Ask a Question

Get free answers to your legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Questions Answered by Joshua Schiffer
1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: If a person who contacts the person who they got a restraining order from in Florida what could happen?

Also, if they start hanging out together again what could happen? Could both be in trouble or just the one with the RO? Can they go together to get the RO removed?

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Sep 10, 2024

In all states, the person who the order subjects to restrictions must abide by the order until the order is changed or dismissed by a Court. The petitioner has NO RIGHT or ability to amend, suspend, cancel or dismiss a Court Order, only Courts can do that.

The change in circumstance is...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: What can someone do if they find out they could have pled nolo instead of guilty in an aggravated stalking case a year

This was a year ago and the person got 5 years probation a fine and of course no contact with the other person. The lawyer did ask this person if they could please nolo but they said no because they didn't know that you could do it after they had before but that's been 30 years ago.

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Sep 8, 2024

You need to get a second opinion from a local criminal lawyer as generally you can move to amend or clarify sentences on a motion, but no guarantees. Failure to use all your remedies is an appellate issue and can be ineffective assistance of counsel, but there is a lot of strategy at play the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Legal Malpractice for Georgia on
Q: Can I withdraw a plea if I have not been sentenced and how.i need to tell the court I had a lawyer that was no good for
Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Sep 8, 2024

In short, yes. Generally sentencing happens AT PLEA in GA, so I am a bit confused by your situation, and talking with the Public Defender or a private lawyer is a good idea as that sounds strange.

BY law, you have the right to move for a withdrawal of your plea within the current term of...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: Can I be extradited for a misdemeanor warrant for striking an unattended vehicle. In Dalton GA
Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Sep 8, 2024

Misdemeanors are generally not subject to interstate extradition, although they can result in other impacts such as on your driving record.

If the charge is IN Georgia, the locals will generally arrest and hold the person with the warrant and make them available to the jurisdiction with...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: I am in pre trial diversion probation in Georgia and Still owe $350 admin fees but I can’t pay it in time. What happens?

I was placed on probation for pretrial diversion in GA. I’ve completed community service and my classes but don’t have the admin fee to turn in before my probation is up. My PO said he will have to send it back to court because I didn’t complete it all. What should I expect?

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Sep 8, 2024

Get with the program coordinator, DOCUMENT YOUR EFFORTS IN WRITING, and stay compliant with EVERYTHING possible outside the money. Courts do not like incarcerating folks for legitimate financial hardships (theoretically illegal) and while it may get bumpy, you should be in good shape. Try to pay... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: Can a lawyer get a case thrown out if the details of the case are incorrect at first appearence?

Let me explain, my friend got charged with battery and terroristic threats the other day, I am the one who bonded him out last night. He went to first appearance yesterday and in court the judge read details of the case and announced the victim named in the case. Both the details and the victims... View More

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Sep 8, 2024

Act fast and try to nip this one in the bud!

Mistaken identity arrests DO happen, and your friend will want to talk with a criminal defense attorney with experience in Civil Rights to ensure that the case gets dismissed AND any/all issues are preserved if there is any kind of claim against...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: felony probation and arrested for family violence simple battery bond out and then go to jail for vop. PO took 60 days

Will I get the 2 for 1 days at the county jail that offers this aminety. How do I make sure I am getting thr 2 for 1

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Aug 30, 2024

2 for 1 on county time is 100% up to the sheriff, and they can basically do what they want within reason as Glenn said. Most counties follow the general rule and WILL NOT commit themselves to anything in writing so they can retain flexibility.

That being said, a good lawyer can ensure...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Domestic Violence and Juvenile Law for Georgia on
Q: can i sue my parents for trying to kick me out? im underage

i came clean about self-harming and my reasoning but because it blamed them and their actions, they made me say i did it for attention or they were kicking me out

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Apr 16, 2024

A suit for damages is potentially possible, but there is a lot to consider before then. I advise you call some local family lawyers to talk about Emancipation, and then you can get some guidance as to your rights as well. You can be the victim of a tortious action by your parents and accrue a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: Can I terminate parental rights of my ex-husband who has not paid child support and over a year?

