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Sodomy in Clayton County

Sodomy is a serious crime in Clayton 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 […]

Atlanta Sexual Battery Attorney

Georgia law makes it illegal to intentionally make physical contact with the intimate parts of the body of another without their consent under O.C.G.A. 16-6-22.1(b). It defines intimate parts as the genital area, but also inner thighs, buttocks, and breasts of a female.  Skin to skin contact is not required, and physical contact through clothing […]

Trafficking Marijuana in Dekalb County

If you are arrested for marijuana in Dekalb County, your case will be prosecuted in Dekalb County Superior Court. The penalties you could possibly face if convicted depend on how much marijuana you have with you at the time of your arrest. Georgia regulates marijuana through the Georgia Controlled Substance Act and O.C.G.A. §16-13-1(a)(1) says […]

What is the difference between malice murder, 2nd-degree murder, and felony murder?

Malice murder in Georgia is defined in OCGA § 16-5-1(a) as causing the death of another human being with malice aforethought. Express malice is the deliberate intention to take a life unlawfully. Malice can also be implied based on the circumstances of the killing. The intent to kill (aforethought) can be formed in an instant […]

Teenager Charged as an Adult in Fulton County

There are two reasons why a minor might be charged as an adult. The first is they’re 17. Even though you’re not considered an adult until your 18th birthday for most things – i.e. voting, buying tobacco or a weapon – in the Georgia criminal justice system you are an adult at your 17th birthday. […]

Self Defense In Georgia: Immunity Hearing in Cobb County

If you are charged with a crime in Cobb County and believe you acted in self-defense, you are entitled to an immunity hearing. We will need to file an immunity motion and request a hearing in Cobb County Superior Court. O.C.G.A. 16-3-24.2 gives you this right to an immunity hearing. At this hearing, a judge […]

Enticing A Child for Indecent Purposes in Dekalb County

Enticing a child for indecent purposes is a serious crime in Dekalb County. It is imperative that you retain a qualified attorney immediately if you are being accused of Enticing a child for an indecent act. Many allegations of enticing a child are false. Even if you know the allegation of enticing a child against […]

First Offender in Fulton County

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 […]

License Consequences for DUI Convictions in Georgia

By: Attorney Erin Dohnalek In Georgia, an individual may be charged with DUI under the following circumstances: If he/she was in actual physical control of a moving vehicle while he/she was under the influence of alcohol to the extent that it was less safe for them to drive. If he/she was in actual physical control […]