I am going to trial in about a month in Georgia for a murder charge. My attorney has done almost no work on my case. She has only briefly spoken to me three times in the past year, and last week she presented a plea deal, insisting I would likely lose at trial. I am innocent, and I believe we could... View More

I'm seeking legal assistance for my grandson, who has been in jail for almost a year on a murder charge in a high-profile case. His bail was denied, and his court-appointed attorney has only seen him twice during this time. We have no financial resources to hire a private attorney and need... View More

I would like to know how long the defense has to bring a misdemeanor assault case to trial in Georgia. The individual was charged on March 16, 2023. There are no legal documents specifying deadlines, and as far as we know, the case is progressing through the court system without any specific legal... View More

I fell asleep at a Circle K gas station in my parked vehicle after driving all night. The keys were not in the ignition. Police opened my door and detained me without explanation, saying someone had reported a possible overdose. Despite my assurances that I don't use drugs, they placed me in... View More

I lent my car to someone, and I was unaware that they were involved in a police chase until I was pulled over 2-3 days later. I don't know the person's full name, only their nickname, which I provided to the police. They asked me to try to get the person's first and last name. Since... View More

I'm looking for information on recent criminal court cases in Georgia's Superior and Supreme Courts from 2024 to 2025 that were reversed due to issues with transcript certification. Specifically, I'm interested in cases where judges certified transcripts without any defense witnesses... View More

I was charged with a city ordinance violation for "no proof of vaccinations" in Georgia. At my first court appearance, I requested a transfer to state court for a jury trial. The magistrate judge has now requested a bond. Is it normal for a bond to be requested under these circumstances,... View More

I paid for a bounced check on March 7, but I have received a mandatory court appearance notice. Why do I still need to appear in court, and what could be the possible legal implications or charges involved?

Serge Jerome Jr.
answered on Mar 25, 2025

It depends what type of summons you received. There could be civil or criminal hearing. Civil just means they want more money. If you already paid everything back then you don't have anything to worry about. Criminal hearing could be a fine, probation, or jail time. It just depends on the... View More

Three years ago, I was raped and beaten by my ex. At the time, I wasn't ready to file a police report, but I do have photos of the marks on my body as evidence. Now, I want to pursue legal action, yet I'm concerned about the likelihood of a successful conviction. I haven't spoken to... View More

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James L. Arrasmith Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 1, 2025

You may still have viable legal options despite the three-year time lapse since the assault occurred. In California, the statute of limitations for sexual assault cases has been significantly extended; adult victims now have up to ten years to file civil claims under Assembly Bill 1619, while... 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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Glenn T. Stern Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

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If I am sentenced to a 10-year "do 2" split sentence in Georgia for possession of less than 2 pounds of marijuana and I've never served time in Georgia before, how long do I have to serve before I'm eligible for parole?

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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Glenn T. Stern Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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 would like to understand the legality of a Georgia outside detail officer making inmates squat and cough on the side of a public road in daylight after discovering an open bag of weed inside their van, which was thrown away by another inmate. The officer made all inmates sit in front of a van... View More

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James L. Arrasmith Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 26, 2025

The Supreme Court has ruled that correctional facilities can conduct strip searches, including "squat and cough" procedures, as part of their security protocols. However, these searches must be conducted for legitimate security reasons and cannot be done merely to harass or humiliate... 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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Glenn T. Stern Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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 work as a personal assistant handling non-medical tasks, and my employer asked me to dispose of unused prescriptions for her and her daughter. These prescriptions are not in my name, but I'm trying to assist her since she is elderly and busy. Could I face any legal issues for having these... View More

I am facing a pending aggravated assault charge in Georgia after an argument with a store clerk who threatened me. During the argument, my firearm became accidentally visible, but it was never pointed at the clerk, and there was no physical contact. There is video footage of the incident, and... View More

I was driving someone else's vehicle in Georgia, unaware that there was a handgun in the trunk. Now, I've been charged with possession of the handgun. What are my legal options?

I am blind and use a cane to walk around my neighborhood in Georgia. My neighbors have multiple dogs, including pit bulls that run in packs, which has prevented me from walking due to safety concerns. I want to know if I can carry a 9-inch open blade knife in a sheath for protection against these... View More

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answered on Mar 22, 2025

I do not know of any law in Georgia that would prohibit a felon from carrying a knife with a blade that is 12 inches or smaller.

I was molested at 16 by a 24-year-old, and we've been together since, during which time she's controlled me. Recently, I discovered she's been with another man for 21 weeks and is seeking a divorce. Can I file charges for the molestation that occurred in 1993 in this situation?

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Regina Irene Edwards Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 22, 2025

No. The age of consent in Georgia is 16.

In 2007, when I was 4 years old, I was molested by my 12-year-old cousin in Georgia. I am now 21, and she is 29, living in Texas. I haven't reported the incident until now and am unsure about the legal steps I can take today. I've begun seeking psychological support, but I have no... View More