Georgia Drug Possession Charges: What the DA Won’t Tell You About Penalties and Defenses

If you’re staring at a drug possession charge in Atlanta, Fulton County, or anywhere in Georgia, you’re probably thinking one thing: “How screwed am I?” The short answer: It depends. But the system is harsher than most people realize — and the DA isn’t volunteering the escape hatches. I’m Scott Smith, a criminal defense lawyer […]

Shoplifting Charges in Dekalb County

Under Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-8-14, theft by shoplifting occurs when someone takes merchandise without paying. The person must intend to keep it or deprive the owner of its value. This includes actions like:   Concealing or taking items   Switching price tags or labels   Putting items in different packaging   Paying […]

Super Speeder in Marietta Municipal Court

If you drive 85 mph or faster on any road or 75 mph or faster on a two-lane highway in Marietta, 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 from […]

The Georgia Signal Rule: Presence, Not Just Motion

In Georgia, the law on turn signals during a lane change is more nuanced than many drivers know. Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-123, signaling is not automatically required every time a driver changes lane. Instead, the duty to signal arises only when another vehicle “may be affected by such movement.” The statute itself reflects a practical, […]

Driving While License is Suspended/ Revoked

In Georgia, if a person is driving on a suspended license, he/she may face jail time, probation, as well as monetary fines. If the accused is found guilty of driving while his/her license is suspended, the accused will be charged with a misdemeanor, as long as it is his/her first offense within the last 5 […]