Category Archives: Domestic Violence
Is Criticizing a Public Official on Facebook “Stalking”?
Stalking is a criminal offense in Georgia. State law defines stalking as following, placing under surveillance, or contacting another person without their consent for the purpose of “harassing and intimidating” them. A first offense for stalking is a misdemeanor, with any subsequent convictions are felonies. Additionally, a person who believes they are a victim… Read More »
Is a Parent’s Marijuana Use Relevant to Allegations They Hurt Their Child?
Normally, a prosecutor cannot try to convict a defendant of a crime by pointing to evidence they may have committed some other unrelated criminal offense. This is generally considered inadmissible “character evidence.” That said, the state can offer proof of an uncharged offense as “intrinsic evidence” that it was part of the charged offense,… Read More »
What Is “Family Violence Battery” in Georgia?
Under Georgia law, battery is a criminal offense that occurs when a person “intentionally causes substantial physical harm or visible bodily harm to another.” Simple battery is a misdemeanor. However, if the defendant committed battery against a “household member,” it is classified as “family violence battery.” This is also a misdemeanor, unless the defendant… Read More »
Can Domestic Violence Be Charged as a Federal Crime?
Although most crimes involving interpersonal violence fall under state law, there are scenarios where it may be prosecuted as a federal offense. One example is domestic violence. Georgia’s Family Violence Act covers most situations where a person is accused of stalking or physically harming an intimate partner or other family member. But if a… Read More »
Do Domestic Crimes Really Spike During the Holidays?
It seems to make sense that domestic crimes would spike over the holidays. Tensions may be up, stress can be high, and there may even be a bit more alcohol consumed than usual. The truth of the matter, though, is that the spike of domestic crimes during the holidays is something of a myth…. Read More »
How to Combat Domestic Violence as a Community
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is estimated that nearly one-third of all women and approximately one in 12 men will have or will experience domestic violence. Even one person falling victim to intimate partner abuse is too many. There are ways that you can help combat domestic violence in your own community…. Read More »
What You Need to Know About Domestic Crimes
In decades past, a domestic dispute between a couple was considered a personal matter best left inside the walls of the home and not up for police scrutiny. In more recent years, domestic crimes have been taken more seriously, and rightfully so. Even though the crimes are taken seriously by those involved, law enforcement… Read More »
Why Does Domestic Violence Happen?
Domestic violence is also called domestic abuse. It typically begins when one partner feels the need, for whatever reason, to dominate or control the other. Abuse is rarely about the victim, and almost always about the perpetrator. There is no just reason for domestic abuse, but knowing why it occurs can help advocates and… Read More »
How and When to File a Temporary Protective Order
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. One of the most important tools in the fight against domestic violence is the temporary protection order, or TPO. There are different types of family violence protective orders available in Georgia. These orders are meant to protect the people named therein; as such, when violations result in a… Read More »
Not All Domestic Violence is the Same
Domestic violence is a serious crime. Victims of abuse may deal with lifelong issues, both mental and physical, after suffering at the hands of a batterer. Those charged with the crime may spend time in prison, pay thousands in fines, and find it difficult to find future employment. Many have a picture that appears… Read More »