Recent Blog Posts
How Long Can Police Detain You Based On Reasonable Suspicion In Georgia?
If police stop you, it does not always mean you are under arrest. In Georgia, officers can briefly detain you if they have a reasonable and clear suspicion that a crime has happened, is happening, or might happen. This standard is lower than probable cause, but it still needs more than just a guess…. Read More »
How And When To Plead The Fifth
You might hear the phrase “plead the Fifth” on TV or in daily conversation, but the real right against self-incrimination is more specific than most people think. If police or investigators want a statement, you have been subpoenaed, or you are facing charges, what you say can impact your case. The Fifth Amendment protects… Read More »
Can Police Lie During A Criminal Investigation In Georgia?
If a Georgia police officer tells you that another suspect confessed, your fingerprints were found, a witness identified you, or there is video evidence, you might think the officer must be telling the truth. But that can be a risky assumption. Police are allowed to use some forms of deception during questioning, and Georgia… Read More »
Search Warrants Triggered By Mailed Packages In Georgia Drug Cases
A package showing up at your door might seem routine, but it can quickly turn serious if police arrive soon after with a search warrant. In Georgia, drug investigations often start with packages sent through the mail or by carriers like FedEx or UPS. Investigators may spot a suspicious package, use a drug-sniffing dog,… Read More »
Defending Against A DUI Charge In Georgia
If you are arrested for DUI in Marietta , you may worry right away about your license, your record, your job, and what will happen in court. But being arrested does not mean you will be convicted. The State must still prove the DUI charge beyond a reasonable doubt, and it is important to… Read More »
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 »