26 January

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The True Effects of an Underage DUI Charge

Posted by HSF

in DUI

Group Of Teenagers Drinking Alcohol At Party

Driving under the influence, or DUI, is a charge given to someone who a police officer believes is driving while impaired due to some intoxicating substance, especially alcohol. When a person is convicted of driving under the influence, the consequences can be severe and long lasting. This is true for adults, but can be even more accurate for those who are caught drinking and driving underage. Every day in the United States, 27 people are killed because someone made the choice to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 20 percent of...

24 January

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Questions to Consider When You’re the Designated Driver

Posted by HSF

in DUI

Empty green beer bottles on white background

Many people would agree that drinking and driving is dangerous and illegal. You and your friends are going out for a night on the town and you want to make sure everyone gets home safely. You raise your hand and volunteer to be the designated driver. Not so fast. There are some things to consider before you decide to be the hero. You may have good intentions, but there are a few things that could still get you in hot water with the law. I’m Underage. Can I Drive Them Home if They’re Drunk and I’m Sober? You may be wondering if...

20 January

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How Your Attorney May Try to Suppress Evidence

Posted by HSF

in Criminal Defense

group of evidence marker number in crime scene investigation

You have seen it on television. A courtroom drama depicts two opposing sides and one is shouting about evidence being inadmissible. While this certainly can happen from time to time, motions to suppress evidence most often occur well before a trial begins. If a defendant wins their motion to suppress, the possibility of a judge having to dismiss an entire case is present. Of course, this depends on how important the suppressed evidence was to a prosecutor's case. When a defense attorney files a motion to suppress evidence, it is almost always with regards to the Fourth Amendment. Other instances of...

18 January

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The Most Common Courtroom Objections

Posted by HSF

in Criminal Defense

"Objection!" The single word is heard in courtrooms across the nation every day. An attorney gets up from their chair and utters the single word that brings the proceedings to a standstill, no matter how momentary. Attorneys do not raise objections without cause. When an attorney objects to something being asked in the courtroom, they have a reason to do so. Here are the five most common objections heard in a court of law. 1. Hearsay A person cannot begin testimony with, "Jane told me...

16 January

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Could Your Smartphone Act as a Breathalyzer?

Posted by HSF

in DUI

Drunk man driver entering a car with a bottle of alcohol in his hand, his car in the background

Your smartphone is pretty smart, but just how intelligent is it? Most people have a smartphone these days, with only the most stringent of holdouts opting for a flip phone. While many of us would be hesitant to say that we allow our smartphones to make decisions for us, that day may not be far off. Researchers in Israel believe they have found a way for smartphones to tell their owners if they are too drunk to drive. Virtual Breathalyzer It's not unusual for people to express concern about the accuracy of breath-testing machines. Will a virtual breathalyzer be any different? Ben...

12 January

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Why Does Domestic Violence Happen?

Posted by HSF

in Domestic Violence

a-man-sitting-in-the-corner-of-the-room-strained-unhappy

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 those in the legal system strengthen their ability to prevent it. Common Reasons for Abuse Though there may be a variety of reasons why one partner is abusive towards another, there are reasons that are more common than others. These include: Jealousy: It doesn't matter if the cause of...

10 January

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What Happens If I Miss My Court Date?

Posted by HSF

in Criminal Defense

scales-of-justice-and-row-of-law-books-in-background

When a person is charged with a crime, they are given a court date. Multiple court dates may be required over the length of the case, and missing just one court date could cause big problems for the accused. It doesn't matter if the crime a person is charged with is a minor traffic violation or a serious felony, failing to show up in court could result in additional charges and penalties. It is not unusual for people to be fearful of appearing before a judge and decide not to do so. Here is what could happen if you miss...

06 January

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Can I Get My DUI Charges Reduced?

Posted by HSF

in DUI

shot-glasses-and-a-car-key-on-an-old-wooden-table

If you are arrested for driving under the influence in Georgia, you will likely be stressed and anxious. These feelings are normal, and people experience them no matter what they are arrested for. The first thing to do is to take a deep breath and realize that there is help available to you. An experienced attorney can offer you the assistance you need. Here is what you need to know if you have been arrested for your first DUI. Penalties Associated with Conviction Being arrested for a charge of driving under the influence does not automatically mean a conviction, but you should...

04 January

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What You Need to Know About Miranda Rights

Posted by HSF

in Criminal Defense

interrogation-scene-at-police-department-powerful-female-prosecutor-with-arms-folded-looking-down-at-frustrated-mature-man-suspected-in-crime-waiting-for-his-answer

Most people have at least heard of Miranda Rights, even if they have had no experience with them. Unfortunately, many people hold misconceptions about these rights thanks to popular legal dramas and movies. The biggest misconception is that people must be read their Miranda Rights as soon as they are taken into police custody. The truth of the matter is that police must only read Miranda Rights if they plan on questioning a suspect. Here is what else you should know. 1. You Have the Right to Remain Silent When you are told you have the right to remain silent, the police...

02 January

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Queen Latifah Brings Fulton Crime to the Spotlight

Posted by HSF

in Larceny

Vehicles are stolen on a daily basis, and the news rarely makes the headlines. That all changes when the victims are high-profile individuals. Such is the case in Atlanta. In recent weeks, retired superior court judge Marvin Arrington Sr. and actress Queen Latifah have both fallen victim to vehicle theft from gas stations in south Fulton County. When vehicles are stolen from streets and parking lots, it tends to be thought of as “low profile.” When thieves start taking vehicles from gas stations and businesses, the ante is upped. The number of thefts in Fulton County is up 12 percent,...

The True Effects of an Underage DUI Charge

Questions to Consider When You’re the Designated Driver

How Your Attorney May Try to Suppress Evidence

The Most Common Courtroom Objections

Could Your Smartphone Act as a Breathalyzer?

Why Does Domestic Violence Happen?

What Happens If I Miss My Court Date?

Can I Get My DUI Charges Reduced?

What You Need to Know About Miranda Rights

Queen Latifah Brings Fulton Crime to the Spotlight

The Levels of Intoxication

The Best Ways to Prevent Holiday Package Thefts

Does Uber Really Reduce DUI Rates?

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