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Georgia Civil Rights Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Georgia on
Q: Lived in house for 10 years that belongs to my mother and put $15,000 in repairs and now she has evicted never paid rent

Never had a rental agreement or paid rent she left 60 day notice and filed for eviction and won because she said she was selling it what do I do do I have options I have to be out by the 12th of feb

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Feb 3, 2024

As far as the eviction goes, if your 7-day right to appeal has expired, there is not much you can do about that. Regarding the property itself, you may have some claim to the sales proceeds. It will depend on whether your mother had a will and whether she named you as a beneficiary. If your mother... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Civil Rights for Georgia on
Q: Can I be a police officer? It is my life dream to have this job and I’m just curious if this incident ruined my dreams.

Under my order of discharge, it states that this discharge may not be used to disqualify a person in any application for employment, except as provided in OCCGA 42-8-63.1

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 4, 2024

The specific language in your order of discharge, indicating that it may not be used to disqualify you from employment applications, suggests a level of protection for your future endeavors. However, the exception noted in OCGA 42-8-63.1 is critical to understand, as it details circumstances under... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Immigration Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Rights for Georgia on
Q: I am trying to get information on how to obtain a discovery package.

The new lawyer can’t obtain it neither the defendant. We are trying to draft up a Habeas Corpus of ineffective council on a Capital Case. Can we subpoena it’s? Or what’s other steps can we take, also the habeas has to be filed by July of 24’ this year. This is a Malice case, that was... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 4, 2024

In a capital case, obtaining the discovery package is crucial for preparing a habeas corpus petition alleging ineffective counsel. If the current attorney is unable to obtain the discovery through regular channels, there are several steps that can be taken.

Firstly, the attorney should...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law and Legal Malpractice for Georgia on
Q: Attorney & office didn't represent me nor use my evidence, or witness. He had 4th-stage cancer. my boyfriend doing crime

My boyfriend made false allegations & narratives {I didn't live with him but another girl suddenly did. Boyfriend had me arrested 2 nights after he spent night with Mom & me at our house. My father had passed so, I stayed with mom & still lived 13 years at my boyfriend's... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 31, 2024

In your situation, it seems there were significant issues with the legal representation you received. If your attorney failed to effectively use crucial evidence and witness testimonies, or did not represent your interests adequately, especially considering the seriousness of your case, you may... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Georgia on
Q: Are HOAs in GA bound by covenants only or state law as well?

Residents in our subdivision seek to contest the election of Board Members. Despite expressing this intention, the current board members assert their adherence solely to covenants rather than Georgia state law. Moreover, the Board has declined to disclose election results upon request, failed to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 29, 2024

Homeowners' Associations (HOAs) in Georgia are indeed bound by both their own covenants and by state law. The covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) of an HOA provide specific guidelines for the community, but these must also align with state laws. If there's a conflict,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI, Cannabis & Marijuana Law and Civil Rights for Georgia on
Q: In chattooga county, can 40 degree weather with no jacket affect the sobriety test of walking in a straight line?

Would someone be able to get a dui charge dropped do to the weather?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 29, 2024

Cold weather and lack of appropriate clothing can indeed affect a person's performance on sobriety tests, including walking in a straight line during a DUI investigation. Factors like shivering, muscle tension, and difficulty balancing can make it challenging to complete the test successfully.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI, Cannabis & Marijuana Law and Civil Rights for Georgia on
Q: Can someone the age of 21 still qualify to use youthful offender?

In chattooga county Someone that is caught up with a dui, speeding, and distribution at 21 allow to use youthful offenders?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 28, 2024

In Chattooga County, as in other parts of Georgia, the availability of the Youthful Offender status typically depends on the age of the individual at the time of the offense and the nature of the charges. The Youthful Offender status is generally reserved for those who commit certain crimes while... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Juvenile Law for Georgia on
Q: Can someone direct me to the right lawyer for my son he is 16 years of age?

I am reaching out to you with an urgent plea for assistance regarding my son, xx, who has been in a critical situation at the Metro Regional Youth Detention Center (Rydc). On January 3, 2024, Justin experienced a drug overdose and suffered multiple seizures while in the facility. Regrettably, his... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 26, 2024

I'm very sorry to hear about the extremely troubling situation your son Justin is facing. You are right to continue strongly advocating for his proper treatment and care - no child or family should have to endure such an ordeal. Here are some recommendations of legal resources that may be able... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: How do you move for a dismissal in Georgia? There are a ton of reasons why my case should be dismissed...but no motion?

Reasons for dismissal include the fact that there wasn't sufficient grounds to bound over the charges to begin with, fabricated, and falsified police reports glaringly ovbious in the inconsistencies, officer lied in the police repiort, said he checked cameras but store owner testimony is that... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 21, 2024

To move for a dismissal in Georgia, you need to file a motion to dismiss in the court where your case is being heard. This motion should clearly outline the legal and factual reasons why you believe the case against you should be dismissed. Given the complexities you've described, including... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Legal Malpractice for Georgia on
Q: Is a judge allowed to force me to represent myself pro se even though I am indigent because my appointed lawyer quit

codef repsntd by PD's office, i was conflicted out- great relationship, negotiated agreement w/ DA- dismissal if codef admit ownership at plea entry. 5mos past and discovery was not made available. eventually attny withdraw b/c state failed to pay for services. -11mos no new appointed attny.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 21, 2024

