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Help! I Failed to Appear in the Municipal Court of Atlanta!

If you missed court in the Municipal Court of Atlanta, you are likely in FTA status. This means that you failed to appear for your court date, and it is probable that your driver’s license has been suspended. The tricky thing about FTAs is that you likely don’t even know that you missed court until […]

Disorderly Conduct in Fulton County, Georgia

Being charged with Disorderly Conduct in Fulton 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, […]

Home Invasion in Fulton County

As a criminal defense attorney practicing in Georgia, one of the most serious and emotionally charged charges I see is home invasion. This crime strikes at the heart of what people value most: their safety and sanctuary. When someone is accused of home invasion, the stakes are high—not just legally, but personally. Below, I’ll unpack […]

Super Speeder in Dekalb County, GA

If you drive 85 mph or faster on any road or 75 mph or faster on a two-lane highway in Cobb County, Georgia, you become a super speeder. In addition to the local fines, you must also pay a $200 super speeder fee to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). You have 90 days […]

I Got in a Fight. Who is Pressing Charges?

In Georgia, assault and battery are treated as crimes against the State rather than private disputes, which is why it is the government—not the victim—that brings criminal charges. When an incident occurs, the victim can report it and provide evidence, but only law enforcement and prosecutors have the legal authority to initiate criminal proceedings. Police […]

Understanding the Indictment Process in Georgia

In Georgia, an indictment is a formal written charging document issued by a grand jury stating that there is probable cause to believe a person committed a felony. A grand jury consists of 16–23 citizens, and at least 12 must vote in favor of a “true bill” for the indictment to be approved. The proceedings […]

Zero-Point Order in Henry State Court

In Georgia, getting a speeding ticket or any other moving violation can add points to your driving record. As a result, these points can raise your insurance rates, put your license at risk of suspension, and create long-term problems. Fortunately, a Zero-Point Order is a special option under Georgia law that allows a judge to […]

Facing a Gang Charge in Georgia? Don’t Fight Alone—Call Scott Smith Today

If you or a loved one has just been charged with a gang count under Georgia law, the stakes couldn’t be higher. What starts as a routine arrest can spiral into years—or even decades—behind bars, massive fines, and a permanent criminal record that follows you everywhere. But here’s the truth the prosecution won’t tell you: […]