Aggravated Assault Strangulation Charges in Georgia

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We deal with a number of cases involving a husband and wife or couple charged with aggravated assault after an argument.  Police know that in responding to a call involving domestic violence all they need to do is to ask the correct questions and a minor scuffle turns into a felony charge of aggravated assault by strangulation.  We commonly see officers responding to a domestic dispute ask the woman did he put his hands around your neck?  In some cases, out of anger, the response is “yes!”  Is it enough to put your hands around someone’s neck to justify a felony?  The answer is actually no.

 

Let’s start with the law in Georgia.

 

Georgia code Section 16-5-21 (a) (3) provides that “[a] person commits the offense of aggravated assault when he … assaults … [w]ith any object, device, or instrument which, when used offensively against a person, is likely to or actually does result in strangulation[.]” Strangulation is defined as “impeding the normal breathing or circulation of blood of another person by applying pressure to the throat or neck of such person or by obstructing the nose and mouth of such person.” OCGA § 16-5-19.

 

As such in order to be convicted on the charge of aggravated assault – strangulation – the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt the person identified as the victim had a disruption in normal breathing or circulation of blood to their brain.

 

In one of the seminal cases in Georgia (Sutton), the victim testified Sutton put his hands around her neck, that she could not breathe, and that the pressure caused her to pass out, as well as to clench her teeth so tightly that it broke one of the teeth on her denture plate. The jury was able to view the photographs of the victim’s neck which showed injury. Thus, there is some competent evidence to satisfy the strangulation element of the aggravated assault charge.

 

The officer testified that the victim reported that she had begun to lose consciousness, but had not actually lost consciousness as a result of Sutton’s acts. To the extent that there was conflicting testimony as to whether the victim actually passed out, that was for the jury to resolve.

The Judge will charge the jury as follows:

 

Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, a person commits the offense of aggravated assault when that person assaults another person with any object, device, or instrument that, when used offensively against a person, is likely to or actually does result in strangulation.

 

“Strangulation” means impeding the normal breathing or circulation of blood of another person by applying pressure to the throat or neck of such person or by obstructing the nose and mouth of such person.

 

To constitute such an assault, actual injury to the alleged victim need not be shown. It is only necessary that the evidence show beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant (attempted to cause a violent injury to the alleged victim) (intentionally committed an act that placed the alleged victim in reasonable fear of immediately receiving a violent injury).

The State must also prove as a material element of aggravated assault, as alleged in this case, that the assault was made with an object, device, or instrument that, when used offensively against a person, is likely to or actually does result in strangulation;

 

What if a victim of aggravated assault takes the stand and tells the jury (1) this didn’t happen – he never choked me, or (2) She doesn’t remember the incident.

 

It does not matter if the victim told the officer on the scene the defendant choked her.  When a statement in court at trial contradicts a previously given statement the previous statement is called a prior inconsistent statement and the statement to the officer on the night of the incident is admissible as substantive evidence.

 

Chambers v. State, 351 Ga. App. 771, 833 S.E.2d 155 (2019), is illustrative of a recanting victim or a victim that says she can no longer recall what happened.  In Chambers, the defendant contended the trial court erred in admitting into evidence the victim’s prior inconsistent statements to law-enforcement officers. Specifically, he argues victim’s statements claiming he attacked her, which were recorded by the police officer’s body camera, constituted inadmissible hearsay not subject to any exception. The court disagreed.

 

Under OCGA § 24-6-613 (b), extrinsic evidence of a witness’s prior inconsistent statement may be admitted so long as “the witness is first afforded an opportunity to explain or deny the prior inconsistent statement and the opposite party is afforded an opportunity to interrogate the witness on the prior inconsistent statement or the interests of justice otherwise require.” And under OCGA § 24-8-801 (d) (1) (A), [a]n out-of-court statement shall not be hearsay if the declarant testifies at the trial or hearing, is subject to cross-examination concerning the statement, and the statement is admissible as a prior inconsistent statement or a prior consistent statement under Code Section 24-6-613 or is otherwise admissible under this chapter.

 

These statements are not hearsay, and, thus, they “may be admitted both for impeachment purposes and as substantive evidence.”

