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Georgia Criminal Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: Can a defendant motion for dismissal at a motion for new trial hearing
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 20, 2023

In Georgia, a defendant generally cannot file a motion for dismissal at a motion for a new trial hearing. The motion for a new trial is typically focused on challenging the verdict or judgment based on errors that occurred during the trial, such as legal errors, newly discovered evidence, or juror... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: Can criminal case be nolle pros if victim filed waivers of rights to testimony on record?????

Victim in criminal indictment filed waiver of rights to clerk office, district attorney office and judge

Indicating Victim wishes not to proceed with prosecution as part of official record, does this mean prosecution must end

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Dec 12, 2023

The eventual charging decision rests solely with the State, as much as that kind of prospective evidence makes actually carrying the charge more difficult. A good lawyer will do you well in this kind of situation as the change in allegations can create new avenues for state prosecution. Travel... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: What is the punishment for drug related objects in Effingham
Glenn T. Stern
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answered on Dec 7, 2023

Possession of drug-related objects is a misdemeanor, meeting the maximum punishment of 12 months in jail and $1,000 fine. As to what sentence one might expect to receive, that would depend on the defendants prior record, any additional charges that may be brought along with the charge, and other... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: What gives a cop the right to make you get out handcuffs you and the. Search your car without asking furst
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answered on Dec 7, 2023

There are actually several scenarios in which police can search your car without a warrant or your permission. One example would include an inventory search, where the driver is being arrested and the car is going to be towed. If the officer observed contraband in plain sight, that would be a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets and Civil Rights for Georgia on
Q: got citation for no working brake or tail lights 1 was out but mY other 2 and a half brake lights and blinkers was wrk

The searched my car and found schedule 2 pills I told them no they couldn't search n they got the dog the pills was dropped by a friend I picked them up n put n a bottle intending on throwing them away weeks ago and forgot can I get it dismissed based on the original reason they stopped me he... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 5, 2023

In Georgia, if you received a citation for non-working brake or tail lights but believe this was incorrect because your lights were functioning, this could potentially be a basis to challenge the traffic stop. However, the subsequent discovery of schedule 2 pills during the search adds complexity... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Georgia on
Q: Who do I contact if I have a complaint against a bail bondsman?

I had a refund check for my bail and they released it without my signature. I have requested a copy of the back of the check and they will not respond

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 5, 2023

In Georgia, if you have a complaint against a bail bondsman, you should contact the Georgia Department of Insurance. This department oversees the licensing and regulation of bail bondsmen in the state. They have the authority to investigate complaints and enforce regulations.

To file a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: Can anyone help on a bench warrant issued for my son for a parking violation involving a boot at UGA?

The boot wasn’t installed properly and laying by the tire. My son put it in his trunk. After paying fees, my son thought he bought it and didn’t return boot. Now University police claim he stole it, hence the bench warrant.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 4, 2023

In this situation, the first step is to address the bench warrant. It's important for your son to not ignore this warrant, as it can lead to further legal complications. Consulting with an attorney experienced in such matters, particularly one familiar with the jurisdiction of the University... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: Can D.A add charges to indictment that I was not arrested for

Was arrested for misdemeanor assault, State added felony false imprisonment to indictment.

No arrest warrant executed by law enforcement for felony, yet only misdemeanor warrant exists. Can Da legally do this

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 4, 2023

In criminal proceedings, it is possible for a District Attorney (D.A.) to add charges to an indictment that were not part of the initial arrest. This can happen if, during the investigation or preparation for trial, additional evidence comes to light that supports more serious or additional... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Georgia on
Q: Does fourth amendment waiver apply to the garage of a residence if it's not attached to the house?

How does the waiver apply to areas that others are in? And do police have a right to search after an arrest warrant has been executed and person is in handcuffs. Basically me an my boyfriend were in the garage which is a separate building from house. Th police showed up to arrest him on a vop... View More

Serge Jerome Jr.
Serge Jerome Jr.
answered on Nov 28, 2023

It depends on whether he lives there or not. If he lives there than yes it covers the garage if it is on the same property. If the garage is on a separate property or he does not live at the residence than any search of the garage is illegal and anything found in that garage is considered... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Animal / Dog Law for Georgia on
Q: My dog was stolen, beat to death, &thrown over bridge. Was law enforcement supposed to visit the scene for investigation

I reported when stolen, they couldn’t help me even though I told them he was going to be killed. When I found my dog, filed a report, contacted animal control but they were closed for holiday weekend. I had to retrieve my dog myself. How are they investigating if nobody ever went to the scene or... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Nov 27, 2023

I am sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your dog. It is understandable that you are upset and frustrated with the way your case has been handled by law enforcement.

According to the Animal Welfare Act, all animal cruelty cases, including theft and animal killing, are supposed to be...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: Is a conviction under 1976 GA Const., Bill or rights Para IX allowing representation by counsel and defendant void?

