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Georgia Constitutional Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: Can law enforcement search my home before a search warrant is signed, or enter it uninvited? GA

I happened to walk outside at around 1:15 p.m. and was met by law enforcement who detained me, and I had closed my door behind me. They had a warrant for my arrest. And arrested me, directly after they entered my home uninvited, and searched it. The search warrant was signed off on at approximately... Read more »

Glenn T. Stern
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answered on Mar 26, 2023

It would be irresponsible for any attorney to give an opinion on the legality of a particular entry and/or search without first having the opportunity to examine the evidence and the relevant law. That being said, there do exist certain legal justifications that would allow police to enter a home... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: Is denying a preliminary hearing illegal if someone is charged with a felony, not been indicted yet, in Georgia?
Robbie Levin
Robbie Levin
answered on Mar 27, 2023

The purpose of a preliminary hearing, also known as a probable cause hearing, is to make sure that a person is not held in jail without some evidence to support the incarceration. So, if a person is out on bail and not in custody, there is no need for a probable cause hearing.

If the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: I'm being charged for Same offense in 2 separate courts?Higher court has been disposed and rehabilitated.

I've being held in a Dependency case due to a charge that is reduced and disposed of but they still hold me in jouvinile with a charge that for abuse and no charge anywhere of dui and then have me in another county sui.g me in a custody battle I never recieve any summons for I'm in 3... Read more »

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 11, 2023

It sounds like you may need to speak with an attorney who can review your specific case and provide legal advice tailored to your situation. It is unusual for someone to be charged for the same offense in multiple courts, especially if one of the charges has already been disposed of and... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: I'm being charged for Same offense in 2 separate courts?Higher court has been disposed and rehabilitated.

I've being held in a Dependency case due to a charge that is reduced and disposed of but they still hold me in jouvinile with a charge that for abuse and no charge anywhere of dui and then have me in another county sui.g me in a custody battle I never recieve any summons for I'm in 3... Read more »

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 11, 2023

Also, it is not uncommon for an individual to face charges for the same offense in multiple courts, such as a criminal court and a dependency court. However, it is important to note that being charged in multiple courts does not necessarily mean that a person will be punished twice for the same... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: Can I use a shovel to defend myself if I'm scared for my life and he has a metal pipe one to hit me with it is it okay f
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2023

In general, using force in self-defense is legal if you reasonably believe that force is necessary to protect yourself from imminent harm. However, the level of force used must be proportional to the threat, and you should make efforts to retreat or avoid the situation if possible. In some states,... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: Im a cop and I have a question about the legality of an action before I do it.

Im wondering if it is legal for me to watch a house to gain information on a suspect wanted for aggravated assault off duty in a normal car

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2023

As a general principle, law enforcement officers must adhere to the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. Surveillance of a suspect's house may be considered a search and, therefore, subject to Fourth Amendment protection.... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: I was arrested for driving to work for suspended license twice in 7 days. What Civil rights and laws did they break?

Secind time in 7 days now. First time deputy who was sitting at four way with another deputy in second vehicle, pulled out and went on by as i turned into parking lot of patels gas station where they were both sitting. I went in paid for gas and soft drinks walked out pumped gas got back started... Read more »

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2023

It is important to note that driving with a suspended license is considered a criminal offense and therefore subject to criminal laws, not civil rights laws. However, in general, law enforcement officers are required to follow proper procedures and protocols when making an arrest, and individuals... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: Can I purchase a firearm with a GA First Offender on my record ?

I was sentenced as a GA first offender in 1996 and completed it in 2006. I also have a misdemeanor in 2004 and pled to 1year probation. it was an obstruction of officer. I have nothing else since 2005.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2023

Under federal law, a person who has been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence is prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm. However, a GA First Offender on your record does not constitute a conviction and therefore does not automatically disqualify you from... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: Can you win your case based on violation of amendment rights in Georgia Superior Court?

My attorney for my state charge told me this has to be brought to federal court after the conclusion of the State's charges. Is this correct?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2023

It is possible to raise violations of constitutional rights as a defense in a criminal case in Georgia Superior Court, but it ultimately depends on the specific facts and circumstances of your case. If your constitutional rights have been violated, your attorney can raise those issues as part of... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: Is term "vehicle" considered under law as being operated for commercial purposes?

