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I was born in 1971 and experienced mental and physical abuse until age 18. I didn't understand at the time that certain actions were legally considered abuse. I'm now considering civil and criminal claims in Georgia, potentially including compensation through property claims. What is the... View More 
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answered on Apr 20, 2025
Unfortunately because these crimes occurred before 1992, the statute of limitations has probably lapsed for doing anything criminally or civilly long ago. However, these kind of cases are legally complex, and specific circumstances can alter the calculation; you would really need to speak with an... View More
I am currently out on bond for a drug charge (possession), and I was recently arrested for speeding and reckless driving. I haven't received a court date yet for the drug charge, nor have I contacted my bond agent. Will this recent arrest violate my bond conditions?
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
When you bonded out for the drug charges, you should have received an order that spelled out all of the conditions of your release. Without actually having a copy of it to review, yes-a new arrest is probably a violation of your conditions of bond.
I own a Glock 17 with a micro conversion kit and a tax stamp for it. In the event that I am not home, can my wife use it for home defense even though she has no formal firearm training? The firearm is kept in a location accessible to her.
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
If you filled out your Form 1 using a trust, and she's part of the trust, then she would be allowed to use the weapon independent of you being there. Otherwise, no one but you may handle or shoot the weapon outside of your presence.
I'm considering modifying my Glock 17 or Glock 48 with a micro conversion kit for self-defense and training at firing ranges. I heard that the ATF may have regulations regarding putting a stock on such kits and shouldering them. Can you clarify the current legality of this modification under... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
You cannot place a stock on a micro conversion kit for a pistol without first filing a Form 1 with the ATF and paying the $200 tax stamp. Once you get approved and the stamp, you can add the stock to it and shoulder it all you like. Remember though that the instant you attach a stock to a pistol,... View More
I am from Texas and was visiting family in Georgia when I was pulled over by a police officer in Taliaferro County for having window tint that was too dark. My SUV is registered in Texas, and my driver's license is from Texas. The officer stated that I must obey Georgia law when passing... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
You really don't have many options. Although it may sound counterintuitive, it is illegal to drive a car with tinting levels that exceed Georgia's law-even if you're just passing through the state from another state where your tint is legal.
Like many things, laws vary from... View More
I have been denied bond in my case. I hired an attorney and am considering filing a rule nisi for bond reconsideration. How can filing a rule nisi help in this situation, and what factors can influence the reconsideration of my bond, given that I've hired legal representation?
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answered on Apr 10, 2025
A Rule NISI is just a form; the judge's office fills it out with the time and date for your motion, and then sends out a copy to both sides so they know when it's scheduled.
The factors that are considered when deciding on whether or not to grant bond are:
1. risk of... View More
I received a summons from the Savannah Airport Police in connection with a motor vehicle citation under Georgia Code GA 40-6-20, stating that I ran a red light. However, I believe the officer made an error, as I did not run the red light. What steps can I take to dispute this summons?
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answered on Apr 7, 2025
Unless you have dash cam footage or there were traffic cameras that recorded the incident (and you can find them and get a copy of the video-if such cameras even exist), it will come down to your word versus the officer's word in court. Most of the time, that is not a formula for success in... View More
I am a resident of Georgia and was convicted of misdemeanor criminal trespass with a domestic violence charge over 10 years ago in Chatham County. I am now living in Cobb County. There have been no changes to my conviction status, and I am not facing any other legal issues. I am looking to obtain a... View More
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answered on Apr 5, 2025
Anyone convicted of a domestic violence charge is banned from owning or possessing a firearm as per the Federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (aka"the Lautenberg Amendment.")