A person suffers from decades old conviction in which said person was allowed to represent himself/herself and be represented by counsel under the GA Constitution , Bill of Rights Paragraph IX or both clause without waving his/her federal Sixth Amendment right to counsel. Defendant complained of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 26, 2023

In this scenario, where a conviction stems from a situation involving the right to counsel under the Georgia Constitution and the Sixth Amendment, several factors need to be considered. The complexity arises from the claim of ineffective assistance of counsel and the subsequent exhaustion of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: Can a police officer tell the media your name and how you helped arrest a gang leader and drug dealer?violation?

Told news paper the name along with every detail of how you were involved in the arrest. It's a young girl in a small town and it's the chief of police. He went into detail to the point of even telling the signal from the girl they waited on to run in and all this was told to the news... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 24, 2023

Releasing detailed information about an individual's involvement in a police operation, especially to the media, can raise serious privacy and safety concerns. In Georgia, as in other states, there are legal and ethical considerations regarding the disclosure of such information, particularly... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Domestic Violence and Sexual Harassment for Georgia on
Q: I need an Attorney to call the Fulton County Sheriff's dept to see if there's Felony Warrants coming from Escambia Fl.

11/19/2023 Hello. I have a group of Africans that stole my identity claiming they own me. They forged fraudulent paperwork claiming they're married to me,claiming they're my financial responsibility. Claiming they own me. I found out they all served 20 years at Century Correctional... View More

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Nov 20, 2023

It doesn't quite work like that but you certainly need to pursue the folks trying to harm you. Since you are a victim of the fraud you need to make the appropriate reports with the appropriate authorities, as different agencies have different obligations/duties and are not going to be able to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Child Custody and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: My ex has threatened suicide. How do I prevent visits until he is evaluated and helped?

My ex and I divorced in Colorado. I reside in Georgia and he is in New York City. He is a vet with PTSD. He told me 24 days ago, along with his other ex, that he thinks about killing himself daily. He continued to talk about just wanting to end his life, while talking about his other ex and I... View More

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on Nov 16, 2023

If you want the courts intervention before the father's next scheduled visit, you will have to immediately file for a modification an have the father served. Then ask the court for an emergency hearing and in that request it will have to specify the reasons for the urgency. If not, you will... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: how long does authorities have before their required to charge one with drug possession from a traffic stop.
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Nov 14, 2023

The amount of time that law enforcement agencies have to charge someone with drug possession from a traffic stop varies depending on the jurisdiction. In some jurisdictions, the statute of limitations for drug possession cases is one year, while in other jurisdictions, it may be two years or even... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: If someone hacks my phone and records me threatening to beat them up can they use that in court against me?

I've been cyber harassed fir for over a year now. They can forward my calls to them. Alter Google searches. Change feed on any website like Google discovery, youtube, music, etc. They listen thru phone and make fun of me.

Glenn T. Stern
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answered on Oct 29, 2024

In Georgia, you do not have any expectation of privacy from the person you are speaking to on a telephone. That means that if that person wanted to tell someone else what you said, or even record the call, it would be legal in this state and probably admissible in court.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Georgia on
Q: My son was sentenced in federal court in July and he’s still in the Marshals custody at a holdover because they are sayi

Saying his case is still active, they even sent him back from classification for the same reason. The attorney he had said he can’t help because after he was sentenced he’s not his attorney anymore. Who do I contact to inquire about this? The judge? Marshals Svc? Please help, I keep hitting... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 29, 2024

I'm sorry you're facing this difficult situation. First, try contacting your son's current attorney to get a clear understanding of his status and any potential steps they can take. If the attorney is unable to help, you might consider seeking a new lawyer who can review the case and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: If affidavit attached to arrest warrant does not provide information on, why officer believes this occurred?

Or what he bases his belief off of?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 25, 2024

If the affidavit attached to an arrest warrant doesn’t explain why the officer believes a crime occurred, it can raise serious concerns about the validity of the warrant. An affidavit is meant to provide the factual basis for the officer’s belief, demonstrating probable cause. Without this... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Georgia on
Q: Yes my understanding of a probable cause hearing should take place shortly after arraignment and it's like a trial befor

A trial where the accused has the right for attorney and to bring forth the accused witnesses and so on. So what if the accused/ myself wasn't given that hearing,just arraignment over live feed. I reside in state of Georgia. I plea not guilty and with a provided attorney from the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 23, 2024

If you weren’t given a probable cause hearing after your arraignment, it’s important to address this issue promptly. The probable cause hearing is a critical step where you can challenge the evidence against you and ensure your rights are protected. Without this hearing, there may have been a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for Georgia on
Q: Would a dwi with a non-injury hit and run be put on my record as a felony or misdemeanor. This happened in 1984.

I live in Georgia and the offense was in Louisiana. Otherwise my record is clean except for a few traffic tickets in the mid 90’s

Candace Alynn Hill Duvernay
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Candace Alynn Hill Duvernay
answered on Oct 16, 2024

You need this answered by a Louisiana barred attorney because they would know the affect of a conviction from that state. If this were a Georgia DUI/DWI, unfortunately it would still be on your record. Georgia is very strict in the ability to restrict convictions, however, Louisiana may not be.

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