If you consider yourself a law-abiding citizen, you might need to think again. You, like most other people, have likely broken the law several times. Here are some of the ways you might have done that: Alcohol-related breaches Alcohol causes many people to break the...
The criminal consequences of a hazing conviction in Georgia
Colleges, police and lawmakers no longer write off hazing as just a part of joining a fraternity, club or sports team. As hazing incidents have increasingly led to permanent injury and death, they’re treating it as the criminal offense that it is. Many parents of...
How an illegal search can impact a criminal trial
Police officers help enforce the law by responding to distress calls and reports of criminal activity. They also investigate crimes after they occur and gather evidence to help build a criminal case. Police officers typically need to follow very specific rules about...
Why eyewitness testimony can be problematic
All criminal cases center around evidence. The prosecution relies on strong evidence to seek convictions, and the defense often relies on poking holes in the prosecution’s evidence to create reasonable doubt. Evidence comes in numerous forms, but eyewitness testimony...
What are Fourth Amendment rights in the United States?
Under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to be protected from unreasonable searches and seizures. This means that law enforcement officials generally cannot search your person, your home, vehicle or belongings without a valid warrant or...
3 things considered during criminal sentencing
A person who’s convicted of a criminal charge will receive a sentence from the court. Unless there’s a plea deal in place, the decision lies in the hands of the judge to determine what sentence applies to the case. There are several things the court will consider...
Can the police really search your trash?
Generally speaking, the police either need your permission or a warrant to search through your personal property – but there are some important exceptions. One very important thing to keep in mind is that anything you discard is largely “fair game” for the authorities...
I have been falsely accused of committing a crime: What do I do?
Being accused of a crime you did not commit can be quite devastating. Unfortunately, false accusations happen all the time. And sometimes, innocent people end up paying the price. Whether you are innocent or not, the decisions you make when facing a false criminal...
Reckless driving leads to more than just a traffic ticket
People in Georgia typically don't think of traffic violations as serious offenses. Most law-breaking in a vehicle will at most results in a traffic stop, a ticket and a slightly higher insurance premium. While those consequences may be inconvenient or frustrating,...
“Crossing the guard line” with contraband is a bad idea
You probably know that prisoners are pretty restricted when it comes to what types of items they’re allowed to have. It may seem unfair, particularly if your loved one is still legally presumed to be innocent and just waiting their day in court. Don’t let your heart...