You’ve Been Charged with a Misdemeanor DUI in Fayette County: What to Expect

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In Fayette County, the mandatory minimum sentencing for a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction varies based on factors such as prior offenses, whether the DUI resulted in injury, and whether the offense involves certain aggravating circumstances. Here’s a general overview:

  1. First Offense: For a first DUI offense, the minimum sentence generally includes:
    • A mandatory minimum of 24 hours in jail. You will generally receive credit for any time that you’ve already served. For example, if you served 12 hours immediately after your arrest, then you would have 12 more hours remaining to serve in custody. Some judges will suspend any remaining time.
    • A minimum of 40 hours of community service.
    • Completion of a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program.
    • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Impact Program
    • $300 fine (excluding court costs)
  2. Second Offense: For a second DUI offense within 10 years:
    • A mandatory minimum of 72 hours in jail with credit for any time served.
    • A minimum of 240 hours of community service.
    • A longer period of probation and potentially longer mandatory completion of a DUI risk reduction program.
    • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Impact Program
    • $600 fine (excluding court costs)
  3. Third Offense: For a third DUI offense within 10 years:
    • A mandatory minimum of 15 days in jail.
    • A minimum of 300 hours of community service.
    • A longer period of probation and completion of a DUI risk reduction program.
    • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Impact Program
    • $1,000 fine (excluding court costs)
  4. Aggravating Factors: If there are aggravating factors such as high blood alcohol content (BAC) or causing serious injury or death, the minimum sentences can be more severe.

If you’ve been charged with a DUI do not hesitate. Call our office today at (404)581-0999.

Enticing A Child for Indecent Purposes in Douglas County

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Enticing a child for indecent purposes is a serious crime in Douglas County. It is imperative that you retain a qualified attorney immediately if you are being accused of Enticing a child for an indecent act. Many allegations of enticing a child are false. Even if you know the allegation of enticing a child against you is made up, you still must take it very seriously and aggressively defend yourself. The Douglas County District Attorney’s office has a unit dedicated to prosecuting sex crimes.

O.C.G.A. § 16-6-5 defines Enticing a Child for indecent purposes as follows:

A person commits the offense of enticing a child for indecent purposes when he or she solicits, entices, or takes any child under the age of 16 years to any place whatsoever for the purpose of child molestation or indecent acts.

The Douglas County District Attorney must prove a joint operation of (1) the act of enticing a child and (2) the intention to commit acts of indecency or child molestation.

Enticing a Child for Indecent Purposes is different than Child Molestation because of the extra element of asportation. The asportation element is satisfied with the taking involving physical force, enticement or persuasion. The evidence must show some movement of the child. It can be slight movement.

Indecent Acts means illicit sexual conduct. Because the statute refers to both indecent acts and child molestation, it is reasonable to assume that indecent acts are different than acts punished by the child molestation statute.

Neither consent nor lack of knowledge of the child’s age is a defense to prosecution under the Enticing a Child statute.

The statute is intended to protect children from sexual predators. It is unlawful to entice any child under the age of 16.

The punishment for Enticing A Child is a mandatory of 10 years imprisonment up to 30 years and at least 1 year of probation.

The Douglas County District Attorney’s office vigorously prosecutes these cases.

Do not wait until the Douglas County District Attorney actually returns an indictment against you for Enticing a Child before seeking an attorney. It is vital that you immediately retain an attorney and get to work in defending yourself of these allegations.

Call me at 404-581-0999 and let’s schedule a time to meet and discuss your case.

You’ve Been Charged with a Misdemeanor DUI in Cobb County: What to Expect

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In Cobb County, the mandatory minimum sentencing for a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction varies based on factors such as prior offenses, whether the DUI resulted in injury, and whether the offense involves certain aggravating circumstances. Here’s a general overview:

  1. First Offense: For a first DUI offense, the minimum sentence generally includes:
    • A mandatory minimum of 24 hours in jail. You will generally receive credit for any time that you’ve already served. For example, if you served 12 hours immediately after your arrest, then you would have 12 more hours remaining to serve in custody. Some judges will suspend any remaining time.
    • A minimum of 40 hours of community service.
    • Completion of a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program.
    • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Impact Program
    • $300 fine (excluding court costs)
  2. Second Offense: For a second DUI offense within 10 years:
    • A mandatory minimum of 72 hours in jail with credit for any time served.
    • A minimum of 240 hours of community service.
    • A longer period of probation and potentially longer mandatory completion of a DUI risk reduction program.
    • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Impact Program
    • $600 fine (excluding court costs)
  3. Third Offense: For a third DUI offense within 10 years:
    • A mandatory minimum of 15 days in jail.
    • A minimum of 300 hours of community service.
    • A longer period of probation and completion of a DUI risk reduction program.
    • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Impact Program
    • $1,000 fine (excluding court costs)
  4. Aggravating Factors: If there are aggravating factors such as high blood alcohol content (BAC) or causing serious injury or death, the minimum sentences can be more severe.