 

In this matter, when asked about Chambers’ attack on her, the victim testified that she did not recall any of the events of the night in question, claiming that her drinking and failure to take medications on the night in question contributed to her lack of recall. Ultimately, she testified that Chambers had not been violent toward her.  The State then called the police officer who initially responded to the scene as a witness and played a video of him questioning victim, which was recorded by his body camera and in which victim stated that Chambers punched and choked her.

Chambers tried to argue her statement to the police should not be admissible because the victim could not recall the details of the night in question, she was not actually subject to cross-examination as the rule requires. The court disagreed.  The court held “[t]he failure of a witness to remember making a statement may provide the foundation for offering extrinsic evidence to prove that the statement was made.” The foundation was laid for admission of the Victim’s prior statements to the responding officer when she gave testimony inconsistent with those statements, was confronted with that fact, and claimed not to recall them. Accordingly, the previous statements to law enforcement on scene that night were admissible and used to convict Chambers.

 

 

 

Smyrna, GA DUI Defense Attorney

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Smyrna, Georgia is home to the Smyrna Municipal Court where Solicitor Tim Williams prosecutors DUI, traffic, and marijuana cases made by the Smyrna Police Department. Judge Phyllis Gingrey Collins presides over the Smyrna Municipal Court which is located at 2800 King St SE, Smyrna, GA 30080.

 

One of the most common cases we see in Smyrna Municipal Court are people charged with Driving under the Influenc. In Georgia, DUI can be charged in either two ways under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391. Driving under the Influence Per Se means the State is charging the individual with being over the .08 legal limit for drivers over 21 years old. It is a .02 legal limit for DUI cases involving drivers under 21. The second way a DUI can be charged is DUI Less Safe. Under Georgia law, DUI Less Safe means the person is accused of driving under the influence to the extent they were a less safe driver. We typically see DUI Less Safe cases where there is no chemical test, or where there is a chemical test but it is below the legal limit.

 

There are numerous defenses to DUI to be explored and raised. A skilled DUI defense attorney must fiercely evaluate and raise issues starting at the purpose of the stop and ultimately the probable cause in making the arrest. Factors to be assessed are the performance of field sobriety tests if any were conducted, the lack of odor or admissions, and the driving that was observed. Additionally, the Implied Consent portion of the DUI case is highly relevant in DUI defense because in order for the chemical test to be admissible in Court, the proper Implied Consent must be read after arrest, and there must be true knowing and voluntary consent to submit to the chemical test. Under Georgia law, mere acquiescence to authority is not voluntary consent. It should be noted that any refusal to submit to breath testing following an arrest is deemed inadmissible evidence given the Georgia Constitution gives the right to decline incriminatory acts. This law was clarified and confirmed in Elliott v. State, 305 Ga. 179 (2019).

 

In all DUI defense cases, the mandatory minimum sentence is 24 hours in jail, 12 months on probation, a $300.00 fine plus court costs (nearly doubles it), 40 hours of community service, a Risk Reduction course, and an alcohol and drug evaluation and treatment if deemed necessary. The maximum sentence is 12 months in jail. DUI is a misdemeanor crime that goes onto your criminal history. In Georgia, DUI can never be expunged or restricted, and thus a conviction will remain on your history forever. A DUI charge also has intense license repercussions.  If there is a refusal on the chemical test, the Officer can suspend your license for at least a year. This must be challenged within 30 days of your arrest, so time is of the essence in DUI cases.

 

The options in Smyrna Municipal Court are to enter into pretrial negotiations with the goal of avoiding the harsh consequences of a DUI, or to enter a Not Guilty plea and send the case to the Cobb County State Court where motions and a trial can occur. As experienced DUI lawyers practicing in Smyrna regularly, we have the skill and knowledge to accomplish your goals both in Smyrna and in Cobb County. We are trial lawyers constantly staying on top of DUI law. If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI in Smyrna Municipal Court, call us now for a FREE CONSULTATION at 404-581-0999.

Felony Murder in Georgia

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In Georgia a person will be convicted of felony murder in this State “when, in the commission of a felony, he causes the death of another human being irrespective of malice.”  In determining whether a felony meets that definition, the Court will tell the jury to consider the circumstances under which the felony was committed.  Further, there must be some connection between the felony and the homicide.

