: too fast for conditions, basic rules violations, speeding (14 mph or less above speed limit), expired registration, and parking tickets.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been arrested for driving under the influence, contact the law firm of W. Scott Smith at 404.581.0999 today for a free case evaluation. You’ll find a local Atlanta DUI attorney ready to aggressively fight on your behalf. You can also find out more detailed information about Atlanta laws here.

Georgia Law: Minor in Possession of Alcohol – Charges and Penalties

/in /by

Georgia law prevents anyone under the age of 21 from possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages. Violating these Minor in Possession (MIP) laws can lead to significant consequences, subject to only a few specific exceptions.

The Offense

O.C.G.A. § 3-3-23 prohibits minors from purchasing, attempting to purchase, or knowingly possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages. The law also makes it a crime for minors to use a fake identification in order to purchase alcohol. If convicted, you could be sentenced to:

(First Offense)

  1. $300 fine (maximum)
  2. Up to 6 months in jail
  3. 6 month driver’s license suspension (no limited permit available)

(Second or Further Offense)

  1. $1,000 (maximum)
  2. Up to one year in jail
  3. 1 year driver’s license suspension

A sentencing judge could also order you to complete certain educational programs pertaining to alcohol and drug use. If a person under 21 is convicted of using a fake ID to purchase alcoholic beverages, you will be required to complete a defensive driving course and pay a $210 reinstatement fee in order to reinstate your license.

If found guilty of MIP while driving a motor vehicle, your license will be suspended for 120 days. You will have to submit proof of completion of a Risk Reduction Program along with a $35 fee in order to reinstate your license. However, a plea of nolo contendere will prevent the conviction from being reported to DDS. You are eligible to use a nolo contendere plea once every five years.

It is also important to note the consequences of a DUI conviction if under the age of 21.

Defenses and Exceptions

The law does not apply to the sale, purchase, or possession of alcoholic beverages when the consumption is for religious ceremony, medical purposes pursuant to a physician’s orders, or with the consent of a parent or guardian when the possession takes place in the home and the parent or guardian is present.

The law also permits people under 21 years of age to dispense, serve, sell, or handle alcoholic beverages as a part of their employment in any licensed establishment. The law allows people under 21 to be employed in any establishment in which alcoholic beverages are distilled or manufactured. The law also allows people under 21 to take orders for and having possession of alcoholic beverages as a part of employment in a licensed establishment.

If this is your first offense for MIP and have no prior criminal history relating to drugs or alcohol, the prosecutor may offer to dismiss your case if you successfully complete a “pre-trial diversion program.” If you successfully complete certain conditions (usually a fine, community service, educational courses, drug and alcohol screens) within a certain period of time, the prosecutor will agree to not prosecute the case, resulting in the case being dismissed. If you do not successfully complete the diversion program, your case will be placed back on the trial calendar. Your case could also be resolved through a “conditional discharge” which works the same as pre-trial diversion, except you have to first enter a guilty plea, so that if you do not successfully complete the terms, your guilty plea will take effect and remain on your record permanently.

If the case cannot be resolved through diversion (formal or informal), conditional discharge, or some other plea negotiation, then you may go to trial on the case and raise doubt as to whether you were in possession or whether you consumed alcohol while being under the age of 21. 

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been arrested for driving under the influence, contact the law firm of W. Scott Smith at 404.581.0999 today for a free case evaluation. You’ll find a local Atlanta DUI attorney ready to aggressively fight on your behalf. You can also find out more detailed information about Atlanta laws here.

Georgia DUI Law: Challenging the Stop, Improper Turn

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

Georgia DUI investigations usually begin with a routine traffic stop. At a minimum, in order to stop you and your vehicle, the stopping officer needs to have “reasonable and articulable suspicion” to believe a crime has, or is about to be committed. An officer normally satisfies this requirement by observing a traffic or equipment violation. However, if it is determined the officer did NOT have reasonable and articulable suspicion to stop your vehicle; this could result in the suppression of evidence and the ultimate dismissal of a DUI charge.

Therefore, it is crucial to examine the most common types of traffic violations that result in a DUI investigation. This article serves to inform you of what type of things police officers are looking for when stopping for improper turn.

The Offense

O.C.G.A. § 40-6-120 requires the driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection to do the following:

(1) RIGHT TURN. Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway;

(2) LEFT TURN.