You have the right to legal representation, especially if you are indigent and facing criminal charges. If your appointed attorney quits, the court is generally responsible for appointing a new attorney to represent you. It's unusual and potentially a violation of your rights for a judge to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Georgia on
Q: Can i carry a pistol in my vehicle at 19 in georgia?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 14, 2024

In Georgia, the laws regarding carrying a pistol in your vehicle are specific and must be adhered to. At 19 years old, you are under the age limit for obtaining a Georgia Weapons Carry License, which is required for carrying a handgun openly or concealed on your person outside of your own property,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Georgia on
Q: If I was arrested in Gwinnett county and I checked In with a cell phone the officers asked me my screen lock code and

Phone kept for evidence without a warrant, anything from the phone attempted to be used as evidence is not valid correct? Since a warrant was not requested nor issued?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 13, 2024

In general, under the Fourth Amendment, searches and seizures inside a person's home without a warrant are presumptively unreasonable. However, there are some exceptions.

If law enforcement officers searched your phone without a warrant, the evidence obtained may potentially be...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Georgia on
Q: If someone gets arrested in Gwinnett county, Georgia and Thay get arrested for attempting to cash a check that apparentl

Wasn’t a good check how can they give 6 fraud in 3rd- degree felony charges and 3 criminal attempt to cash felony charges for one time incident how does that happen? A total of 9 felonies was issued, and the person wasn’t aware that the check was fraudulent or not. But once again, that’s one... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 13, 2024

In criminal law, it's not uncommon for multiple charges to arise from a single incident. Each charge represents a different aspect of the alleged offense. In the case of attempting to cash a fraudulent check, different charges could stem from various legal interpretations of the act.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Georgia on
Q: If I was arrested in Gwinnett county and I checked In with a cell phone the officers asked me my screen lock and

Searched my phone and then once bailed it was not returned to me nor was any warrant issued. Wouldn’t that be theft?

Glenn T. Stern
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

It sounds more like the police believe there is evidence of a crime on your phone, and they are holding it to potentially use it against you (or another) for that reason in court. Unless the prosecutors make a motion to forfeit the phone-it should be returned to you at the conclusion of your case.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Georgia on
Q: How long can a county hold you in jail for a FTA warrent?

My friend has been in jail since the 19th of Dec for a FTA warrent he didn't know he had, so he was arrested and taken to clinch county, due to the storm yesterday they canceled court, and now they won't see anyone until Feb. He also has a hold for another county for probation violation... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 10, 2024

In Georgia, the time a person can be held in jail without seeing a judge after an arrest varies. While there is a general expectation that an individual should be brought before a judge within 48 hours of arrest, certain circumstances, such as court closures or delays, can extend this period. In... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Georgia on
Q: OK I’m Gwinnett county Georgia, I drove my Roommate to cash a check. They denied it and kept the check so I went inside

Asked if I could get his check back for him they denied it call the police I called the police. Also the police cited with her the lady and whoever she was talking on the phone wanted to press charges they arrested my roommate this is 15 December, and last night I seen the cop at the gas station.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 4, 2024

In your situation, it's important to understand your rights, especially regarding interactions with law enforcement. A police officer can approach and talk to you in public places like a gas station, but you are not obligated to answer their questions without legal representation present,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Banking, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: Can a check cashing facility deny to cash your check and then withhold the check from you and not return it to you GA

For any reason because it has all of your personal information on it, but yet they refuse to give it back and threaten to call the police

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 2, 2024

In Georgia, as in most states, a check cashing facility has the right to refuse to cash a check for various reasons, such as concerns about the check's authenticity or issues with the account it's drawn on. However, withholding the check from you after refusing to cash it typically... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Civil Litigation for Georgia on
Q: Can I press charges against someone who incited my abusive ex to threaten me and my child? Can I also sue this person?

Prayerfully he didn’t go through with anything, but can I still sue the person who instigated, knowing our history?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 2, 2024

In Georgia, as in many states, pressing criminal charges is typically the responsibility of law enforcement and the prosecutor's office. If someone incited your ex to threaten you and your child, you can certainly report this to the police. The police can investigate, and the prosecutor can... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Health Care Law for Georgia on
Q: My PCP when i got there she called 911 she told the ambulance driver to take me to Emory and they didn't

I went to my doctor's appointment at my PCP doctor and she could see i was in distress because of a fall i had. So she calls 911 and told them to take me to Emory at John's Creek hospital the ambulance driver then told her due to a new bill they passed they can take me to the nearest... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 30, 2023

In situations like yours, the actions of ambulance services are often governed by specific protocols and laws. These protocols may prioritize taking patients to the nearest hospital, especially in emergency situations, to ensure prompt medical attention. This approach is commonly followed to reduce... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: Can the first offenders act be used for a felony case? (For over $500 theft)

Case was shoplifting at Walmart in Cobb county in aug 2023. The defendant had over $500 in goods which is why it’s considered a felony. The defendant has no prior convictions and is technically a state resident although he is from Michigan. He has no previous convictions in Michigan as well.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 23, 2023

In Georgia, the First Offender Act can indeed be applied to certain felony cases, including cases of theft over $500. The Act allows a defendant, who has not previously been convicted of a felony, to plead guilty or be found guilty without having a felony conviction formally entered into their... View More

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