In Georgia, drug-related offenses are taken seriously. Yet, not every offense is treated with equal weight. For example, there are clear distinctions made between drug possession for personal use and possession with the intent to distribute or sell. Understanding the...
Some criminal acts are strongly associated with a higher-than-usual risk of recidivism or repeat offenses. For example, those convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) charges have a relatively high rate of reoffending. Many people accused of impairment at the...
It’s always disconcerting to find the police at your door. It may be more disturbing, however, to realize that police often use what’s called a “knock and talk” tactic to gain entrance to someone’s residence. When an officer knocks on your door and asks you to speak...
When state prosecutors in Georgia charge someone with a crime, they either file felony or misdemeanor charges against the person accused. It is common for those recently arrested and worried about their legal future to catastrophize or imagine the worst possible...
Many people learn by making mistakes, but not everyone internalizes lessons the first time. Some people make the same mistake multiple times or commit several similar mistakes that result in roughly the same consequences. The clearer the relationship between an action...
When someone faces criminal charges in Georgia, the possibility of incarceration is often their biggest fear. Defendants will sometimes plead guilty to charges despite maintaining their innocence simply because they want to eliminate the possibility of a lengthy...
Accusations of a drug offense can lead to numerous personal consequences. Police officers may arrest someone, and the state may charge them with a crime. If they plead guilty or get convicted in court for that offense, they could face significant penalties, such as...
Hundreds of people get pulled over by the police on any given day in Georgia. Most of them receive only a warning or a traffic citation, but some people end up arrested because of serious criminal allegations. The police officer pulling you over should have probable...
When a police officer in Georgia pulls you over due to suspected impairment, they will immediately start gathering evidence against you. They will ask you questions that will force you to either lie or implicate yourself. They will then potentially have you perform...
One of the most effective ways for police officers to prove that a driver was impaired while driving is through a chemical test, typically a breath test. Other tests, such as urine or blood tests, are also possible. Two lawsuits challenging certain aspects of the...