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Family Violence Battery in Cobb County, Georgia

A conviction for Family Violence Battery in Georgia can have consequences that go far beyond a conviction for other misdemeanors.   For some clients, this is their first interaction with law enforcement and their concerns include: jail time, a permanent mark on their criminal history , and the possibility of trial.   All of these concerns are […]

Understanding Computer Trespass Crimes in Georgia

By Mary Agramonte   In response to a growing number of computer-related crimes in both the government and private sectors, the State of Georgia enacted the Georgia Computer Systems Protection Act, O.C.G.A. §16-9-90 et. seq. The Act establishes four criminal offenses, all felonies, for violations of the Act: Computer Theft, Computer Trespass, Computer Invasion of […]

Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, How a Misdemeanor becomes a Felony

I had a misdemeanor amount of weed (less than one ounce) but I am being charged with a felony, what gives? The Offense Pursuant to O.C.G.A. §16-13-30(j)(1), “it is unlawful for any person to manufacture, deliver, distribute, dispense, administer, sell, or possess with intent to distribute marijuana.” Even though the police and prosecutor may not […]

Understanding Computer Theft Crime in Georgia

In response to a growing number of computer-related crimes in both the government and private sectors, the State of Georgia enacted the Georgia Computer Systems Protection Act (Act), O.C.G.A. §16-9-90 et. seq. The Act establishes four criminal offenses, all major felonies, for violations of the Act: Computer Theft, Computer Trespass, Computer Invasion of Privacy, and […]

Homicide, Murder, and Manslaughter Charges in Georgia

In our criminal justice system “homicide” is a broad umbrella term which encompasses different types of specific crimes. Homicide is generally defined as the killing of another person without justification or defense. This blog article aims to explore the different types of homicides under Georgia law.   Murder   O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1 sets out the […]

Georgia Criminal Law – Mobs: Inciting a Riot and Unlawful Assembly

The State of Georgia has a legitimate interest in protecting the public and preventing disturbances of the peace. As a result, the Georgia legislature has enacted several criminal statutes to protect its citizenry. The criminal offenses include inciting a riot and unlawful assembly. This article serves to explore the differences between these offenses and possible […]

Georgia Criminal Law – Drug Schedules for Controlled Substances

Georgia and Federal law provide for the “scheduling” of different controlled substances. Controlled substances are divided into different categories based on potential for abuse and medicinal use, if any. Violating state or federal controlled substances laws can result in misdemeanor or felony punishment depending on the type of substance and quantity involved. Schedule I: These […]

Cruelty to Animals Charges under Georgia Law

Animals and pets are held close to our hearts in America. The idea of them being abused is upsetting. As a result, the Georgia legislature set out certain laws protecting animals. Definition of “Animal” The definition of “animal” shall not include any fish nor shall such term include any pest that might be exterminated or […]

Seizures; The Three Tiers of Police-Citizen Encounters under Georgia Law

In assessing Fourth Amendment issues in a given case, lawyers should be cognizant of the three tiers of police-citizen encounters. These different levels of police encounters are meant to balance a person’s reasonable expectation of privacy against society’s legitimate interest in enforcing criminal laws. These tiers are designed to establish when, where, and how police […]