Recent Blog Posts
Georgia Act 380: Enhanced Penalties For Assault Or Battery Against Georgia Code Enforcement Officials
A disagreement with a Georgia code enforcement official can quickly turn into a criminal case. These disputes might start over things like building inspections, property conditions, business violations, zoning issues, or other local code matters. If things get physical or someone claims there was an assault, the legal consequences can become much more serious…. Read More »
Georgia Act 627: New Felony Charges For Gift Card Theft, Forgery, And Fraud Under HB 447
Georgia now has specific felony laws for gift card theft, tampering, and fraud. House Bill 447 became Act 627 when the governor signed it on May 12, 2026, and the law took effect on July 1, 2026. This law, O.C.G.A. § 16-9-64, created new crimes for gift card theft, forgery, and fraud. These charges… Read More »
Georgia Act 717: When A Fourth Misdemeanor Conviction Can Become A Felony Under HB 1075
A misdemeanor charge might seem less serious than a felony, but Georgia law now makes some repeat misdemeanor cases much more serious. Starting July 1, 2026, a new law lets the state treat a fourth or later qualifying misdemeanor within 10 years as a felony. This can lead to a prison sentence of one… Read More »
Georgia Act 482: How HB 1131 Changes Warrant Hearing Notices And Cash Bond Rules
A new Georgia law took effect on July 1, 2026, changing some rules for warrant-application hearings and cash bonds. House Bill 1131, now called Act 482, was signed into law on May 11, 2026. This law updates how people are notified when someone seeks an arrest warrant and clarifies how information about accusations must… Read More »
Georgia’s New Wrongful Conviction Compensation Law Explained
On May 14, 2025, Governor Brian Kemp signed the Wrongful Conviction and Incarceration Compensation Act, which gives Georgia a formal way for some wrongfully convicted people to seek compensation. Before this law, Georgia did not have a clear statewide process, and people who were exonerated often had to rely on a private compensation bill… Read More »
Georgia’s New Mental Competency Hearing Law For Criminal Defendants
riminal case cannot move forward fairly if the accused does not understand what is happening or cannot help with their defense. This is the main idea behind competency to stand trial. In Georgia, questions about competency can come up in any type of case. These include misdemeanors, felonies, violent or nonviolent offenses, or a… Read More »
Georgia Bond Law Changed In 2025: New Information Required For Sureties
In 2025, Georgia made a key change to its criminal bond law that can affect defendants, their families, friends, and anyone who agrees to be a surety. When someone is arrested, getting out of jail is usually the first priority, but bond paperwork is more than just a form to fill out. A bond… Read More »
Georgia’s New Intellectual Disability Hearing Law In Death Penalty Cases
Georgia’s new intellectual disability hearing law is an important change in death penalty cases because it affects when and how a defendant can raise intellectual disability before the State seeks the ultimate punishment. For years, Georgia used a proof standard that made these claims extremely difficult to prove in capital cases. The new law… Read More »
Georgia Adds New Schedule I Controlled Substances In 2025
Georgia’s drug laws change when lawmakers update the schedules. In 2025, House Bill 473 became Act 45 and changed parts of Georgia law about Schedule I controlled substances and dangerous drugs. This is important because if a substance is added to Schedule I, having it, buying it, selling it, delivering it, or having it… Read More »
Georgia’s New Fentanyl Trafficking Law: What Changed In 2025?
In 2025, Georgia changed its fentanyl trafficking laws in a big way. If you are facing a fentanyl charge, it is important to know how much tougher the law has become. Senate Bill 79, called the “Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act,” took effect on July 1, 2025, and applies to offenses from that date… Read More »