What is the PTI Program? Pretrial Intervention (PTI) Program helps some people avoid going to trial. If you qualify and complete certain steps—like paying small fees, doing community service, and following the program’s rules—you won’t be convicted of a crime. Plus, you may be able to have your arrest record hidden from public view. Who […]
The City of Atlanta has its own Code of Ordinances that are separate from state law charges. While they often mimic state charges, Atlanta Police can choose to cite an individual for violating a city ordinance. These ordinance violations are litigated in the Municipal Court of Atlanta. One of these ordinances that we often see […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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