Category Archives: Criminal Defense
What Is an Alford Plea in a Georgia Criminal Case?
When a person is formally charged with a crime in Georgia, the court will ask the defendant to enter a plea. Normally, the defendant will plead either “guilty” or “not guilty.” In some cases, the defendant may enter a plea of nolo contendere or “no contest.” This basically means that the defendant does not… Read More »
How Exploiting a Software Bug Can Lead to Federal Fraud Charges
Fraud describes a number of criminal offenses where a person uses deception or trickery to obtain the property of another. This can include situations where a person deceives by lying about the nature of a proposed bargain. What matters is whether the person accused of fraud intended to deceive the other person. In addition,… Read More »
What Is the Role of a Grand Jury in a Georgia Criminal Case?
When someone is charged with a crime in Georgia it takes the form of either an accusation or an indictment. An accusation–also known as an “information” in other jurisdictions–is where the district attorney or county solicitor’s office files a formal charge following a suspect’s arrest or citation by the police. Accusations are used in… Read More »
Can a Broken Taillight Lead to a Felony Drug Arrest in Georgia?
For many of us, getting pulled over for a traffic ticket is an inconvenience that leads to a misdemeanor charge at worst. Unfortunately, once the police initiate a lawful traffic stop–even on something as benign as driving with a broken taillight–that can lead to further investigation and potential arrest on a more serious felony… Read More »
Can You Withdraw a Guilty Plea to a Criminal Charge in Georgia?
Most criminal prosecutions in Georgia result in some form of plea bargain. Typically, the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for some consideration from the prosecution, such as a lesser charge or a joint sentencing recommendation. In other cases, a defendant may simply decide they wish to accept responsibility and enter a guilty… Read More »
How to Prove That the State’s Witnesses Are Lying?
When you are facing criminal charges, the state prosecutor will likely rely on witnesses who will testify against you. These state’s witnesses can be police officers, victims, or bystanders who claim to have seen or heard something incriminating. However, not all witnesses are truthful, and some may even provide false testimony to secure a… Read More »
Will Polygraph Evidence Be Used in Your Criminal Case?
Facing criminal charges is always overwhelming and stressful, especially when you do not know what to expect. Having to navigate the criminal justice system can be a daunting task without the assistance of a skilled lawyer. One question that may arise during your case is whether polygraph evidence will be used against you. If… Read More »
Can Prosecutors Use “Character Evidence” to Convict You of a DUI in Georgia?
As a general rule, a prosecutor is not allowed to put a defendant’s “character” on trial in Georgia. In other words, the government can present evidence to prove the defendant committed the alleged crime. But the state cannot achieve its goal by introducing evidence of unrelated “bad acts” simply in an attempt to prove… Read More »
Can Social Media Be Evidence in a Criminal Case?
Social media has become a significant part of our lives today, with millions of people using it for various reasons. According to Pew Research Center, more than 70% of Americans use social media nowadays. While it can be an excellent platform to connect with friends, social media can also turn against us, especially in… Read More »
Can You Face Forgery Charges for Signing Someone Else’s Name?
It is not uncommon for someone to ask you to sign their name on a document, whether it is for a business or personal reason. This can be innocently done without much thought about the legal consequences. However, Georgia has strict laws against forgery. This means that you can potentially face forgery charges if… Read More »