Yes, Criminal Cases are Still Moving Forward in Georgia during COVID-19

You may have received a traffic citation, or a citation for misdemeanor possession of marijuana or theft by shoplifting. The officer may have released you on citation instead of taking you to a local detention facility for arrest. This doesn’t mean your case should be ignored, or is not a big deal, now. Cases are […]

Recidivist Statute and Three Strikes Rule in Georgia Criminal Law

A felony conviction has serious consequences. Punishment for a felony offense typically includes prison time, probation, fines, loss of constitutional rights and privileges, and a lifelong blemish on the person’s criminal record. Not only does a felony conviction impact the person’s ability to obtain employment and housing, but, under O.C.G.A. § 17-10-7, a prior felony […]

How is Marijuana Tested in Georgia in the Age of Legalized Hemp?

In 2018, President Trump enacted a Farm bill which allowed for farmers to begin manufacturing hemp from the cannabis plant for certain products in the United States. Hemp is indistinguishable from marijuana based on appearance, smell, and traditional police field testing measures. Legal hemp is any part of the cannabis plant that has less than […]

Georgia Criminal Law – Criminal Damage to Property

There are several laws in Georgia intended to protect property in the interest of human life and safety. This blog article serves to explore the nature of these offenses and discuss the possible punishment if convicted.   Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree O.C.G.A. § 16-7-22 defines the offense as when a person: […]

Harassing Communications in Georgia

by Mary Agramonte         The State of Georgia has criminalized the offense of making harassing communications to another. There are several different acts that fall under this statute, codified at O.C.G.A. § 16-11-39.1. From phone contact to text messages to a multitude of other social media apps, it is unlawful to make harassing communications to another […]