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 […]

Changes to the Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Trafficking Cases in Clayton County

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 […]

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: […]

Geofence Warrants and Your Privacy Rights in Douglas County

Imagine waking up one morning to discover that law enforcement knows exactly where you were on a given night, not because they obtained a warrant for your specific phone, but because they swept up location data from every device in a particular area at a particular time. This is not science fiction; it is the […]