 

Here is a breakdown of the felony murder statute and the elements the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt:

 

  1. In the commission of a felony

 

The homicide must have been done in carrying out the unlawful act and not collateral (accompanying but secondary) to it. It is not enough that the homicide occurred before or after the felony was attempted or committed.

 

The only limitation on the type of felony that may serve as an underlying felony for a felony murder conviction is that the felony must be inherently dangerous to human life.

 

For a felony to be considered inherently dangerous, it must be “dangerous per se” or it must “by its circumstances create a foreseeable risk of death.”

 

The reason for the felony murder rule is to furnish an added deterrent to the perpetration of felonies, which create a foreseeable risk of death. This function is not served by application of the rule to felonies not foreseeably dangerous.

 

Some common crimes that qualify for felony murder include:

 

  • Aggravated assault
  • Armed robbery
  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Firearms offenses; in some cases possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
  • Kidnapping
  • Narcotics offenses or VGCSA – including sale of drugs
  • Party to a crime
  • Sexual assault

 

 

  1. Causes the death of another person.

 

The person charged must directly cause the death of the victim to be convicted of felony murder.  For example, a defendant may be convicted of felony murder based on the underlying felony of distributing a controlled substance if the defendant directly causes the death of the victim while in the commission of the felony.

 

  1. You do not need malice.  

 

There are two types of Malice.  A specific intent to kill is “express malice,” whereas an intent to commit acts with such a reckless disregard for human life as to show an abandoned and malignant heart amounts to “implied malice.”

Malice is where the actor acted deliberately knowing his conduct was dangerous or reckless and he was not concerned as to whether anyone was harmed or not.  So what is less than malice?   Can the action be as low as gross negligence or even less than negligence?

Your 5th Amendment Rights under the United States and Georgia Constitutions

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The Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination is a freedom essential to our Constitution. It protects a suspect’s right from being compelled to give statements or testimony that could in fact incriminate them. This triggers Miranda v. Arizona, which is a case from the Supreme Court of the United States that requires police officers, during a custodial interrogation, to advise the accused of their rights. Such rights include:

  1. The right to remain silent;
  2. Anything the accused says can and will be used against them in a court of law;
  3. The right to an attorney; and
  4. The right to have an attorney appointed by the court if one cannot afford an attorney.

If these rights were not given to the accused, and the statement given to the police by that individual was not spontaneous and voluntary, then the statement could not be used against them by the prosecution at trial. However, if a police officer lawfully read the suspect their Miranda rights, and they decided to voluntarily speak to that officer about the events in question, whatever statements made by the accused to the police could and likely would be used against them at trial.

In order for an individual to waive their Miranda rights, they must have been read the rights stated above, understood those rights, as well as the consequences of those rights, and then decided to speak to law enforcement about the incident in question.

Under Georgia law, once a suspect has waived their Miranda rights and begins speaking to law enforcement, they can later decide to invoke their rights at any time during police questioning. That means that after a suspect has decided to voluntarily speak to police, they can then decide that they want to stay silent and invoke their right to an attorney. To do this, the accused must be clear and adamant about wanting to end questioning or requesting a lawyer. If they tell the police that they are done speaking to them or that they want a lawyer, law enforcement must stop interrogating them immediately.

If the accused is not clear about their wishes to stop questioning, police can continue to question them until it is made clear that they want interrogation to cease or that they want to speak to an attorney. Even if the accused has refused to answer certain questions posed by police, this will not stop any questioning by an officer. In order to protect one’s Fifth Amendment rights, they must make it abundantly clear that they no longer want to speak to police or that they request a lawyer. Law enforcement must stop questioning an individual at this time.

Contact Us

Being questioned by law enforcement can be a stressful event in anyone’s life and it is always recommended to speak to an attorney before that occurs. At the Law Offices of W. Scott Smith, our lawyers are trained to know every aspect of your constitutional rights. We are also experienced with police interrogations and investigations and are trained to protect our clients’ rights throughout this process. If you or a loved one has been interrogated by police or has been contacted to schedule a police interview, please call our office today at 404-581-0999 for a free consultation.

