Polygraph tests can be a powerful tool in criminal defense. The tests are widely accessible, portable, relatively inexpensive, painless, and simple to administer. However, it is important to understand how polygraphs can be used in court before deciding if a polygraph would be helpful to your case. In Georgia, polygraph results are only admissible if […]
A person commits the offense of sexual battery when he intentionally makes physical contact with the intimate parts of the body of another person without the consent of that person. How does the law define intimate parts? It is defined as the primary genital area, anus, groin, inner thighs, or buttocks of a male or […]
“Impeach” is simply a fancy term for showing that a witness is less than truthful and telling the jury that the witness’s testimony should not be believed. According to the Georgia Evidence Code (O.C.G.A. § 24-6-607), the credibility of any witness may be attacked by any party, including the party calling the witness. This means […]
If an individual dies during the commission of a dangerous felony the aggressor can be charged with felony murder even if there was no intent to cause a death. For example, if person X fights person V with no intention of ending V’s life but V ends up dying from his injuries. X will likely […]
Sodomy is a serious crime in Fulton County. O.C.G.A. § 16-6-2 established two separate criminal offenses. O.C.G.A. §16-6-2(a)(1) defines sodomy as the performance of or submission to a sexual act involving the sex organs of one person and the mouth or anus of another. O.C.G.A. § 16-6-2(a)(2) defines aggravated sodomy as the commission of sodomy […]
There are several ways the State can charge you with marijuana offenses in Georgia: Possession of Less Than an Ounce– If you are arrested with less than an ounce of marijuana, you will be charged with a misdemeanor. The penalty includes up to a $1,000 fine and up to 12 months in jail. Possession of […]
Obstruction of a law enforcement officer can be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts of the case. The Statute governing Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer can be found at O.C.G.A. 16-10-24. If the case is prosecuted as a misdemeanor, the Douglas County Solicitor’s Office will prosecute the case, whereby if […]
Conditional Discharge or Drug First Offender is a once in a lifetime opportunity that allows someone who has been charged for the first time with possessing drugs or a non-violent property crime related to drug or alcohol addiction to resolve their case without a felony conviction. The resolution will typically involve probation and some sort […]
If you have been charged with a felony offense (with some exceptions) and have never pleaded guilty to or been convicted of a felony, you may be eligible for First Offender treatment under OCGA § 42-8-60. Charges that are considered serious violent felonies, e.g. murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, etc and sexual offenses are not eligible […]
By: Attorney Erin Dohnalek In Georgia, aggravated stalking is charged as a felony. It is set out in O.C.G.A. § 16-5-91. This statute states that an individual commits aggravated stalking when: He/she violates a “no contact” or “stay away” provision of their bond; He/she violates a temporary restraining order, temporary protective order, permanent protective order, […]
100 Peachtree Street N.W.,
Suite 2060,
Atlanta, Georgia 30303