The possession, manufacturing and distribution of controlled substances are all illegal under Georgia state statutes. Individuals accused of inappropriate conduct with drugs may face arrest and criminal prosecution. Frequently, those arrested for a drug offense expect to face charges brought by the state of Georgia. However, there are also federal statutes prohibiting many of the same substances that are illegal or subject to strict controls under Georgia state law. In certain scenarios, individuals could face federal charges instead of state charges for a drug crime. Federal charges often end ..read more

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is many times stronger than traditional opiate drugs. It is also relatively cheap and easy to manufacture. Fentanyl is so powerful that it can very easily lead to addiction and overdose. As a result, it has become one of the highest-priority drugs for law enforcement agencies in Georgia and across the United States. One of the reasons that fentanyl-related arrests and hospitalizations have increased significantly in recent years is the contamination of other drugs with fentanyl. Tests have turned up fentanyl in everything from cocaine and party drugs to fake ..read more

Embezzlement is a white-collar criminal charge brought against those who have allegedly misappropriated or stolen resources from their employers. Workers might face embezzlement charges for using a company expense account inappropriately or allegedly taking cash from their employer. They could also face embezzlement charges due to allegations of their involvement in a criminal conspiracy, possibly one that involves vendors or service providers. Professionals ranging from accountants and salespeople to administrative assistants may find themselves facing allegations that they misused company re ..read more

Police officers and prosecutors can turn seemingly innocuous details into the linchpins holding together a case that help them secure convictions. In recent years, one of the most common sources of evidence against those involved in drug manufacturing or trafficking may come from digital devices. In some cases, an individual’s location at various times could connect them to certain drug activity. Other times, it will be the actual messages that they send and receive that may implicate them in criminal matters. Could a group chat with friends, family or coworkers potentially lead to someone’s a ..read more

Georgia is one of many states in the U.S. that have enacted a stand-your-ground law, which allows individuals to use deadly force in self-defense without the obligation to retreat from a dangerous situation. This law has been a topic of much debate, with proponents arguing that it provides law-abiding citizens with the right to protect themselves and their families. In contrast, opponents say that it leads to increased violence and vigilantism. Here’s what you should know about when stand-your-ground laws apply in Georgia. What is Georgia’s stand-your-ground law? Georgia’s stand-your-ground la ..read more

For decades, the Miranda Warning has served as a crucial protection for those in the custody of law enforcement officers. Those under arrest have the right to hear about their Miranda rights before the police question them. Even if there is a language barrier, officers will need to find a way to effectively inform a suspect of their rights. Your Miranda rights include the right to remain silent if you so choose and the right to have an attorney represent you during your interaction with the police and while in court. Those accused of a criminal offense may sometimes leverage a Miranda violatio ..read more

The Second Amendment enshrines the right to bear arms, both for the defense of oneself and for the defense of the country by permitting the creation of well-organized militias. There are certain rules that limit Second Amendment rights. Typically, people need to be an adult to have full rights under the Constitution. They also need to be of sound mind. Those diagnosed with certain mental health conditions or involuntarily admitted for long-term psychiatric care may no longer be able to legally possess firearms. Beyond that, most adults have the right to bear arms, provided that they comply wit ..read more

It is illegal to use opioids for recreational purposes. And yet it is very clear that many people do it. There’s an opioid epidemic in the United States, and use levels have never been so high before. Granted, some people are using these drugs completely legally, as they have a prescription from a doctor and they’re using them to treat some type of pain. But many other people are using them recreationally, and a lot of these individuals are simply addicted to them. Why is this such a huge problem? A highly addictive substance First and foremost, the Mayo Clinic considers opioids to be highly a ..read more

A surprising range of seemingly innocent behavior can make people suspect you of drug abuse, drug dealing or even drug manufacturing. Having frequent visitors to your house, throwing the wrong items out in your garbage or buying certain things at the store might lead to scrutiny from your neighbors or even law enforcement professionals. Buying cold medicine is a perfect example. Maybe this winter has been hard on your family, and it seems like every week, one of your children brings something home from school or daycare that they’ve then passed to their siblings. Eventually, you and your spous ..read more

Many of the people arrested for drug offenses in Georgia will face possession charges. State law establishes certain medications as controlled substances and other drugs as prohibited substances. Those caught in possession of a controlled substance without a valid prescription or a prohibited substance could face criminal charges. Often, law enforcement professionals in Georgia will charge someone with possession for having a drug they shouldn’t, but sometimes people find themselves facing more serious charges. Law enforcement could also charge you with trafficking even if all they do is find ..read more