If you are facing charges and cannot afford a private attorney, the court may appoint a public defender. While public defenders provide legal representation, some defendants may still wish to hire a private attorney. In most cases, defendants with a public defender are still permitted to hire a private attorney. However, there are a few important factors to consider. Timing The earlier you hire a private attorney, the easier the transition will be. If you wait until close to trial, the court may not allow a change of counsel. Release The public defender must file a motion to withdraw from your ..read more

If you find yourself under arrest in Georgia, you might wonder how long they can hold you without filing charges. The right to a speedy trial plays a factor in this determination as it is a crucial part of the criminal justice process. There are several factors to consider when it comes to how long they can hold you pending charges. Constitutional safeguards The U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy trial, ensuring that individuals are not held in jail for extended periods without formal charges. The 90-day rule Georgia also has a provision under Section 17-7-50 that requires a gr ..read more

Getting a DUI or driving under the influence conviction in Georgia can have severe consequences, including the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. How long you will lose your license depends on several factors, including your number of DUIs. First DUI offense According to the Georgia Office of Highway Safety, if the courts convict you of a first-time DUI offense, your driver’s license is typically suspended for at least 12 months. However, you might be eligible for a limited driving permit after serving a part of your suspension. This permit allows you to drive to work, school a ..read more

Bicycles are an increasingly popular mode of transportation. They are great for getting around while avoiding the difficult traffic situations in many cities. When you bike, you can save on fuel costs, parking fees and sometimes get to where you are going faster than driving a car. However, you must know the laws governing bicycles throughout the city and state. One of the most important laws is that you can get a ticket for driving while under the influence (DUI) on a bicycle. What is bicycling under the influence? Technically bicycling under the influence is operating a bike after drinking a ..read more

When an individual finds themselves facing drug charges in Georgia, they may not immedietly realize the gravity of their situation. These charges can quickly multiply, adding additional penalties and escalating the situation. It is crucial to understand how these charges can stack out of control and potentially alter one’s life trajectory. Understanding the nature of drug charges Georgia has stringent drug laws. Charges can arise from a range of activities related to controlled substances, from possession and use to manufacturing and trafficking. Even relatively minor actions like possessing d ..read more

Georgia is serious about punishing persons who drive while under the influence. A single DUI conviction can cause severe disruption to your life. If you get caught driving drunk more than one time, the punishment you face becomes more severe. Jail and probation If you have more than one DUI conviction in ten years, you will get mandatory jail time on your second offense of at least three days. Most two-time offenders have to go to jail for 10 to 90 days. You will also have a probation period following your jail sentence. The court will also order you to complete community service for at least ..read more

If you are facing DUI charges in North Georgia for sleeping in your car while drunk, you may be wondering what your rights are and what the law says about DUIs. Understanding Georgia DUI laws can help you make informed decisions to protect your future. Can the police arrest me for sleeping in my car while drunk? While pulling over and sleeping in your car instead of driving drunk may seem like a responsible choice, police can still arrest you for a DUI if they deduce that you were, at one time, driving while drunk. For example, if police found you sleeping in the driver’s seat with keys on you ..read more

Prescription opioids such as Vicodin, Percocet and OxyContin are valuable treatment options when included as part of an individual’s plan for an injury or illness that requires medical pain management. However, the potency and availability of these drugs make them popular among recreational drug users and abusers. Georgia’s controlled substance statutes are complex, and possessing a controlled drug without a prescription is a serious criminal offense. Drug classifications in Georgia Georgia law classifies controlled substances according to abuse potential ranking from the most to least dangero ..read more

Family violence pertains to the physical, sexual, psychological, and other forms of harm inflicted on someone who is a relative, spouse, or significant other of the abuser. In family violence cases, the abuser and victim typically have to live together or share children with each other. Domestic violence can take a significant toll on victims, many of whom are not in a position to easily leave the abusive situation. Family violence can also affect the rights of perpetrators. Here are some examples of how this might happen in Georgia. It can hurt your Second Amendment rights Under state and fed ..read more

Georgia dramatically increases penalties for second and subsequent DUIs compared to first-time offenses. If you have a prior conviction for driving under the influence, you could face a prison sentence and other serious legal consequences. Review the possible penalties for multiple DUI convictions in Georgia to understand the importance of defense in this situation. Jail time A second DUI within five years of the first carries a mandatory sentence of at least 48 hours and up to one year in prison. For a third offense, the mandatory minimum increases to 15 days. License suspension While a first ..read more