Georgia Criminal Law – Disorderly Conduct

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Disorderly conduct is an offense that occurs very frequently in today’s climate, especially during this past summer where protests over racial injustice and police brutality in Atlanta filled the streets. Even with the frequency of this charge, a conviction for disorderly conduct can have grave consequences. For some clients, this is their first interaction with police and their concerns include: jail time, a permanent criminal record, and possibility of trial. All these concerns are very real when facing a disorderly conduct arrest and/or conviction and it is strongly recommended to speak to a criminal defense attorney when one is facing such charges.

The Offense

In Georgia, disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor. Georgia Criminal Code § 16-11-39 states that an individual commits disorderly conduct when they act in a violent or tumultuous manner toward another person, which causes that person to fear for their safety. It can also occur where the individual acts violently toward another’s property, placing that property in danger of being damaged or destroyed. It can even occur where an individual uses provoking language or “fighting words” in which could create a violent encounter with another or by threatening a “breach of the peace.”

“Fighting Words”

An individual can be convicted of disorderly conduct solely based on the utterance of “fighting words.” Fighting words are known as abusive words or phrases that are directed at another and by their very utterance inflict injury or provoke a violent reaction. The focus is primarily on the nature of the words and the circumstances in which they are spoken rather than on the response to those words. This type of language is not protected under our constitutional right to freedom of speech under the First Amendment. “Fights words” can be the sole cause for a conviction of disorderly conduct.

“Breach of the Peace”

“Breach of the peace” generally covers conduct that disturbs the public peace and quiet of the community. An individual who uses “fighting words” or abusive language, without being provoked by another, in which by its very nature could create a public disturbance, can be arrested and/or convicted of disorderly conduct.

Punishment

Many municipalities have their own disorderly conduct ordinances, one of which is the City of Atlanta. This means that, in those cities, a person may be charged with either a violation of state law or municipal law. The penalties can be different for each, but in general, a first conviction of disorderly conduct carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Disorderly conduct charges are subjective in nature and can be worked out with the prosecution, as well as dismissed at trial.

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Being arrested for disorderly conduct can be a stressful event in anyone’s life and it is always recommended to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. At the Law Offices of W. Scott Smith, our lawyers are trained to know all your possible options when facing this type of charge. We are also experienced in all other misdemeanor offenses and strive to protect our clients’ rights throughout this process. If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with disorderly conduct, please call our office today at 404-581-0999 for a free consultation.

Georgia Criminal Law – Accusations, Indictments, and Demurrers

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We tend to think a criminal case begins when a police officer arrests a person. Although a person is arrested for a criminal offense, a formal charging document must be drafted and filed by the prosecutor if the charges are to be formally prosecuted.

There are two types of formal charging documents in Georgia, accusations and indictments. This blog article will discuss the differences between these charging documents, when these charging documents must be filed, the basic language required to be included, and the potential attacks on these documents.

Accusations

In misdemeanor cases in Georgia, a prosecuting attorney may draft an accusation charging a defendant with criminal offenses. O.C.G.A. § 17-7-71. An accusation is sufficiently technical and correct if the offense stated in the terms and language of the statute. O.C.G.A. § 17-7-71(c). The prosecutor has the authority to amend the accusation prior to trial so long as the defendant or their lawyer is given notice.

Indictments

Although a person’s federal constitutional right to a grand jury does not apply to the States (Hurtado v. California, 110 U.S. 516 (1884)), a person in Georgia has a statutory right to a grand jury indictment for most felonies. O.C.G.A. § 17-7-70. Ordinarily, a prosecutor may not proceed to trial without a grand jury’s “true bill” of the proposed indictment. A defendant may waive the right to a grand jury indictment in writing and proceed to trial on an accusation (for non-capital offenses) or may waive by entering a plea to the accusation.

Like an accusation, an indictment is sufficiently technical and correct if the offense is stated in the terms and language of the statute. O.C.G.A § 17-7-54. But, unlike accusations, an indictment may not be materially amended by removing or adding to the allegations or charges.