If you’ve been charged with a DUI do not hesitate. Call our office today at (404)581-0999.

Georgia Criminal Street Gang

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Being charged with criminal street gang activity in Georgia is a serious legal matter that involves allegations of participating in criminal activities while being employed by or associated with a criminal street gang. Under Georgia law, particularly the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, individuals can be charged with this offense if they are accused of commission, attempted commission, conspiracy to commit, solicitation, coercion or intimidation to commit certain crimes, such as any drug offense, acts of violence, firearm offenses, thefts, human trafficking, racketeering and many other offenses. The law is designed to target not just the criminal acts themselves, but also the organized nature of the activities, which the state often alleges coordination, planning, and recruitment of members to carry out illegal activities.  Our law firm is seeing an uptick in indictments in Fulton, Dekalb, Clayton, Cobb and Coweta Counties on gang charges.

In Georgia, prosecutors have increasingly used social media posts, rap lyrics, and other forms of online expression as evidence in criminal street gang cases. This practice is part of a broader tactic used by the state to demonstrate gang affiliation, establish intent, or link individuals to criminal activities.

Here are some ways in which prosecutors use these forms of evidence:

  1. Gang Affiliation: Social media posts or music lyrics that mention specific gangs, symbols, or slang can be used to show that a defendant is associated with a gang. This is often a critical piece of evidence in cases where proving gang membership is important to securing a conviction under Georgia’s Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.
  2. Intent and Motivation: Lyrics and posts that reference violence, criminal behavior, or that describe specific incidents can be used to establish intent or motive for crimes. Prosecutors may argue that these expressions reflect a mindset or belief system aligned with criminal activities.
  3. Admissions of Criminal Activity: If a defendant boasts about or admits to committing crimes in their lyrics or social media posts, prosecutors will use this as direct evidence of their involvement in illegal activities. Such admissions may bolster other evidence in a case.
  4. Coordinating Criminal Activity: Social media can be used to show coordination or communication among gang members, which can help prosecutors prove conspiracy or organized criminal conduct. This is particularly relevant in demonstrating the collective action of a gang.

However, the use of these forms of expression in criminal cases can be controversial, particularly when it involves artistic forms like music. This is often artistic expression, particularly in genres like rap, often includes fictional or exaggerated elements that do not necessarily reflect the artist’s real-life actions or intentions. Despite these concerns, courts have allowed such evidence when it is deemed relevant to the case.

In Georgia, this approach has been employed in high-profile cases, where prosecutors aim to crack down on gang-related crime by demonstrating that individuals are part of a broader criminal enterprise.

Defending against charges of criminal street gang activity can be challenging, as it often involves complex legal arguments about the individual’s involvement with the gang and the nature of the alleged criminal activities. Defense strategies may include challenging the evidence of gang membership or arguing that the accused’s actions were not part of any organized criminal activity. Given the serious implications of such charges, including the potential for long-term imprisonment and a lasting criminal record, it is crucial for anyone facing this charge to seek experienced legal representation.

Atlanta criminal street gang criminal defense Attorney Scott Smith has the experience to combat these allegations with a proven record. If you or a loved one is facing a charge of violation of criminal street gang activity it is imperative that you contact our office at 404-581-0999 for a free consultation.

 

Defenses to Trafficking Marijuana in Cobb County

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Being charged with trafficking marijuana in Cobb County is a serious charge. In Georgia, if you are found guilty of trafficking 10-2,000 pounds of marijuana, you will be sentenced to a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison and a fine of $100,00.00.

The State often has strong evidence in a marijuana trafficking case, often because the accused is arrested with the marijuana in their possession. However, an experienced defense attorney can evaluate your case for defenses. The most successful defenses are often proving to the court that your constitutional rights were violated in some way during the search or seizure that led to the discovery of the marijuana.

For example, a police officer must have some sort of reasonable suspicion that a suspect is engaged in, or has previously engaged in, criminal activity to initiate a temporary detention to investigate a crime. Then, to arrest and search a vehicle, an officer must have probable cause that a crime has occurred. If the state cannot prove that the officer had the required level of suspicion to temporarily or permanently detain you, the evidence they obtained must be suppressed and cannot be used against you.