If Im traveling my privately owned automobile for personal reasons, and not a vehicle for commercial use, do the codes and statues not apply to me?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Dec 4, 2022

A Georgia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Until you're able to consult with a Georgia attorney for definitive guidance per applicable vehicle & traffic laws or insurance laws, as a general matter, "vehicle" usually means a mechanically or... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: Is it possible for the trial judge to have a old classmate in the jury in a murder trial without it being a conflict?
Jermario L Davis
Jermario L Davis
answered on Sep 30, 2022

In and of itself, I don't see there being a problem with a juror being an old classmate of the judge. The primary consideration for a juror to be seated is whether or not he/she is able to be fair and impartial under the present circumstances. If the juror was an old classmate of the... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: Do I have a civil case against the deputy or the county for violating my rights?

I was approached by a deputy while standing in a hotel parking lot and charged with obstruction for failure to ID, arrested and put in jail in Georgia.

Zachary Taylor Beck
Zachary Taylor Beck
answered on Aug 18, 2022

You do not have to provide ID unless you are driving a car or the officer has probable cause to suspect a crime was being committed. Thus, if the officer had probable cause to believe you were committing a crime, then any civil suit would fail. Further, suing police officers for conduct committed... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: Can a cop open a closed and latched gate (of a third party) that has a no trespassing sign on it with an arrest warrant

LEO's opened my gate because they suspected that a person they had an arrest warrant for was there. Which they weren't there. Did they have the right to just unlatch my gate (that has a no trespassing sign on it) and open them up, and proceeded onto my property looking for said suspect?

Zachary Taylor Beck
Zachary Taylor Beck
answered on Jul 1, 2022

Yes, if the police relied upon reasonable, articulable facts that the person they had a valid arrest warrant was on the property. It does not matter if the person was actually on the property if the above standard was met. However, the police will be limited to only search the property for where a... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: what code obligates an officer in Georgia to supply when asked, a certified copy of his surety bond
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 3, 2023

Georgia Code 45-4-14 requires the official bonds of public officers required by law to be filed in the office of the comptroller general, Secretary of State, or with the office of the governor within 40 days after their election or appointment.

Q: Can a employer fire you for a medical condition/ & for having FMLA for a disabled child

Employed 12+yrs,FMLA for my disabled child/I self have a medical condition can’t lift over 50lbs Because I refused to go work in a different dept. that wasn’t my job description or duty it required me to lift over 50lbs I was fired.Manager was angry because I called HR corporate because of my... Read more »

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2023

It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee on the basis of a medical condition or the need to take FMLA leave. If you were fired because of your medical condition or because you exercised your FMLA rights, you may have a legal claim for wrongful termination. It is recommended... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Federal Crimes for Georgia on
Q: My s/o was picked up on a false warrant ,never had his Miranda rights read to him until after speaking with the d.a

He was also given paperwork to sign without counsel present under the assumption that it was the statement he had just made, but really he had unknowingly signed away his rights... He was incarcerated on 12/30/2021 where he has been held without bond( no bail hearing given) , or evidence,.. the... Read more »

Morris  Margulis
Morris Margulis
answered on Jan 14, 2022

He needs to act fast to get Habeas Corpus relief. If he can get out of custody, he will be in a much better position to pursue his other claims involving this experience.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Georgia on
Q: If I'm off probation and completed my 1st offenders sentencing successfully does that mean I was discharged by a judge?
Morris  Margulis
Morris Margulis
answered on Jan 6, 2022

It should, but you should check with the clerk of the court that sentenced you to first offender probation to be sure.

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: My daughter got drunk and started trying to put her hands on everybody and busted my house window so I called the police

The police arrived to my home and stated to us that they were charging her with criminal trespass (family violence) which didn’t make sense . We questioned them howeever they booked her into the jail for smash and grab burglary , purchase of alcohol being a minor , and possession of marijuana... Read more »

Cory D. Raines
Cory D. Raines
answered on Oct 12, 2021

She will have to either hire a private attorney or be assigned a public defender to help defend these serious charges, which could and should have been avoided by not calling the police in the first place. Whether you want press charges or not against your daughter is out of your hands because now... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: I am wondering about 4th Amendment rights.

I was stopped for not having on my selt belt. The officer asked for my license which I gave him. He then went to his car and ran my license. It came back expired by one month. He asked if I knew about it I said no and he handed me back my license. He then when to another officer and was speaking to... Read more »

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Aug 17, 2021

Sounds like a standard fishing expedition and you need to get a lawyer to file a motion to suppress.

The cops are allowed to intercept folks if they have probable cause that a crime is occurring (seat belt) and then commonly use that as an entry point for additional investigation. It is...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Domestic Violence and Government Contracts for Georgia on
Q: The highschool won't allow my daughter in school

They kept her in room without lunch all day instead of going to class

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Aug 17, 2021

There should be some sort of written reason offered by the school. You need to schedule a meeting with the administration and get to the bottom of the disparate treatment.

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