Drafting Requirements

The language of an indictment or accusation must:

  • Be “legally sufficient” to state a crime; and
  • Put the defendant on “due process” notice of what he / she must defend against at trial

An accusation or indictment that fails to allege the essential elements of a crime is insufficient as a matter of law. If the accused can admit to all of the allegations in the accusation or indictment and still be innocent of a crime, then the language is legally insufficient. This is the legal test of a “general demurrer.” A general demurrer is a powerful tool in the defense lawyer’s arsenal.

Due process requires the accusation or indictment to adequately inform the nature of the crime being charged as to enable the defendant to prepare a defense and avoid surprises at trial. Failure to do so exposes the accusation or indictment to a “special demurrer.” A special demurrer attacks the accusation or indictment by asking not whether the charging document could have been made more definite and certain, but whether it contains the elements of the offense intended to be charged, and sufficiently apprises the defendant of what he / she must be prepared to meet. Broski v. State, 196 Ga. App. 116 (1990).

Filing Deadlines

An accusation or indictment must be filed with the Clerk of Court before the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations for the crimes charged. Statutes of limitation run from the date of the alleged offense to the date the accusation or indictment is filed.

There are different periods of time for different types of offenses. For example, there is no statute of limitations for the offense of murder. Other felony crimes that are punishable by death or life in prison contain a seven (7) year statute of limitations (except forcible rape – 15 year statute of limitations; certain felony offenses where DNA evidence is used to establish identity of the accused – no statute of limitations; crimes against children committed on and after July 1, 2012 – no statute of limitations). Most felonies have a four (4) year statute of limitations. Misdemeanors have a two (2) year statute of limitations.

An applicable statute of limitations period may be suspended or tolled if:

  • The accused is not usually and publicly a resident in Georgia
  • The person committing the crime is unknown or the crime is unknown
  • The accused is a government officer or employee and the crime charged is theft by conversion or public property while the person is such an officer or employee
  • The accused is a guardian or trustee and the crime charged is theft by conversion of public property of the ward or beneficiary

O.C.G.A. § 17-3-2. It is important to note the prosecution is not constrained to prove the date alleged in the accusation or indictment, but may prove the offense occurred at any time within the statute of limitations. If this occurs, the defense may be entitled to a continuance due to surprise.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been arrested, contact the law firm of W. Scott Smith at 404.581.0999 today for a free case evaluation. You’ll find a local Atlanta attorney ready to aggressively fight on your behalf. You can also find out more detailed information about Atlanta laws here.

Georgia Criminal Law – Perjury

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Perjury is a serious offense that causes immeasurable harm to the functioning and integrity of our legal system and to private individuals. As such, a conviction of perjury can have serious consequences on the accused. This article aims to explore the nature of perjury, possible punishment, and available defenses.

The Offense

O.C.G.A. § 16-10-70 provides, “a person to whom a lawful oath or affirmation has been administered commits the offense of perjury when, in a judicial proceeding, he knowingly and willfully makes a false statement material to the issue or point in question.”

Thus, the essential elements of perjury are: (1) knowingly and willfully making a false statement, (2) material to the issue or point in question, (3) while under oath in a judicial proceeding. Sneiderman v. State, 336 Ga.App. 153 (2016). Perjury is different from the offense of “false swearing” in that perjury requires both the intent to testify falsely and the act of false testimony, as opposed to swearing rashly or inconsiderately, according to belief (false swearing). Gates v. State, 252 Ga.App. 20 (2001).

The test of “materiality” is whether false testimony is capable of influencing tribunal on issue before it. U. S. v. Cosby, 601 F.2d 754 (1979).

Possible Punishment

A person convicted of perjury can be punished by a fine of up to $1,000.00 or by imprisonment for between one and ten years, or both. If the person convicted of perjury was the cause of another person being imprisoned will be sentenced to a term of imprisonment no greater than the sentence for which the other person was convicted. Further, if a person convicted of perjury was a cause of another person being punished by death, the perjurer shall be punished by life imprisonment.

Defenses

  • Defendant was not under oath at the time the statement was made.
  • The false statements were not “material.”
  • The false statements were not knowingly or willfully made.
  • Defendant’s belief that his testimony was truthful constitutes absolute defense to charge of perjury regardless of whether the testimony is actually false. Richards v. State, 131 Ga.App. 362 (1974).

