In Wilson v. State, the Georgia Court of Appeals Reverses a Conviction Over Mishandled McCollum/Batson Challenge In February 2026, the Georgia Court of Appeals issued an important opinion in Wilson v. State that every trial lawyer in Georgia should study carefully. The case involves a classic McCollum/Batson problem: the trial court mishandled the State’s challenge […]
Generally, possession of a personal amount of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 16-13-2(b). However, possession of other forms of THC, such as oil, resin, or wax, which are extracted from the plant, can be charged as a Schedule I felony in accordance with the Georgia Controlled Substances Act. THE OFFENSE V.G.C.S.A. […]
In Fulton County, courts handle shoplifting cases in municipal, state, or superior courts. Prosecutors may charge the offense under a city ordinance, as a misdemeanor, or as a felony in serious cases. What Is Theft by Shoplifting? Under O.C.G.A. § 16-8-14, theft by shoplifting occurs when someone takes merchandise without paying. The person must intend […]
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, […]
Failure to Appear typically occurs when you have missed a court date in the Municipal Court of Atlanta. When a person receives an FTA status on their record that means that it is likely that the court issued either a: bench warrant, license suspension , or additional monetary penalties. An FTA becomes part of your […]
O.C.G.A. § 16-11-39 classifies disorderly conduct as a misdemeanor offense. The law prohibits various behaviors that disturb the peace or endanger others’ safety. What Counts as Disorderly Conduct? A person commits disorderly conduct when they: Act violently or loudly in a way that makes someone fear for their safety. Behave violently in a manner that […]
In Georgia, you don’t actually have to complete a crime to be charged with a felony. Georgia law says that a person can be charged with criminal attempt to commit a felony even if the crime was never successfully carried out. O.C.G.A. § 16-4-1 says that a person commits criminal attempt “when, with the intent […]
Burglary is a felony offense in Georgia, and facing such charges can have long-lasting consequences on your life. In Gwinnett County and throughout Georgia, burglary is governed by the OCGA § 16-7-1, which defines the crime and outlines the penalties for conviction. In simple terms, burglary occurs when someone enters or remains in a building, […]
Public Indecency is a serious crime in Georgia. It is imperative that you retain a qualified attorney immediately if you have been charged with public indecency. O.C.G.A. § 16-6-8(a) defines public indecency as follows: A person commits the offense of public indecency when he or she performs any of the following acts in a public […]
In Georgia, driving without insurance is a misdemeanor, and the penalties increase if it’s not your first time. For a first offense, you’re generally looking at a fine between $200 and $1,000, plus court costs. The statute allows for up to 12 months in jail — but generally much less, especially if there are no […]
100 Peachtree Street N.W.,
Suite 2060,
Atlanta, Georgia 30303