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Showing 18 of 59 articlesActive filter: Criminal Defense
A routine traffic stop may seem like a minor inconvenience, but every stop must comply with constitutional protections. Law enforcement officers have authority to stop drivers under certain circumstances, yet that authority has legal limits. Understanding those limits can help you recognize when a traffic stop may become an unconstitutional seizure. What makes a traffic
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When someone is accused of a sex crime, they may claim that they did not know they did anything wrong. They believed the other person was just a consenting adult, as were they. The whole encounter seemed appropriate and legal at the time, so they do not understand why they are facing these serious allegations.
Read articleLaw enforcement agencies take online sex-related offenses seriously – particularly when they involve minors. Catching people who engage in illegal activity online can be challenging. That’s why agencies at all levels often use online “sting” operations to do so. One tactic is to have an officer or agent pretend to be an underage person in
Read articleGetting arrested for a sex crime in Georgia doesn’t automatically put you on the sex offender list. The state only adds your name after a conviction. But just because your name isn’t listed yet doesn’t mean the situation isn’t serious. Here’s what Georgia law actually says about when registration starts and how fast things can
Read articleUsually, police officers need a warrant or permission to enter a private residence. Police officers must follow the right procedures, or anything they find while searching a residence could be vulnerable to suppression during criminal proceedings. Occasionally, unusual circumstances may justify an officer’s decision to force their way onto private property. What types of situations
Read articlePeople who are facing drug charges often have various facets of the case to sort through so they can determine how to set up a criminal defense strategy. One thing that may come into the picture is the legality of a search warrant. Some drug cases center around evidence that’s seized when police conduct a
Read articleThere are numerous ways for the state to develop a criminal case. The more objective the evidence is, the more powerful it may be during criminal proceedings. When police officers don't gather much objective evidence, prosecutors may end up relying on questionable sources of information to validate their allegations against individuals. In some cases, the
Read articleMany people use their cellphones in a wide variety of areas of their lives. They make phone calls, send text messages or use social media apps to send direct messages. They use their phones to make financial transactions or navigate to certain locations. As a result, if someone has been accused of drug crimes, it’s
Read articleDefending yourself and your property from physical harm is a legal right that Georgia allows in certain conditions. However, not all use of force is justified. It’s important that you understand exactly when you can and cannot use physical force to defend yourself. Below are some crucial points to remember. When is self-defense legal? Georgia
Read articleExplore the differences between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter in Georgia, including intent, penalties, and possible defenses.
Read articleWhen police officers want to search a private residence, they frequently knock and ask for permission. Sometimes, people open the door to the police. Others may refuse to let them inside to protect against invasions of privacy. The officers might force their way onto the property to conduct a search. When is it legal for
Read articleWhen someone unlawfully takes another person’s life, the authorities can level a variety of different charges, depending upon the specific circumstances of the case. Malice murder is one charge that may be applied. It has unique requirements and unique implications for a defense. What are the key elements of malice murder? Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A.
Read articleFor young adults, understanding consent laws can be tricky. Georgia has "Romeo and Juliet" laws to protect teenagers and young adults in consensual relationships from harsh criminal charges. These laws apply to specific situations involving sexual activity between young people close in age. Knowing these laws helps young adults make smart choices and avoid legal
Read articleThe law in Georgia holds individuals accountable for their role in a murder, regardless of whether they were directly involved in carrying it out. You could be charged with being an accessory to murder if you played a part in helping or supporting the crime before or after it happened. It is a serious offense
Read articleMany eyewitnesses have absolutely no reason to lie and honestly believe that they are telling the truth. The eyewitness may simply have been a bystander at the scene of the crime. The police are conducting an investigation and they want to know what happened – and if the eyewitness saw the alleged perpetrator. In court,
Read articleMost adults will agree: we’ve done some bad things in our youth. Tales of pushing boundaries and risky behavior are common themes at many class reunions. And while some people may want to blame poor parenting or peer pressure, it’s also true that a teenager’s brain is wired differently than an adult’s. For some youth,
Read articleUnfounded allegations of sexual misconduct can arise in various situations, such as divorce proceedings, custody battles, post-breakup scenarios and within the workplace. These baseless accusations can severely damage one’s reputation, career and mental well-being. Neglecting to address them appropriately can lead to dire consequences, including incarceration. Nonetheless, it remains possible to vindicate yourself if the
Read articleThere are all kinds of methods the police use when they’re interrogating suspects, but one of the most popular methods is known as the Reid Technique. While the Reid Technique has been used by police for years, it’s become increasingly controversial due to its potential for false confession. How does the Reid Technique work? The
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