If you have been accused of trafficking marijuana, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney that will review your case and search for all possible defenses. The lawyers at the Law Office of Scott Smith handle marijuana trafficking cases regularly and will work hard to protect your constitutional rights. Call us today at 404-581-0999 for a free consultation.

 

License Consequences for DUI Convictions in Union City Municipal Court

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By: Attorney Erin Dohnalek

In Georgia, an individual may be charged with DUI under the following circumstances:

  • If he/she was in actual physical control of a moving vehicle while he/she was under the influence of alcohol to an extent that it was less safe for them to drive.
  • If he/she was in actual physical control of a moving vehicle while he/she was under the influence of any drug to an extent that it was less safe for them to drive.
  • If he/she was in actual physical control of a moving vehicle while he/she was under the influence of a combination of any two or more controlled substances, which does include alcohol, to an extent that it was less safe for them to drive.
  • If he/she was in actual physical control of a moving vehicle while his/her alcohol concentration was .08 grams or more, or at any time within three hours after such driving ended.
  • If he/she was in actual physical control of a moving vehicle while there was any amount of marijuana or a controlled substance, as defined by O.C.G.A § 16-13-21, present in his/her blood or urine.

If an accused is convicted of a DUI in Union City, Georgia, pursuant to O.C.G.A § 40-6-391, his/her license will be suspended. This is a mandatory suspension required by the Department of Driver’s Services. The length of the suspension is decided by how many prior DUI convictions he/she has had in the last five years. Those suspensions are as follows:

  • If the accused has not had a prior DUI conviction in the last five years:
    • The suspension will be for a period of 120 days.
    • During that suspension, the accused will be eligible for a limited permit to drive if he/she is a resident of Georgia, and he/she has not had a prior DUI conviction in the last five years.
    • After the 120-day license suspension, the accused will be eligible to get their permanent license back if he/she has completed a Risk Reduction Course, otherwise known as DUI school, and has paid a $210 reinstatement fee.
  • If this is the second DUI conviction in the last five years for the accused:
    • The suspension will be for a period of 18 months.
    • For the first 4 months of the suspension, there will be a hard suspension with no eligibility for a limited permit. This means for the first 4 months, he/she will not be able to drive.
    • After the first 4 months, he/she may be issued a limited permit if he/she installs an ignition interlock in their vehicle.
    • After the full 18 months, the accused will be able to reinstate their permanent license if he/she has completed a substance abuse evaluation plus recommended treatment and has shown proof of that completion to the Department of Driver’s Services.
  • The most serious license suspension happens to drivers who have been convicted of a third DUI in the last five years.
    • If that occurs, the driver will be considered a Habitual Violator.
    • This will require a 5-year license suspension, and there is no eligibility for a limited permit.
    • Only after two years can an accused be eligible for a probationary license to drive.
    • It is very important that the accused not drive if he/she is a Habitual Violator, as he/she could be arrested for a felony, if caught driving, that carries at least one year in jail.

Contact Us

Due to the severity of the license suspension consequences of a DUI conviction, it is of vital importance to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney about your case. At the Law Offices of W. Scott Smith, our lawyers are trained to know every aspect of defending a DUI, we understand the defenses to the charge, we take pride in advocating for our clients’ constitutional rights, and we detail all options for our clients when defending their case. If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI in Union City and you are worried about the license consequences associated with a conviction, please call our office today at 404-581-0999 for a free consultation.

Trafficking in Georgia

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There is good news if you are charged with trafficking Cocaine, Dilaudid, Demerol, OxyContin and Oxycodone, Vicodin, Fentanyl, Ritalin, Adderall or Methamphetamine in Georgia.  As it stands currently, the court has authority to probate a portion of your sentence.  In July 2024, the Court of Appeals announced new guidelines the trial court may follow in sentencing someone to trafficking in cocaine or methamphetamine.

 

Theodore  Roundtree waived trial and pleaded guilty to trafficking in methamphetamine (Count 1) and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (Count 4). ​ The trial court sentenced  Theodore Roundtree to 25 years, to serve 15 in prison and 10 on probation on Count 1, and 10 years to serve concurrent on Count 4.  The State not happy with the sentence appealed, arguing the trial court deviated from the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment and failed to sentence Theodore Roundtree to the maximum sentence under the recidivist statute. ​

 

Theodore Roundtree had a prior conviction in 2009 for fourteen felony counts in Gwinnett County. ​ The State indicted  Theodore Roundtree for trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during a felony, fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon for his actions on February 5, 2022. ​The State agreed to a cap of serving 25 years under OCGA § 16-13-31 (e) (3) for Count 1 and 10 years concurrent on Count 4.