(A) As used in this paragraph, the term “extreme left-hand lane” means the lane furthest to the left that is lawfully available to traffic moving in the same direction as the turning vehicle. In the event of multiple lanes, the second extreme left-hand lane shall be the lane to the right of the extreme left-hand lane that is lawfully available to traffic moving in the same direction as the turning vehicle. The third extreme left-hand lane shall be the lane to the right of the second extreme left-hand lane and so forth.

(B) The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left shall approach the turn in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of the turning vehicle. Whenever practicable, the left turn shall be made to the left of the center of the intersection and so as to exit the intersection or other location in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the same direction as the turning vehicle on the roadway being entered.

(C) In the event of multiple turn lanes, the driver of a vehicle turning left shall exit the intersection in the same relative travel lane as the vehicle entered the intersection. If the vehicle is in the second extreme left-hand lane entering the intersection the vehicle shall exit the intersection in the second extreme left-hand lane. Where there are multiple lanes of travel in the same direction safe for travel, a vehicle shall not be permitted to make a lane change once the intersection has been entered.

The most common way to violate this law is when you make a “wide turn.” A wide turn is when you start your turn in one lane and drift over into another lane while executing or finishing your turn. This is a common maneuver you will see on the road and a close look at the language of the law prohibits this conduct.

Interestingly, in State v. Morgan, 260 Ga. App. 263, 581 S.E.2d 296 (2003), the Court of Appeals upheld the trial court’s suppression of the traffic stop. Morgan was stopped for making a right hand turn into the left lane of two eastbound lanes of Hwy 278, then immediately got into a left turn lane to turn onto Hazelbrand Rd. approximately 100 yards from where he entered Hwy 278; the turn was reasonable and the reasonable suspicion for the stop was unreasonable. Because the spirit of our traffic laws is to ensure safe and reasonable driving among motorists, the Court decided, given the facts of Morgan and the reasonableness of his driving, there was no reasonable and articulable suspicion to stop his vehicle even though Morgan made a wide turn.

Challenging the Stop

Like any traffic stop,  is important to challenge the officer’s observations to determine whether the stopping officer has reasonable and articulable suspicion necessary to stop your car. The most successful way to accomplish this is to challenge the officer’s perception. Key issues include, but are not limited to:

  • Distance between the officer and your vehicle
  • Angles of officer’s observation
  • Traffic conditions (no traffic makes an improper turn more reasonable and safe)
  • Lighting
  • The mechanics of the turn

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been arrested for driving under the influence, contact the law firm of W. Scott Smith at 404.581.0999 today for a free case evaluation. You’ll find a local Atlanta DUI attorney ready to aggressively fight on your behalf. You can also find out more detailed information about Atlanta laws here.

What do you do if you are arrested for child molestation in Fulton County?

/in /by

If you or a loved one is arrested for child molestation in Fulton County, it is important that you act immediately to protect yourself. Do not wait until your court date to get an attorney and to preserve evidence.

The Fulton County District Attorney’s office has a dedicated division called the Crimes Against Women and Children Unit. They will vigorously prosecute you if you are charged with child molestation. 

Do not think that just because you are innocent that the charges will be dismissed. Child molestation charges are aggressively prosecuted in Fulton County and the police believe children who make the accusations.

Make sure your attorney has had jury trials in child molestation cases and has won these cases. Do not let an attorney handle your case who does not specifically handle child molestation cases.

The law may say you are presumed innocent but in child molestation cases, you have to prove your innocence.

Here is what you should do if arrested for child molestation in Fulton County.

  1. Hire an attorney – Make sure that attorney actually handles and tries child molestation cases. Most criminal defense attorneys do not handle child molestation cases. Make sure the attorney you talk to does regularly handles child molestation cases in Georgia.
  2. Avoid making any statements – Do not walk into the police department and profess your innocence. The police will not believe you. Do not think you can show up at your first court date and tell the prosecutor and judge that you are innocent and expect the charges to be dropped. If you are arrested for child molestation, you have to start preparing for your jury trial. Do not make any statements to anyone except your lawyer.
  3. Start gathering important evidence
    1. Gather and preserve any physical evidence in your possession that might relate to the child making the accusation. This includes clothing, photos, video or any other tangible object.
    1. Gather and preserve any documents that might relate to this accusation including emails, texts, social media, phone records, GPS records, computer records or any other document that might show where you were when this incident allegedly occurred.
    1. Witnesses – Immediately make a list of any person who you think might have information about this child molestation accusation. Do not discuss the case with this person but pass this list of potential witnesses to your attorney and let your attorney contact them.

