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Questions Answered by Joshua Schiffer
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: If I have on my record that never happened especially a felony drug charge what can I do?
Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Feb 7, 2025

You need to reach out to the GCIC department over at the GBI and get them to correct the inaccuracies. https://gbi.georgia.gov/georgia-crime-information-center

Erroneous information will cause major headaches for the rest of your life as Authorities basically "trust" the GCIC...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Medical Malpractice for Georgia on
Q: What can be done to get the proper medical care for a family member who is sick and incarcerated needing medical attent?

Family member is having severe pains, unable to use the bathroom properly and he has reached out for help but no help.

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Feb 7, 2025

The BEST thing you can do is advocate with the prison as well as the GA DOC and your local elected representatives until you get a response. BE SURE to record as much as possible and communicate in WRITING. The Prison has duties and they sadly only fulfull them when there is a record showing how... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: If the bail is initially denied, but there is no court date, what recourse does the arrested have? Can he file a motion

The accused has been charged since the initial bail hearing but does not have a court date. Can his lawyer file a motion for a second hearing?

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Feb 7, 2025

Depending on the charge, the First Appearance Judge may not have had the ability to grant a bond, or they could have just declined.

Regardless, the lawyer should be able to file for the proper hearing in front of then proper judge immediately, and then it is all about getting the person on...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: Can the Department of Community Supervision be sued?

My husband who is on adult felony probation attacked me for the first time ever in March 2022. He nearly beat me to death. He was on probation then and was arrested with new charges of Aggravated Assault and False Imprisonment. Because I truly thought that he had a mental health break which led to... View More

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Feb 7, 2025

It would be very difficult, if not impossible, to expose a State actor to civil liability in this scenario.

State Actors have substantial immunities attached to their work and as this case involves an under sentence violent felon with know criminal tendencies choosing to continue to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: Can I as the victim help get an aggravate assault charge dropped?
Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Jan 22, 2025

You have LOADS of impact on the case, although the final call to prosecute or not is solely the State's.

At the same time, your participation (if you are central to the case) may be necessary for the State to move forward and you have the freedom to cooperate or not. If you refuse to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: My friends pending charges are for 2 counts of Agg StalkingFVA, misdm stlking fva, terroristic threats,& harassing call

He has a very small minor criminal background. No felonies. Do you think he could get an offer of probation for all his pending charges? Also he's been in jail for 90 days with no bond. When will he get a bond?

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Jan 22, 2025

Well, there are a few things to unpack there.

Procedurally after 90 days of pretrial incarceration he should be indicted or bond needs to be set, as much as the courts ignore the law regularly. His lawyer should be pitching a fit.

THAT BEING SAID, these kinds of DV charges are...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: Is there anything I can do to help him ? Like write a letter or something to the judge

My bf was arrested after cops told us "eight people seen him pull my hair and was willing to write statements" however is was pitch Black and honestly did not pull my hair or touch me in any way he is charged with simple battery at the moment but does say charges pending and they said... View More

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Jan 19, 2025

Commonly putative victims want to clarify the reported details of their incident, and unfortunately that comes with a load of consequences. The State can and WILL use any clarification as alleged evidence of abuse and control, and try to substitute their judgement for the witness's.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Louisiana on
Q: If the victim has written a statement saying it was an accident and doesn't wish to press charges how am I being charged
Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Jan 12, 2025

Regardless of actual evidence, the elected executive prosecutor in your jurisdiction has final say on what charges are presented to the Grand Jury or directly accused. That doesnt mean anyone is Guilty and your evidence is both RELEVANT and ADMISSIBLE.

Many, many cases have alleged...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: How can I as the victim modify the bond so my spouse can come home?
Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Jan 12, 2025

If the defendant has a lawyer, try to facilitate with them as it sounds like a simple bond modification is what you need and they will be able to file for it.

If you want to go ahead by yourself, you can petition the court independent of the case for a bond modification, but that is very...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: If I get my baby daddy locked up for the 2nd time for domestic violence and I have a video of me beating on him and lied

What should I do

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Jan 12, 2025

First stop is to talk with a qualified lawyer so you can explore your options as a putative victim who may have also acted in a criminally improper manner. A defense attorney must keep your conversation CONFIDENTIAL, and that is how you will be able to find the best pathway. I cant recommend... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Cannabis & Marijuana Law, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: I have had a social worker show up at my house on allegations of domestic violence, dirty home, and drug use.

I did deny her when she asked to come inside and speak with me. I told her that I was more than willing to cooperate but I just had gotten off and would like for her come back the next day when I got off at 5.

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Jan 12, 2025

You are absolutely within your rights to refuse entry, absent a court order, but you need to be prepared to mitigate their conclusions as well as facilitate an inspection.

I STRONGLY advise you to communicate with them through an attorney, or at a minimum with witnesses and video, and...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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