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been arrested, contact the law firm of W. Scott Smith at 404.581.0999 today for a free case evaluation. You’ll find a local Atlanta attorney ready to aggressively fight on your behalf. You can also find out more detailed information about Atlanta laws here.

Identification of Suspects in Georgia Criminal Law

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Under Georgia law, the testimony of a single witness is sufficient to sustain a conviction (assuming the jury believes that witness). But, prosecutions based entirely or primarily on the testimony of a single eyewitness are said to be the most common cause of wrongful convictions.

This article will discuss the different types of identification procedures, factors that influence the precision of eyewitness identifications, case law dictating how and when a judge should filter out inherently suggestive procedures, and constitutional considerations regarding suppression of unduly suggestive identifications.

Types of Identification Techniques

O.C.G.A. § 17-20-2 provides that any law enforcement agency that conducts lineups shall adopt written policies for using such lineups.

Live Lineups

A live lineup consists of a row of 6 people, including the suspect. The witness is then asked to identify the suspect. Typically, these live lineups are done at the jail and inmates are used to fill the lineup. Someone who does not know the identity of the suspect conducts the lineup. The administrator is supposed to instruct the witness the perpetrator may or may not be present in the lineup. The lineup should be composed so the fillers generally resemble the witness’ description of the suspect. The lineup is to consists of at least four fillers. The administrator is supposed to document the witness’ statement as to their confidence level in their identification.

A suspect in custody may be forced to participate in a lineup because showing one’s physical characteristics is not considered “testimonial” for 5th Amendment purposes. U.S. v. Wade, 388 U.S. 218 (1967). If an in-custody suspect refuses to participate, the prosecutor may comment upon this refusal at a later trial. If a suspect is not in custody, court intervention may be required (upon proof of reasonable and articulable suspicion or probable cause). Importantly, an in custody suspect does NOT have the right to the presence of counsel at a lineup as these procedures occur prior to the formal initiation of charges. Kirby v. Illinois, 406 U.S. 682 (1972).

Show-ups

A show-up is any identification procedure that provides the eyewitness with only one choice. Although a show-up identification is inherently suggestive, it is not necessarily inadmissible. So long as a show-up is reasonably and fairly conducted at or near the time of offense, it will not be deemed impermissibly suggestive. Wallace v. State, 295 Ga. App. 452 (2009). A timely show-up aids in a speedy police investigation, especially in an emergency situation.

Photo Lineups

Also called “photo arrays,” these lineups consist of 6 photographs (including the suspect’s) displayed together to the witness and are conducted prior to the arrest of the suspect. After all, if the suspect is in custody a live lineup is preferred. Some law enforcement agencies present the photos to witnesses one at a time as an added layer of protection to the suspect so the witness will not just choose the photo most resembling the suspect. In a photo lineup the administrator is not supposed to know who the suspect, or, if they do know, use photos placed in folders which are randomly shuffled so the administrator doesn’t know who the witness is looking at until the procedure is complete. The administratior should tell the witness the suspect may or may not be in the photo lineup, use a minimum of five fillers, use fillers resembling generally the witness’ description of the suspect, and document statement of witness’s confidence in identification.

Again, suspects do not have the right to presence of counsel during a photo lineup because the preservation and documentation of the photo lineup is sufficient to protect suspect’s right to challenge the procedure.

In-Court Identification

At trial, an eyewitness is typically asked to identify the defendant in the courtroom (where they are sitting and what article of clothing they are wearing). A prosecutor is not allowed to ask a witness whether anyone in the courtroom resembles the perpetrator because this causes the witness to search for similarities.

Factors Affecting Accuracy of Identification

Identifications can be influenced by “estimator” and “system” variables. Estimator variables relate to the person making the identification: witnesses perceptive abilities, memory, and environmental factors. System variables include: method of ID (live lineup, photo array, show-up), how identification procedure was administered.

Constitutional Limitations

A pre-trial identification procedure will be suppress on Due Process grounds if such procedure:

  • Is deemed to have been “impermissibly suggestive,” and
  • Posed a “very substantial likelihood of misidentification.”