I have sole legal custody and physical custody of my children. my ex-husband is not allowed to contact us and I have a restraining order. Can I terminate parental rights? he also has not paid child support and over a year due to being incarcerated on domestic violence charges against me. What can I... View More

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Mar 26, 2024

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

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Civil Rights, Domestic Violence and Identity Theft for Georgia on
Q: Does anyone in the macon area provide probono help or will work anything out to help me with a wrongful dfacs case&DV
Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Feb 15, 2024

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

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: Is there any enhanced sentencing for a conviction of FV Simple Battery if offender has prior FV Battery conviction?

I understand that a second FV Battery is enhanced to a felony but cant find any information for a second FV conviction if the subsequent conviction is Simple battery and not Battery.

His sentence for the FV Battery he was 120 days jail time.

As a repeat offender I expected some sort... View More

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Feb 7, 2024

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

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: So today my boyfriend and I were arguing about our 4 month old baby. It was a heated argument and the neighbor called

So today my boyfriend and I were arguing about our 4 month old baby. He had her since Thursday and was supposed to have her until Tuesday. We were supposed to go to lunch earlier but we had got into a little petty disagreement and decided against going so I went to run errands instead and he kept... View More

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Jan 29, 2024

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

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: My bf is being charged with battery. He had a bond. What will happen next
Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Jan 26, 2024

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

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: Can criminal case be nolle pros if victim filed waivers of rights to testimony on record?????

Victim in criminal indictment filed waiver of rights to clerk office, district attorney office and judge

Indicating Victim wishes not to proceed with prosecution as part of official record, does this mean prosecution must end

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Dec 12, 2023

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

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Domestic Violence and Sexual Harassment for Georgia on
Q: I need an Attorney to call the Fulton County Sheriff's dept to see if there's Felony Warrants coming from Escambia Fl.

11/19/2023 Hello. I have a group of Africans that stole my identity claiming they own me. They forged fraudulent paperwork claiming they're married to me,claiming they're my financial responsibility. Claiming they own me. I found out they all served 20 years at Century Correctional... View More

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Nov 20, 2023

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

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: What rights does petitioner have to a speedy trial by jury in a divorce action involving domestic violence and children?

The defendant (who has control of assets) is being represented by a GA legislator who has delayed this action for 3.5 - 4 years using his inability to work on divorce action because of his legislative duties each year.

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Nov 8, 2024

Ms. Edwards is correct and you are gonna need your lawyer to be as aggressive as possible in moving your matter forward. Thankfully many courts are used to these kinds of shenanigans and with the right argument will ensure your matter keeps moving forward.

If your current lawyer is not...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: How does a court case appear online if defendant has entered a pretrial diversion program?

case # begins PRE- open(pending) Would it be listed as prefile?

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Oct 13, 2024

All depends on the jurisdiction, as the registry entries are different from circuit to circuit, and even sometimes clerk to clerk.

The best way is to verify specifically with the clerk in writing. EVERYTHING needs to be in writing if at all possible.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: Does a parent or administrator have to be present during an interviews when a student who is 17 is suspected of a crime
Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Sep 8, 2024

In short, no. Lots more details are needed for a full analysis, but 17 is an adult in Georgia and law enforcement will take advantage of the persons youth to elicit whatever they are looking for. GET A LAWYER before talking to the police. ALWAYS!!!

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: Can prosecutor ask for protective order?

Defendant is being prosecuted on 4 charges. One being a FV charge where I am victim. There was no stay away order or no contact order established upon bail. He has since moved to another county and I do not have the means to travel 3 hours away to request protection. Can the solicitor general... View More

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Dec 27, 2023

You certainly need to raise the issue with the State as they can motion for additional protections as part of the prosecution. The DA's office generally has a victim/witness advocate and they should be able to assist, as it is generally a pretty easy ask if there is justification.

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: When is emergency return of child appropriate?
Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Dec 6, 2023

There is way too much to unpack there without details.

First of all, if anyone is under threat then law enforcement needs to be called if only to ensure safety AND create a neutral witness to any child related issue.

A lawyer will need to obtain substantial additional details...
View More

View More Answers

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.