Here is what you should never do if arrested for child molestation in Fulton County.

  1. Never talk to the alleged victim or the family.
  2. Never have any contact with the alleged victim through a 3rd party or through social media.
  3. Never talk to law enforcement without an attorney present.
  4. Never talk to a child welfare agency or any other governmental agency without an attorney present.

If you are arrested for child molestation or any sex offense in Fulton County, please call our office 24/7 at 404-581-0999 or send us an email at mike@peachstatelawyer.com. We will sit down with you and fully discuss your case and what to expect in court. There is no charge for the initial consultation. You will only retain us if you feel we are the best law firm to represent you. It is your case and your life so you need to hire the lawyer that you feel gives you the best chance to win.

Did I get arrested? A discussion of what constitutes an arrest and how it impacts your Georgia Criminal History

/in , , , , , /by

In Georgia, many offenses that are not crimes in every state, like traffic offenses, are considered criminal offenses. Because so many offenses that aren’t treated like crimes in every state are crimes, it’s important to know if your interaction with law enforcement constitutes an arrest in the State of Georgia.

Not every arrest will go on your criminal history. For an arrest to go on your Georgia criminal history or GCIC you must be fingerprinted and it must be reported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. If you aren’t fingerprinted, that arrest should not show up on your criminal history. Lets talk about some specific instances and whether they constitute an arrest

Traffic Citations

Traffic citations are considered arrests in Georgia, but not in the traditional sense, and most likely do not have to be reported. If you are given a traffic citation and allowed to drive away, or given a citation by an officer on the street and allowed to leave, that is technically an arrest. But that arrest will not show up on your criminal history because you were never fingerprinted. A conviction for any traffic offense will show up on your driving history.

Traditional Arrest (Handcuffed, Taken to Jail, and Fingerprinted)

If you were handcuffed, taken to jail, and fingerprinted by any Georgia law enforcement officer, you should expect that arrest to show up on your criminal history. Most non-traffic offenses will result in arrest, but occasionally some minor misdemeanor offenses in Georgia like possession of marijuana less than an ounce, theft by shoplifting, minor in possession of alcohol, and disorderly conduct will not result in arrest. You may only be issued a citation. However, in these instances, you may be asked to be fingerprinted when your case is resolved, even if that resolution ends in dismissal.

Warrant Application Hearings

A warrant application hearing is different than the traditional arrest process. If a citizen believes you have committed a crime against them, they can go to the Magistrate Court in the county which the alleged crime occurred and file a warrant application. You would then be required to appear in front of a judge. The Judge would hear evidence bfrom both parties regarding the alleged criminal conduct and decide if a warrant should be issued. If the Judge grants a warrant, they can either ask you to turn yourself in and post a bond (often times just a signature bond) or ask the Sheriff to take you into custody. That is the Judge’s discretion. A warrant application may or may not go on your Georgia criminal history. Again, it depends on whether or not you are fingerprinted during the process.

We hope this knowledge assists you in understanding the warrant process. Our office is here for all your Georgia criminal law needs. Please call us today at 404-581-0999.

Smash and Grab Burglary in Georgia

/in /by

A Smash and Grab Burglary is one where a person intentionally enters a retail establishment with the intent to commit a theft, and causes damage in excess of $500.00 damages to the establishment without the owner’s consent. The most common form of a Smash and Grab burglary is done in a jewelry store where the glass cases are broken. However, all retail establishments are included under Georgia law, including restaurants. If a glass door is broken during a burglary, or a lock is broken, and it results in more than $500 in damage, you can be charged under the Smash and Grab statute in Georgia. This is true even if nothing is ever taken or stolen.

Smash and Grab burglaries are treated more harshly in Georgia than a regular retail burglary (which is known as Burglary in the 2nd degree in Georgia). For example, on a first offense for Smash and Grab, it is a mandatory minimum 2 to 20 years to serve and/or a fine of up to $100,000.  On a second conviction for Smash and Grab, the sentence will range of a minimum of 5 years in prison and up to 20 years or a fine of up to $100,000.  On the other hand, a Burglary in the 2nd degree is a lesser included offense, and has a mandatory minimum sentence of a year (versus two years on a first offense Smash and Grab).

Under Georgia law, eyewitnesses are not required for a conviction for burglary, and this includes a Smash and Grab burglary. Fingerprints, DNA on cigarette left nearby, surveillance footage, and even cell phone records showing the person near the scene can all be sufficient for a conviction. A seasoned attorney who has handled these unique cases will do a full case evaluation and may attack the methods of the investigation, as well as any cell phone records, search warrants, and forensic testing done by law enforcement.

