When someone is charged with obstruction of a law enforcement officer in Georgia, the charge can sound straightforward—but the law behind it is more nuanced than most people realize. Georgia treats obstruction as either a misdemeanor or a felony, and the difference often turns on a single issue: violence. Understanding that distinction is critical, because […]
If you have been arrested, you might be shocked to learn that you can be charged with a serious felony even if you never touched a weapon, stole an item, or threw a punch. In Georgia, the law casts a wide net using a concept called “Party to a Crime.” I am Scott Smith, a […]
In Georgia, the process of bonding out of jail depends largely on the type of charge, the timing of the arrest, and whether the court or prosecutor is willing to act quickly. After a person is arrested and booked into jail, the first key event is the initial or “first appearance” hearing. This typically occurs […]
I’ve Been Arrested… You are in handcuffs and headed to the Fulton County Jail. You want to get out as soon as possible. Your loved ones are in a panic to find a lawyer to help get a bond set. Rice Street is not a good place to be. What do I do? First, do […]
Under Georgia law, “terroristic threats” and “terroristic acts” are two related but very different offenses, and whether an offense is treated as a misdemeanor or a felony depends largely on what actually happened and what the threat or act suggested. A terroristic threat in Georgia involves communicating a threat to commit violence, release a hazardous […]
If you were stopped or cited in Sandy Springs, you are not alone. Sandy Springs police are known for proactive traffic enforcement, especially on GA‑400, Roswell Road, Hammond Drive, Abernathy Road, and Mount Vernon Highway. What may feel like a “simple ticket” can quickly turn into points on your license, higher insurance premiums, or even […]
It is commonly known that driving with a BAC above 0.08 is considered driving under the influence in Georgia. But, the police may still charge you with DUI if your BAC is below 0.08 if they feel that you are less safe to drive than you would have been if you had not consumed alcohol. […]
Georgia law, under O.C.G.A. § 40‑6‑391, prohibits operating a vehicle while: Under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or inhalants to the point it’s unsafe to drive; Having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher within three hours after driving; Having any detectable amount of marijuana or other controlled substances in the blood or urine, […]
In Georgia, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on how serious the situation is. A misdemeanor fleeing charge usually applies when a driver simply refuses to stop after a lawful signal from law enforcement and there are no major aggravating factors. This […]
Being charged with Disorderly Conduct in Dekalb County is serious. It’s a misdemeanor, and a conviction can mean up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. It can also affect your job, immigration status, probation, and future legal cases. Under Georgia law (OCGA 16-11-39), disorderly conduct includes: Acting violently or aggressively toward someone, […]
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