The first step is to go to a local family lawyer you have good chemistry with, as this process is going to be intimate.

There are lots of good reasons to terminate parental rights, and you need to explore all of those with a trusted professional as well as the downsides to that move. The... View More

The Public Defender will get involved if there is a criminal issue, and if DFCS is involved you need representation ASAP.

There are several churches and charities that offer some financial assistance and referrals, especially if there has been abuse involved.

Do not wait to get... View More

Prior convictions under Georgia's Family Violence Act involving the same putative victim should result in mandatory felony charges for new DV arrests, however it is not so simple due to the overwhelming demands currently placed on the prosecuting agencies in GA.

Lots of reasons why the... View More

I take it someone was arrested?

Often times when a 3rd party calls the authorities the investigators are unwilling to slow down and actually investigate what happened, as it is faster and easier to just start arresting folks.

IF you or your BF were arrested, BE CAREFUL and get an... View More

The standard pathway is the same as with all criminal allegations. The state will review the reports, issue an accusation or indictment (or dismiss), and eventually the court will schedule and arraignment.

More importantly, this is the time when your BF can gain an advantage by retaining... View More

The eventual charging decision rests solely with the State, as much as that kind of prospective evidence makes actually carrying the charge more difficult. A good lawyer will do you well in this kind of situation as the change in allegations can create new avenues for state prosecution. Travel... View More

It doesn't quite work like that but you certainly need to pursue the folks trying to harm you. Since you are a victim of the fraud you need to make the appropriate reports with the appropriate authorities, as different agencies have different obligations/duties and are not going to be able to... View More

Sounds scarily and unfortunately typical. Cops are called for one thing and then it all rolls downhill as folks keep TALKING to them.

With a mess like that you need to be extra careful as aggressive prosecutors will set up the dynamic to have everyone at their mercy, and a LOCAL LAWYER... View More

That was almost certainly a misdemeanor, and if they weren't convicted it wont matter anyway. The only misdemeanor convictions that can affect 2nd amendment rights relate to Domestic Violence and even then there are issues to fight. Try the background check and i bet it works. If not it is... View More

Absolutely!!! Verbal threats are real, and can even justify criminal charges such as Terroristic Threats. It may benefit you to speak with a victim advocate or lawyer to ensure your petition has all the right claims to ensure it is properly presented, but it should be fine if the language is what... View More

A lawyer with mitigation experience and an understanding of DV is going to be able to tell that story well, and that is the key to obtaining the best results. He also has defenses regarding you, his wife, that need to be explored as the State is not going to take it easy on anyone with a prior... View More

This is a regular and routine issue. The State insists on taking actions against a couple over objection and without having full context.

They are trying to fulfill their mandate of protecting but as is so often the case the Government is not fully appraised of the situation.

Bite... View More

Lots of possibilities, and the answer is Yes. But it ALL Depends on the actual judge involved as that judge can make their own policies regarding what they feel is best when it comes to this issue. Many judges do not trust the sheriffs to pass along info or other notices to defendants, so they... View More

Prosecutors have immunity for basically everything they do in most states, as long as it is somewhat associated with their job. It is a blank check, in my opinion, and I have as many folks asking how to FORCE the state to charge someone as I do folks wanting the State to Dismiss something.... View More

It appears he has been in for a mintue, and that causes problems as he needs to get in front of the right judge with the right "stuff" having happened in the background. He is due a bond at 90 days if he has not been inicted yet, and if he is indicted he should file with the trial court... View More

I would love the answer to make sense, but it wont.

Bonding procedures in Georgia are downright arbitrary, and it seems that the most innocent folks are always being overdetained while the bad folks get cut loose without a care in the world. Its infuriating!!

Have you or the... View More

Compassionate Release is the pathway you are looking for, and there are several fine appellate practitioners who can assist. Spend some time on a search engine researching the best advocates and I encourage you to speak with several of them. Post Conviction work is very speculative, but is likely... View More

Law enforcement remains the most clear remedy for her danger, and if a child is involved then Law Enforcement may need additional advocacy in order to understand the specific dangers involved. DFCS and other agencies may assist family and concerned citizens when a child is being exposed to... View More

Unfortunately you are going to need to find a lawyer as soon as possible as that is the best way to ensure your rights are preserved. Was the lawyer you fired a Public Defender? If not you can try to apply for counsel from the court but if you fired them it gets a bit harder. DO NOT expect the... View More

The property involved was owned by and individual and not the State, that is what they mean.

Basically whatever was allegedly damages was someones possession and not a cop car or other publicly owned property.

I am betting a cell phone or something in the house was allegedly... View More