If you or a loved one has been charged with Burglary in Georgia, including a Smash and Grab, call the Law Office of W. Scott Smith today for a free case evaluation at 404-581-0999.

Possession with Intent to Distribute in Georgia Law

/in , , , , , , , , /by

If you have been arrested for Possession with Intent to Distribute in Georgia, it is imperative that you hire an attorney quickly. Possession with Intent to Distribute cases often are won by filing a Motion to Suppress. These motions must be filed within 10 days of arraignment. If you do not properly file them, they are waived and you will potentially lose the ability to beat your case.

It is unlawful for any person to manufacture, deliver, distribute, dispense, administer, sell, or possession with the intent to distribute any controlled substance. O.C.G.A. 16-13-30(b).

What does the District Attorney have to prove?

The prosecutor must prove that the Defendant intended to sell or distribute the drug that is in his possession. If you are simply in possession of the drug but not intending to sell or distribute it, then you cannot be convicted of Possession with Intent.

However, even if you possess only a small amount of a drug, you can still be charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute. To prove intent to sell, the State would have to show evidence of baggies, a scale, large amount of currency or other drug paraphernalia. The State could also show it through a prior conviction for Possession with Intent to Distribute or expert testimony that the amount was consistent with someone selling it rather than just using for personal consumption.

If you are charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute, please call us at 404-581-0999 for a free consultation. We have offices in both downtown Atlanta and Marietta.

Georgia DUI Law: Challenging the Stop, Driving While Distracted or While Using Mobile Device

/in , , , , , , , , , /by

Georgia DUI investigations usually begin with a routine traffic stop. At a minimum, in order to stop you and your vehicle, the stopping officer needs to have “reasonable and articulable suspicion” to believe a crime has, or is about to be committed. An officer normally satisfies this requirement by observing a traffic or equipment violation. However, if it is determined the officer did NOT have reasonable and articulable suspicion to stop your vehicle; this could result in the suppression of evidence and the ultimate dismissal of a DUI charge.

Therefore, it is crucial to examine the most common types of traffic violations that result in a DUI investigation. This article serves to inform you of what type of things police officers are looking for when stopping for driving while distracted or while using mobile device.

The Offense

As of July 1, 2018, O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241 requires drivers to exercise due care while operating a motor vehicle on the highways of this state and prohibits “any actions which shall distract such driver from the safe operation of such vehicle.”

In addition, drivers may not:

(1) physically hold or support a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device, except for the use of an earpiece, headphone device, or device worn on a wrist to conduct a voice based communication;

(2) write, send, or read any text-based communication, including text messages, instant messages, e-mails, or Internet data, other than voice commands that are converted to text by the device or used for GPS/navigation feature control;

(3) watch a video or movie on a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device, other than watching data related to the navigation of such vehicle; or

(4) record or broadcast a video on a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device, other than devices used for the sole purpose of continuously recording or broadcasting video within or outside of the motor vehicle.

Commercial vehicle drivers are restricted from using more than a single button on a wireless telecommunications device to initiate or terminate a voice communication or reaching for a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device in such a manner that requires the driver to no longer be in a seated driving position or properly restrained by a safety belt.

Exceptions

These prohibitions do not apply if the driver is:

(1) reporting a traffic accident, medical emergency, fire, an actual or potential criminal or delinquent act, or road condition which causes an immediate and serious traffic or safety hazard;

(2) an employee or contractor of a utility services provider acting within the scope of his or her employment while responding to a utility emergency;

(3) a law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency medical services personnel, ambulance driver, or other similarly employed public safety first responder during the performance of his or her official duties; or

(4) in a lawfully parked motor vehicle.

O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241(g).

