Category Archives: Criminal Defense
Statutory Rape in Georgia: Age-of-Consent Basics and Common Defenses
Statutory rape is a serious criminal offense in Georgia that can carry significant penalties and long term consequences. Many people misunderstand what statutory rape means under Georgia law, especially in situations where both individuals are minors or close in age. Understanding the age of consent and how the law is applied is essential. In… Read More »
Fentanyl Charges in Georgia: Possession, Trafficking, and High Stakes Penalties
Fentanyl is one of the most heavily prosecuted controlled substances in Georgia due to its potency and connection to overdose deaths across the country. Even small amounts can lead to serious felony charges. Prosecutors often pursue these cases aggressively, and the penalties can include lengthy prison sentences, steep fines, and permanent criminal records. Under… Read More »
Prescription Fraud in Georgia: Forged Prescriptions, Doctor Shopping, and Pharmacy Arrests
Prescription fraud is a serious criminal offense in Georgia that can lead to arrest, felony charges, and significant penalties. Law enforcement agencies across the state actively investigate forged prescriptions, doctor shopping, and illegal attempts to obtain controlled substances. Many arrests begin at pharmacies, where pharmacists are trained to detect suspicious prescriptions and notify authorities…. Read More »
Pretrial Release in Sex Crime Cases: Bond Factors in Fulton County and Beyond
Being arrested for a sex-related offense in Georgia can feel overwhelming. One of the first and most important issues is whether you will be released before trial. Pretrial release determines whether you can return home, continue working, and prepare your defense outside of custody. In Fulton County and across Georgia, bond decisions in sex… Read More »
Habitual Violator in Georgia: How to Reinstate Your License and Avoid New Charges
Being labeled a habitual violator in Georgia is serious. It is not a separate criminal charge, but a legal status that triggers severe consequences. Under O.C.G.A. § 40-5-58, a person can be declared a habitual violator after three or more qualifying convictions within a five-year period. Common offenses that lead to this designation include… Read More »
Facing Carjacking Charges in Georgia: Possible Defenses That May Protect Your Rights
Being charged with carjacking is a serious situation that can carry significant legal consequences in Georgia. Carjacking involves taking a motor vehicle from another person by force, intimidation, or threat. Because of the violent nature of the allegation, prosecutors often pursue these cases aggressively. At The Spizman Firm, we understand that every criminal case… Read More »
Parking Lot Hit-and-Run Confusion in Georgia: Leaving the Scene on Private Property
Many drivers assume that Georgia hit-and-run laws apply only to accidents on public roads. However, collisions that occur in parking lots, shopping centers, or other private property areas may still trigger legal obligations. Georgia hit-and-run laws, outlined in O.C.G.A. §40-6-270, generally require drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury, death, or property damage to… Read More »
Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer in Georgia: What the State Must Prove
Fleeing and eluding a police officer is a serious criminal offense under Georgia law. Governed by O.C.G.A. §40-6-395, the offense may be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances. In general terms, a driver may be charged if they willfully fail or refuse to stop their vehicle after a law… Read More »
Internet Sting Operations in Georgia: What to Know About Online Decoy Investigations
Law enforcement agencies across Georgia increasingly rely on internet sting operations to investigate alleged online sexual offenses. These investigations often involve officers posing as minors or guardians in chat rooms, social media platforms, or dating applications. The goal is to identify individuals who attempt to engage in illegal communication or arrange meetings with someone… Read More »
Federal Fraud Sentencing in the Atlanta Area: What Recent Press Releases Reveal About Penalties
Federal fraud cases in the Atlanta area have resulted in increasingly severe penalties in recent years. Press releases from the U.S. Department of Justice highlight a pattern of significant prison sentences and restitution orders for individuals convicted of fraud-related offenses. These cases often involve wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy charges under statutes such… Read More »