Failure to Appear in Gwinnett Recorder’s Court (FTA)

Failure to Appear typically occurs when you have missed a court date in the Gwinnett Recorder’s Court. 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 criminal […]

Shoplifting Charges in Cobb County

In Cobb County, courts handle shoplifting cases in municipal, state, or superior court. 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 […]

Obstruction in Georgia

When someone is charged with obstruction of a law enforcement officer in Georgia, the charge can sound straightforward—but the law behind it is more nuanced than most people realize. Georgia treats obstruction as either a misdemeanor or a felony, and the difference often turns on a single issue: violence. Understanding that distinction is critical, because […]

Didn’t Pull the Trigger? You Can Still Be Charged: Understanding “Party to a Crime” in Georgia

If you have been arrested, you might be shocked to learn that you can be charged with a serious felony even if you never touched a weapon, stole an item, or threw a punch. In Georgia, the law casts a wide net using a concept called “Party to a Crime.” I am Scott Smith, a […]

Bond Process in Georgia

In Georgia, the process of bonding out of jail depends largely on the type of charge, the timing of the arrest, and whether the court or prosecutor is willing to act quickly. After a person is arrested and booked into jail, the first key event is the initial or “first appearance” hearing. This typically occurs […]