 

Under OCGA § 16-13-31 (e) (3) any person who sells, delivers, or brings into this state or has possession of 28 grams or more of any person who sells, delivers, or brings into this state or has possession of 28 grams or more of methamphetamine, amphetamine, or any mixture containing either methamphetamine or amphetamine, as described in Schedule II, in violation of this article commits the felony offense of trafficking in methamphetamine or amphetamine and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as follows: …

 

If the quantity of methamphetamine, amphetamine, or a mixture containing either substance involved is 400 grams or more, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 25 years and shall pay a fine of $1 million. This is the top tier trafficking.

 

The statute allows the State to seek a reduced or suspended sentence upon any person convicted of violating the Code section if the person “provides substantial assistance in the identification, arrest, or conviction of any of his or her accomplices, accessories, coconspirators, or principals.” OCGA § 16-13-31 (g) (1).

 

It also allows the trial court, in its discretion, to depart from the mandatory minimum sentence specified for an offender under the Code section if the judge concludes that: (i) The defendant was not a leader of the criminal conduct; (ii) The defendant did not possess or use a firearm, dangerous weapon, or hazardous object during the crime; (iii) The criminal conduct did not result in a death or serious bodily injury to a person other than to a person who is a party to the crime; (iv) The defendant has no prior felony conviction; and (v) The interests of justice will not be served by the imposition of the prescribed mandatory minimum sentence. OCGA § 16-13-31 (g) (2) (A).

 

The sentencing departure range applicable to a person convicted under OCGA § 16-13-31 (e) (3) is “12 years and six months to 25 years imprisonment and a fine of not less than $500,000.00 nor more than $1 million.” OCGA § 16-13-31 (g) (2) (B) (x).

 

OCGA § 16-13- 31 (h) provides that “[a]ny person who violates any provision of this Code section shall be punished as provided for in the applicable mandatory minimum punishment and for not more than 30 years of imprisonment and by a fine not to exceed $1 million.”

 

OCGA § 17-10-1 (a) (1) (A) provides: Except in cases in which life imprisonment, life without parole, or the death penalty may be imposed, upon a verdict or plea of guilty in any case involving a misdemeanor or felony, and after a presentence hearing, the judge fixing the sentence shall prescribe a determinate sentence for a specific number of months or years which shall be within the minimum and maximum sentences prescribed by law as the punishment for the crime. The judge imposing the sentence is granted power and authority to suspend or probate all or any part of [*7] the entire sentence under such rules and regulations as the judge deems proper …

 

Because the trafficking statute does not include the language “adjudication of guilt or imposition of sentence shall not be suspended, probated, deferred, or withheld prior to serving the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment prescribed by this Code section” as it used to then the court retains jurisdiction under 17-10-1 to probate a portion of the sentence.  In summation, a penal statute’s use of “shall be imprisoned” or “shall be punished by imprisonment,” standing alone, does not mean a court cannot probate a portion of the sentence.

 

If you have been accused of trafficking Cocaine, Dilaudid, Demerol, OxyContin and Oxycodone, Vicodin, Fentanyl, Ritalin, Adderall or Methamphetamine, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney that will review your case and search for all possible defenses. The lawyers at the Law Office of Scott Smith handle marijuana trafficking cases regularly and will work hard to protect your constitutional rights. Call us today at 404-581-0999 for a free consultation.

Douglas County Theft of Services Attorney – Atlanta Criminal Defense

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In Georgia, it is against the law to avoid payment of services, entertainment, accommodations, or for the use of personal property. This is known as Theft of Services, found at O.C.G.A.  § 16-8-5. If you have been arrested for Theft of Services in Marietta, your case will either be prosecuted by the Douglas County Solicitor General, or the Douglas County District Attorney, depending on the value of the services and whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony.

Examples of Theft of Services include utilizing a cleaning or lawn care company, and then not paying. Other service examples could be legal services, hair styling services, or accounting services. Simply put, it is against the law to use someone’s services and then avoid payment. Theft of services in Georgia also includes theft of utility services like water and electricity. In that situation, you can be charged with numerous crimes for tampering with electric or water meters.