Carr v. State, 289 Ga. App. 875 (2008). An identification procedure is impermissibly suggestive if it would lead an eyewitness to an all but inevitable identification of the suspect. Russell v. State, 288 Ga. 372 (2007). In determining whther a “very substantial likelihood of misidentification” is present courts look to factors articulated in Neil v. Biggers, 409 U.S. 188 (1972).

  • Opportunity of the witness to view the criminal at the time of the crime
  • The witness’ degree to attention
  • The accuracy of the witness’ prior description of the accused
  • The level of certainty demonstrated by the witness at the time of confrontation
  • The length of time between crime and confrontation

Both the eyewitness’ pre-trial identification and in-court identification are admissible unless the defendant shows the identification fails to satisfy both prongs of the due process test.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been arrested, contact the law firm of W. Scott Smith at 404.581.0999 today for a free case evaluation. You’ll find a local Atlanta attorney ready to aggressively fight on your behalf. You can also find out more detailed information about Atlanta laws here.

Drug Trafficking Charges in Cobb County, Georgia

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Drug trafficking charges are different from other drug crimes, such as possession, possession with intent to distribute, drug distribution, and drug manufacturing. The key difference between drug trafficking and these other drug charges is quantity. Because of the large amount of drugs involved in trafficking charges, the punishment is significantly higher and may result in the imposition of a mandatory minimum prison sentence.

This blog serves to explain the drug trafficking laws and how these cases are handled in Cobb County, Georgia. Why Cobb County? Cobb County is a highly populated county adjacent to Fulton that sees a high number of drug trafficking cases on an annual basis. Therefore, it is important to know what to expect from the prosecutors (District Attorney’s Office) and the Court itself when facing these charges.

The Law

O.C.G.A. § 16-13-31, makes it a criminal offense to sell, manufacture, delivers, or brings into the State, cocaine, illegal drugs, and marijuana is guilty of drug trafficking. The code section separates the law by drug and by quantity.

Trafficking cocaine is defined as any person who sells, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state or knowingly possesses 28 or more grams[1] of cocaine. If the quantity of cocaine is between 28 grams and 200 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years and shall pay a fine of $200,000. If the quantity of cocaine is between 200 grams and 400 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 15 years and shall pay a $300,000 fine. Lastly, if the quantity of cocaine is 400 grams or more, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory prison sentence of 25 years and shall pay a fine of $1,000,000.

For morphine and opium (including heroin), a person is guilty of trafficking if they sell, manufacture, deliver, bring into this state, or possess 4 grams or more of the substance. If the quantity involved is between 4 and 14 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment for 5 years and shall pay a fine of $50,000. For between 14 grams and 28 grams, the sentence is at least 10 years in prison and a fine of $100,000

Trafficking marijuana is defined as selling, manufacturing, growing, delivering, or possessing more than 10 pounds or marijuana. If the amount of marijuana is greater than 10 pounds but less than 2,000 pounds, the law requires a mandatory minimum 5 year prison sentence plus a $100,000 fine. If the quantity involved is greater than 2,000 pounds but less than 10,000 pounds, there is a 7 year mandatory minimum prison sentence plus a $250,000 fine. Finally, if the quantity of marijuana is greater than 10,000 pounds, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum prison sentence of at least 15 years as well as a fine of $1,000,000.

For methamphetamine and/or amphetamine, any person who sells, delivers, or brings into this state or who possesses 28 grams or more is guilty of trafficking. If the quantity is greater than 28 grams but less than 200 grams the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years and pay a fine of $200,000. For quantities greater than 200 grams but less than 400 grams, it is a 15 year mandatory minimum prison sentence plus a $300,000 fine. If the quantity is greater than 400 grams, the mandatory minimum prison sentence is 25 years plus a $1,000,000 fine.