As long as you have that conviction, you're not going to be able to have one. There may be a long-shot... View More
I received a speeding ticket in Bremen, Georgia from a city police officer a few weeks ago. The officer did not sign the "Officer Certification" section of the citation. I'm looking for the specific Georgia law or code that requires the officer to sign this section of the citation,... View More
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answered on Apr 3, 2025
You can't find it because there is none. Citations aren't actually evidence, and an officer's failure to sign one doesn't render it void-courts can (and usually will) allow an officer to correct the error by signing it if demanded by the defendant, or a prosecutor can simply... View More
My son is being accused of a crime committed when he was a teenager. Recently, at age 19, he was brought in by police for questioning. He informed the detective that he would not speak without his lawyer present, and his lawyer was already in contact with the office. Regardless, the officer claimed... View More
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answered on Mar 25, 2025
It very well could be. If the questioning and the demanding of the cell phone password occurred after your son invoked his right to counsel, then it's potentially a violation of his 5th and 6th Amendment rights. However, an experienced attorney would need to review the evidence before drawing... View More
I was a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over for reckless driving. During a search, drugs were found under the driver's seat, but I had no knowledge of them. Both the driver and I were charged with possession and trafficking after the driver refused to claim ownership. I was detained... View More
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
I want to be straight with you--this isn't something you should be asking questions on the web about and then trying to navigate yourself. This is serious, serious business! Trafficking sentences carry mandatory jail time, and it cannot be suspended-that means the judge HAS to send you to... View More
I am scheduled for my first court appearance next week for a DUI, hit and run, and failure to maintain lane charges. I received a notice saying the case will be called for a Motion to Nolle Prosequi, and I have the option to waive my appearance. What does this motion mean for my case, and what... View More
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
A "Motion to Nolle Prosequi" is the fancy legal term for the state moving to dismiss your case. It means that they don't intend to pursue the charges against you. They have to put it down for hearing, because it gives you the opportunity to object if you wanted to (for some reason.)... View More
I am trying to file a civil claim related to an assault by a coworker in Fulton County, GA, with the intention of pressing charges. A police report has already been filed, and I know the coworker's full name and place of employment, but I do not have their date of birth or address. How can I... View More
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answered on Mar 6, 2025
You need to go down to the Fulton County courthouse and fill out a "Warrant Application Form." The fee is $20. The office is file the form is located in the Carnes Building, 160 Pryor Street, Room J150. You have to fill out the form, then go next door to the accounting office in the... View More
I received a ticket in Georgia for knowingly driving with wrong plates on my car. This was my first offense, and my car was insured but had an expired tag. I'm not planning to contest the ticket and just want to know how much the fine will be. What should I expect to pay?
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answered on Feb 28, 2025
Define can be anywhere from zero to $1,000, and it varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. You can call the court that has the ticket and speak to one of the clerks about it. Often, there is a schedule for the fines and they can tell you how much it is in that court before you have to show up.
Is it legal for me, as a 20-year-old, to have a handgun that is legally registered to my 22-year-old spouse in our car if we live in the same household in Georgia, and the gun will remain in the vehicle when in use?
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answered on Feb 27, 2025
No, unless perhaps the gun is secured in a locked safe that you do not have access to. While you are driving a motor vehicle, under the law you have possession, access and control of any items also found in that car. So while you may not "own" the gun, you are "possessing" it... View More
If I get a out of state ccw permit from a state that allows carry under the age of 21 can I then carry in GA as a 19 y/o?
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answered on Jan 13, 2025
No. Georgia is a constitutional carry state, which means you do not even need a permit to carry a concealed firearm if you're over 21 and otherwise allowed to have a firearm.
That being so, if you have a concealed carry permit from another state, reciprocity would mean that Georgia... View More
These are his changes. Improper Lane Change/Failure to Maintain Lane
Trafficking in Cocaine, Illegal Drugs, Marijuana, or Methamphetamine. I wanna know what they gonna do like he need a lawyer bad to help us
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answered on Jan 12, 2025
He did not get a bond because of the trafficking charge. Magistrate courts are not authorized to give a bond for someone charged with trafficking because only a Superior court can issue a bond on those cases. Practically speaking, a bond motion that needs to be filed on his behalf and then... View More
First misdemeanor marijuana charge and the felony charge is a pill.
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answered on Jan 12, 2025
Sure-under those circumstances you "can" get a bond. There's nothing in the law that says the court cannot give you a bond under those circumstances. However, if the prosecutor/court knows or finds out that you picked up a new felony charge while out on misdemeanor probation, they... View More
My mother is elderly with memory problems. My older sister handles her finances and affairs. My mother stopped driving and I borrowed her car with her permission a few times. My sister stopped paying the insurance, allowing it to lapse and the registration to become suspended and did not tell... View More
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answered on Jan 8, 2025
Unfortunately, traffic tickets like "no insurance" are known as "strict liability" offenses. That means that knowledge and/or intent are not elements of the offense. In other words-it does not matter whether you knew a car had insurance-only that you drove the car without... View More
I had an outstanding warrant I just feel like I was illegally detained and was forced to identify myself in Georgia
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answered on Dec 10, 2024
Unfortunately, whether you were initially detained illegally for the loitering, that will not halt the state's ability to arrest and prosecute you for an active warrant.
Police are allowed to require you to identify yourself if they have reasonable suspicion that you may have... View More
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