Punishment

O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241(f) states that violations are punished as misdemeanors, as follows:

(A) For a first conviction with no conviction of and no plea of nolo contendere accepted to a charge of violating this Code section within the previous 24 month period of time, as measured from the dates any previous convictions were obtained or pleas of nolo contendere were accepted to the date the current conviction is obtained or plea of nolo contendere is accepted, a fine of not more than $50.00, but the provisions of Chapter 11 of Title 17 and any other provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, the costs of such prosecution shall not be taxed nor shall any additional penalty, fee, or surcharge to a fine for such offense be assessed against a person for conviction thereof;

(B) For a second conviction within a 24 month period of time, as measured from the dates any previous convictions were obtained or pleas of nolo contendere were accepted to the date the current conviction is obtained or plea of nolo contendere is accepted, a fine of not more than $100.00, but the provisions of Chapter 11 of Title 17 and any other provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, the costs of such prosecution shall not be taxed nor shall any additional penalty, fee, or surcharge to a fine for such offense be assessed against a person for conviction thereof; or

(C) For a third or subsequent conviction within a 24 month period of time, as measured from the dates any previous convictions were obtained or pleas of nolo contendere were accepted to the date the current conviction is obtained or plea of nolo contendere is accepted, a fine of not more than $150.00, but the provisions of Chapter 11 of Title 17 and any other provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, the costs of such prosecution shall not be taxed nor shall any additional penalty, fee, or surcharge to a fine for such offense be assessed against a person for conviction thereof.

A person convicted of simply holding a mobile device while driving may avoid conviction if they bring to court a device or proof of purchase of such device that would allow that person to operate a mobile device hands-free in the future. However, a person may take advantage of this saving provision only once. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241(f)(2).

Challenging the Stop

Police officers are looking for distracted drivers, especially those drivers holding their cell phones while driving. If an officer observes this, they would have a lawful reason to stop your vehicle, and possibly launch a DUI investigation. As a result, it is important to challenge the officer’s observations to determine whether the stopping officer has reasonable and articulable suspicion necessary to stop your car. The most successful way to accomplish this is to challenge the officer’s perception. Key issues include, but are not limited to:

  • Distance between the officer and your vehicle
  • Angles of officer’s observation
  • Traffic conditions
  • Lighting
  • Window tint, if any
  • Whether you were lawfully parked

If you or someone you know has been arrested for driving under the influence, contact the law firm of W. Scott Smith at 404.581.0999 today for a free case evaluation. You’ll find a local Atlanta DUI attorney ready to aggressively fight on your behalf. You can also find out more detailed information about Atlanta laws here.

The Right to be Indicted

/in /by

By John Lovell

The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution requires that a felony may only be prosecuted after an indictment is returned by a grand jury. An indictment is a formal document charging a crime. When I prosecuted in the Northern District of Georgia, a busy district, four grand juries were working at any given time. One for each week of the month. The only week where there would not be a grand jury sitting was a week that included a fifth Tuesday of the month. So, AUSAs had ample access to a grand jury. But, while the frequency of a grand jury changes from district to district and county to county, the right to be indicted (and the process by which indictment happens) remains the same across the board. Everyone accused of a felony must first be indicted by a grand jury.

The “Ham Sandwich”

It has been argued that the right to be indicted by a grand jury is not a meaningful right (the famous quote is that “A grand jury can indict a ham sandwich”). The likelihood of not being indicted when a prosecutor wants an indictment is extraordinarily low for several reasons. The most critical is that the potential defendant is typically not invited to participate which means that the defendant usually does not testify and may not challenge witnesses called by the prosecutor. The process is almost entirely one-sided. Also, the prosecutor must only establish “probable cause” that a crime was committed, a very low standard where the accused is a non-participant.

The Rare Case of the “No Bill”

In over a quarter of a century of practicing before grand juries and representing clients indicted by grand juries, I have rarely seen a grand jury refuse to indict (a “No Bill”). One such occasion was where the prosecutor faced a politically-charged case and presented the case in a manner that exposed the weaknesses of the case. It is wise for a prosecutor to present a case, warts and all, as most would prefer a case “No-Billed” by a grand jury than a “Not Guilty” verdict by a trial jury! Also, grand jurors ask many of the same questions trial jurors ask which may expose weaknesses in the case and cause a prosecutor to reconsider prosecuting the case. Of course, questions may also show the prosecutor what evidence to bolster prior to going to trial.

Indictment vs Information

In closing, like so many rights, the right to be indicted may be waived and a person may proceed, almost always to plead guilty, on an information. An information is used when a person is aware of charges and an agreement is reached to enter a voluntary plea after plea negotiations have been conducted by an attorney. In order to use an information, a judge must ensure that the defendant has been advised of the right to be indicted and waives that right.

If you have been arrested for suspicion of a felony in Georgia, or if you have been indicted by a Georgia grand jury for a felony charge, then you are facing a very serious situation. Call Scott Smith and his team of attorneys to talk (free of charge) about all your options on the case. 404-581-0999