Although the above sentences are described as “mandatory minimum prison” sentences, there are a few limited ways in which someone convicted of trafficking may be sentenced to less prison time than what is required by the mandatory minimums: (1) If the defendant provides “substantial assistance” to the government in identifying, arresting, and/or convicting other people involved in the drug conspiracy, the prosecutor may move the court to reduce or suspend part or all of the defendant’s sentence; (2) by agreement of the parties through a “negotiated plea”; or (3) the judge may depart from these mandatory minimums if certain mitigating factors exist (no prior felonies, no firearm used, defendant not head of conspiracy, nobody was injured as a result of criminal conduct, or if the interests of justice would not be served by imposing a mandatory minimum sentence).

Cobb County

If you have been arrested in Cobb County for drug trafficking, the first and most important step is getting a bond. Only a superior court judge may set bail on a trafficking charge. When considering whether to grant a bond the judge analyzes four factors, whether the defendant is a significant risk of:

  • Fleeing from the jurisdiction of the court
  • Posing a threat or danger to any person
  • Committing a felony while on pre-trial release
  • Intimidating witnesses

An experienced attorney may be able to get the prosecutor to consent to a bond in the case if you have ties to the community and meet the above factors. In Cobb County, bonds for trafficking range from $65,000 up to $125,000. The judge may also impose non-monetary restrictions (house arrest, no contact provisions, GPS ankle monitor, curfew, etc.). There is always the possibility, however, that a judge will deny setting a bond in the case, even if the bond was consented to. If the prosecutor will not agree to a bond, then the defendant will have to go before the judge and offer evidence of defendant’s ties to the communities (length of residence, family ties, employment status and history, history of responding to legal process – failure to appears or probation violations, lack of criminal history). The judge will normally set a “surety bond” where the defendant is only responsible for posting 10% of the overall bond amount and a bond company pays the rest (percentage varies depending on bond company).

If a bond is granted, the next step is fighting the case. Once all the evidence is gathered through the discovery process and our firm’s own independent investigation, we then communicate with the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office in an attempt to discuss a resolution. If these preliminary discussions are to no avail, we then proceed to file a “motion to suppress” illegally obtained evidence. If granted, the prosecution would not be able to proceed with the case. If denied, and the prosecutor is unwilling to dismiss or reduce the charges then we would be fully prepared to try the case before a jury. There are several defenses available to someone charged with drug trafficking:

  • Insufficient Drug Quantity (a motion to inspect evidence could reveal the weight of the substance does not meet the quantity as required in order to charge trafficking)
  • No Possession – Actual or Constructive (this defense asserts the defendant did not knowingly possess the substance in question, directly or indirectly)
  • Equal Access to Drugs (this defense relates to other individuals having access to the container or area in which the drugs were found, thereby raising doubt that the defendant knowingly possessed the drugs)
  • Illegally Obtained Evidence (this is the basis of a successful motion to suppress)

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been arrested for drug trafficking, contact the law firm of W. Scott Smith at 404.581.0999 today for a free case evaluation. You’ll find a local Atlanta attorney ready to aggressively fight on your behalf. You can also find out more detailed information about Atlanta laws here.

 

[1] With a minimum purity of 10% or more of cocaine as described in Schedule II

Handling Your Misdemeanor Case in Georgia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

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The court system in Georgia has changed drastically over the past nine months. Judges have adopted virtual court appearances. Prosecutors and defense attorneys are working their cases from home. Clerks offices and entire courthouses throughout Georgia have been shut down due to positive COVID cases.

The handling of misdemeanor cases in Georgia has become a completely different process from arrest through closure. Police officers are issuing citations instead of arrest in many situations. Cases that would normally require fingerprints at the time of police interaction like theft by shoplifting, driving on a suspended license, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and even DUI are ending with our potential client being released instead of taken to jail.

Court appearances are being postponed, sometimes to months later. It took the Municipal Court of Atlanta almost eight months to re-open after the beginning on the pandemic. They are still catching up on cases at this time. Delays in resolution means cases are outstanding for longer periods, and in some cases able to be seen by persons running background checks for a longer period of time. Also, just because you weren’t arrested doesn’t mean fingerprints will not be required before your case is resolved.

Having a Georgia attorney experienced with misdemeanors during this time is essential in trying to get closure as quick as possible on your case. An attorney can reach out to the prosecutor’s office and try and fast track your case to get it resolved as quickly as possible.

Our office is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for a free consultation. Call us today at 404-581-0999.