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Georgia Criminal Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: If a defend is on a no contact order and breaks that no contact order will the vic also be charged w/stalking?

Will a warrant also be issued for the victim for an aggravated stalking charge?

Glenn T. Stern
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answered on Sep 26, 2024

No, with a "no contact order," the victim is not under any legal order of the court. So, when a defendant is under a "no contact" order, even if the victim approaches them or contacts them, it is still that defendant's duty to avoid the contact or face consequences from the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: I was arrested a little over a year ago . On multiple accusations charges

aggravated assault(x2) , criminal street gang , terroristic threats & altered serial number weapon charge. I haven’t been formally charged on anything / Indicted on any of those charges what can I do to get those charges dismissed so I can return back to my active duty

Candace Alynn Hill Duvernay
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Candace Alynn Hill Duvernay
answered on Sep 25, 2024

Your charges are felonies, so the District Attorney has some time before they are required to indict your matter before you are eligible for dismissal based on lack of prosecution. If you desire to return to military service, occasionally, an attorney can convince the DA to look at the matter... View More

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, Constitutional Law and Legal Malpractice for Georgia on
Q: In a crimenal case if I pea guilty does my lawyer have the rite to say I cannot withdraw my plea

I plead guilty to a felony crime because the lawyer wouldn't help in any just kept telling me it would be best to plead guilty a blind plea then when he handed the judge the paper work he said I also put on here he could not withdraw his plea does a lawyer have that kind of say

R. Blake Morton
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answered on Sep 5, 2024

In Georgia, if a Defendant enter a blind plea, that is a plea that is not based on a recommendation from the State, then the Defendant has no right to withdraw their plea if they are given a sentence that they are unhappy with. When you plea under a negotiated plea, one with a recommendation, if... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Criminal Law, Estate Planning and Elder Law for Georgia on
Q: Is it probate fraud to use the "no admin required" for estates above $15,00.00 in GA? 'it is a "license to steal"

I am waiting for a trial date that was moved from Gwinnett to Fayette County. I believe I've been a victim of Probate Fraud. The executor and his lawyer got me to sign a " no administration required" early on. Theses were meant to be used in small estates worth $15,000.00 or less.... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Sep 3, 2024

There is no monetary limit on a No Administration Necessary filing. The only requirements are:

1. All heirs must agree to the distribution of the assets of the estate.

2. There are no debts of the estate.

3. If there are debts of the estate all creditors have consented to...
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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

Glenn T. Stern
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answered on Aug 29, 2024

There is no statewide or statutory role that people get two for one credit at a local jail. What does that happens is entirely up to the sheriff's department. You can always call the jail and ask them what their policy is, but it is unlikely that they will commit themselves by telling you... View More

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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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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: Is there a difference if I were charged with 16-5-70(a) but indicated on 16-5-70(b)
John Kim
John Kim
answered on Aug 15, 2024

Yes, legally there is a difference, since (a) and (b) under the statute have different elements for cruelty to children in the first degree. Once you are arrested, the prosecutor evaluates the evidence to determine how and what charges you are indicted for. Afterwards, the indictment is the formal... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: I was sentenced to No Early Termination of Probation in Georgia. Is that set in stone? Or is there still a chance
John Kim
John Kim
answered on Aug 15, 2024

It depends. You can always petition/motion the Court to terminate your probation early. The chances of prevailing will depend on several factors, including the circumstances that led to your "no early termination" condition (i.e., was it a "standard" condition outlined in your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Georgia on
Q: The Paul Erlinger vs the United States case involving Armed Career Criminals case , How does it help a person in prison

And is it retroactive for inmates in prison right now?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 21, 2024

The Paul Erlinger vs. the United States case is significant for inmates because it addresses the application of the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA). If the court rules in favor of Erlinger, it could mean a re-evaluation of what qualifies as a prior violent felony under the ACCA. This might reduce... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: the police came in my house said he had a serch warrant i never saw i went to the clerk she said none on file can i su

can i do something about also the DAHas false statements on my crimenal back ground

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 21, 2024

If the police entered your house without showing a search warrant, you may have grounds to challenge the legality of their actions. Start by documenting everything that happened, including the names of the officers, the date, and the time of the incident. Visit the clerk’s office again to confirm... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: I need to file a lawsuit against a police officer for illegal search and seisure

He came in my door didn't knock had his gun pointed at me ànd told me to put my hands behind my back so I did he said he had a search warrant but I never saw one so when I got out of jail i. Went to the clerk of court and ask for a copy of it she said there were none on file

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 21, 2024

You have the right to seek legal action against the police officer for an illegal search and seizure. If the officer did not present a search warrant, and the clerk of court confirmed there is no record of one, this could indicate a violation of your Fourth Amendment rights. Document every detail... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: I refunded $600 worth of money from my job I paid $400 back but if I don’t have $200 by Friday they will issue a warrant

If this is my first offense how long will I be charged for $200

Jermario L Davis
Jermario L Davis
answered on Jun 26, 2024

Assuming you are charged with something (not enough information to say), and this is your first offense, with the assistance of counsel, you would likely avoid jail time and could possibly have the charge(s) dismissed. Theft charges are typically misdemeanors if the value of the item allegedly... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: The Judge in ...County jail the prosecuting atty reduced felony to misdemeanor and set bond $1000 but Bond is $1300

All agreed to reduce Bond to $1000 from $2630, felony reduce to misdemeanor. When paperwork came through Bond is $1300 and felony second degree still on record, what happened?

Jermario L Davis
Jermario L Davis
answered on Jun 25, 2024

You may want to speak with the attorneys involved in the matter. All answers on this cite will be guesswork. Here's my take: The $1300 likely represents the $1000 bond plus surcharges which typically hover around 30%. As such, $1300 would be the correct amount. In terms of the reduced... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: Will I go to jail the same day I refuse to sign probation documents if I wanted some time before signing?

If I wanted to consider the documents I will be signing and put off signing for a week, will those in charge of my probation refuse to allow that? They won't permit me to see the documents I will sign ahead of time so I'm going in there blind. Will they just throw me in jail? If so, will... View More

Glenn T. Stern
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answered on Jun 16, 2024

You didn't say what the nature of the documents are, but it sounds like you are already on probation; you must remember that probation is an alternative to incarceration that the court has granted you-you aren't entitled to it, and it can be revoked and they can just send you to jail.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: Can police issue a search warrant on you (home, vehicle, person, anything) for a positive drug test?

Can police issue a search warrant on you (home, vehicle, person, anything) for a positive drug test?

As another question, can they search if you admit to using drugs in the past or are proven to be high?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 15, 2024

For the police to issue a search warrant for your home, vehicle, or person, they generally need probable cause. A positive drug test alone may not be sufficient to obtain a search warrant. Probable cause requires more substantial evidence that suggests illegal activity is occurring or that evidence... View More

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