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 […]
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Burglary is a felony offense in Georgia, and facing such charges can have long-lasting consequences on your life. In DeKalb 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, […]
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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 […]
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A recent Georgia Court of Appeals decision, Roundtree v. State (372 Ga. App. 518), now allows a portion of the mandatory minimum sentence for drug trafficking cases to be served on probation. Historically, cases that involved a conviction under O.C.G.A. § 16-13-31 required that the defendant be sentenced to a mandatory minimum amount of time […]
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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 […]
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I Got in a Fight. Who is Pressing Charges?
/in Blog /by lawyerIn 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 […]
Burglary Charges in DeKalb County: A Guide from an Atlanta Criminal Defense Attorney
/in Blog /by lawyerBurglary is a felony offense in Georgia, and facing such charges can have long-lasting consequences on your life. In DeKalb 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, […]
Understanding the Indictment Process in Georgia
/in Blog /by lawyerIn 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 […]
Changes to the Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Trafficking Cases in Clayton County
/in Blog /by lawyerA recent Georgia Court of Appeals decision, Roundtree v. State (372 Ga. App. 518), now allows a portion of the mandatory minimum sentence for drug trafficking cases to be served on probation. Historically, cases that involved a conviction under O.C.G.A. § 16-13-31 required that the defendant be sentenced to a mandatory minimum amount of time […]
Zero-Point Order in Henry State Court
/in Blog /by lawyerIn 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 […]