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Your Right to Record the Police in Georgia: What the First Amendment Really Protects

In an era of increasing public scrutiny over police behavior, the act of recording law enforcement officers has become not only common but essential. In Georgia, as in much of the United States, your right to record government officials—including police officers—while they are performing their duties in public is protected by the First Amendment of […]

Understanding Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree in Georgia

If you or a loved one has been charged with Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree under Georgia law (OCGA § 16-7-22), it’s critical to understand the seriousness of this offense and what’s at stake. This charge is a felony and can lead to significant prison time—ranging from 1 to 20 years, depending […]

Understanding Bond Revocation Hearings in Georgia

When someone is arrested and charged with a crime, they are often granted bond, allowing them to be released from jail while awaiting their trial. Bond is typically granted to ensure that the individual returns to court for future hearings. However, bond is not an automatic guarantee, and it can be revoked under certain circumstances. […]

Theft Crimes in Clayton County

Theft charges can arise in several different ways, but the two most common are theft by taking and theft by receiving stolen property. Theft By Taking Theft by taking occurs when a person is accused of unlawfully taking property that belongs to another person with the intent to deprive that other person of their property. […]

What is self-defense in Georgia?

In Georgia, self-defense means you’re legally allowed to use force—even deadly force—if you reasonably believe it’s necessary to protect yourself (or someone else) from imminent harm. That harm could be things like being assaulted, threatened with a weapon, or facing a serious threat to your life or safety. When can you use force? Georgia law […]

Driving with a Suspended License in Henry County, Georgia: What You Need to Know

If you’re caught driving with a suspended license in Henry County, Georgia, the consequences can be severe. Georgia law treats this offense seriously, and penalties escalate with each subsequent violation. According to Georgia Code §40-5-121, the penalties for driving with a suspended or revoked license depend on the number or prior convictions within the past […]

A Guide to Record Restrictions Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37

For many people in Georgia, an old arrest or criminal case can haunt them long after the case has been resolved. Even if the charges were dismissed or resulted in an acquittal, the record of that case may still appear on background checks—affecting employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Fortunately, Georgia law provides a legal mechanism […]

Continuing Effects of Convictions

In Georgia, prior convictions can play a significant—and sometimes devastating—role in current or future criminal prosecutions. Many people assume that once they’ve served their sentence, the slate is wiped clean. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Georgia law allows prosecutors to use a person’s criminal history in a variety of ways, from influencing bail decisions […]

Retrograde Extrapolation: An Example from Karen Read

Retrograde extrapolation is a scientific method used to estimate a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at a prior point in time—often at the time of an alleged offense—based on a later BAC measurement. This technique becomes especially relevant in DUI cases where there’s a delay between the time a person was driving and when their […]

Consequences of Being Convicted of Family Violence Battery in Dekalb County

In Dekalb County, a family violence battery conviction carries serious and lasting consequences that extend beyond the courtroom. Whether it’s a first-time misdemeanor or a subsequent felony offense, the impact on one’s personal, professional, and legal life can be profound. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Legal Penalties Under Georgia law, a first conviction for family violence battery is classified […]