In order for Theft of Services to be a criminal issue, thus potentially involving loss of liberty and a criminal history, the State must prove that the avoidance of payment was done by deception and with the intent to avoid the payment. Without deception and criminal intent, theft of services is more accurately defined as a civil or monetary legal issue, versus a criminal one. If the State is unable to prove deception or criminal intent to avoid the payment, there is a strong defense case for an acquittal. This is because civil courts are filled with people not paying other people back. In most instances, it is a contract issue. However, if there is the criminal intent to avoid payment and done so deceptively, the prosecuting attorney will bring the case to court.

So what is deception? Deception is defined in Georgia law for purposes of Theft of Services as providing knowingly false information to another with the intention to avoid payment. For example, Georgia law has held deception to be found when the suspect used a forged check to pay for lawn mower repair. In that situation, the State proved deception via the falsifying check as well as intention to avoid payment as the person never returned to make the payment.

What is the Punishment for Theft in Georgia?

  • If Theft of Services amount is:
    • Less than $1,500: the maximum punishment is 12 months in jail and/or $1,000.
    • $1,500.01 – $5,000: 1 to 5 years imprisonment
    • $5,000.01 – $24,999.99: 1 to 10 years imprisonment
    • $25,000 or more: 2 to 20 years imprisonment

Note that there is increased punishment if the theft involved a fiduciary in breach of a fiduciary obligation.

So long as the amount of theft is less than $25,000, the trial court actually has discretion to treat it as a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors, if convicted, carry less harsh sentences. Misdemeanors also do not require the forfeiture of civil rights (i.e. to carry a firearm or sit on a jury).

If you or a loved one has been arrested for Theft of Services in Douglasville or Douglas County County, or any type of Theft case in Georgia, call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION at 404-581-0999.

 

 

You’ve Been Charged with a Misdemeanor DUI in Fulton County: What to Expect

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In Fulton County, the mandatory minimum sentencing for a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction varies based on factors such as prior offenses, whether the DUI resulted in injury, and whether the offense involves certain aggravating circumstances. Here’s a general overview:

  1. First Offense: For a first DUI offense, the minimum sentence generally includes:
    • A mandatory minimum of 24 hours in jail. You will generally receive credit for any time that you’ve already served. For example, if you served 12 hours immediately after your arrest, then you would have 12 more hours remaining to serve in custody. Some judges will suspend any remaining time.
    • A minimum of 40 hours of community service.
    • Completion of a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program.
    • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Impact Program
    • $300 fine (excluding court costs)
  2. Second Offense: For a second DUI offense within 10 years:
    • A mandatory minimum of 72 hours in jail with credit for any time served.
    • A minimum of 240 hours of community service.
    • A longer period of probation and potentially longer mandatory completion of a DUI risk reduction program.
    • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Impact Program
    • $600 fine (excluding court costs)
  3. Third Offense: For a third DUI offense within 10 years:
    • A mandatory minimum of 15 days in jail.
    • A minimum of 300 hours of community service.
    • A longer period of probation and completion of a DUI risk reduction program.
    • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Impact Program
    • $1,000 fine (excluding court costs)
  4. Aggravating Factors: If there are aggravating factors such as high blood alcohol content (BAC) or causing serious injury or death, the minimum sentences can be more severe.

If you’ve been charged with a DUI do not hesitate. Call our office today at (404)581-0999.

Defenses to Trafficking Marijuana in Dekalb County

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Being charged with trafficking marijuana in Dekalb County is a serious charge. In Georgia, if you are found guilty of trafficking 10-2,000 pounds of marijuana, you will be sentenced to a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison and a fine of $100,00.00.

The State often has strong evidence in a marijuana trafficking case, often because the accused is arrested with the marijuana in their possession. However, an experienced defense attorney can evaluate your case for defenses. The most successful defenses are often proving to the court that your constitutional rights were violated in some way during the search or seizure that led to the discovery of the marijuana.

For example, a police officer must have some sort of reasonable suspicion that a suspect is engaged in, or has previously engaged in, criminal activity to initiate a temporary detention to investigate a crime. Then, to arrest and search a vehicle, an officer must have probable cause that a crime has occurred. If the state cannot prove that the officer had the required level of suspicion to temporarily or permanently detain you, the evidence they obtained must be suppressed and cannot be used against you.

If you have been accused of trafficking marijuana, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney that will review your case and search for all possible defenses. The lawyers at the Law Office of Scott Smith handle marijuana trafficking cases regularly and will work hard to protect your constitutional rights. Call us today at 404-581-0999 for a free consultation.