Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

Indicted vs Charged: The Short Answer Being "charged" means a prosecutor or law enforcement officer has formally accused someone of a crime. Being "indicted" means a grand jury has reviewed evidence and issued a formal written accusation called an indictment. An indictment is one specific way a person can be charged with a serious crime.…

When a Car Accident Becomes a Criminal Case in Georgia Most car accidents in Georgia are civil matters. Drivers exchange insurance information, file claims, and move on. But can you go to jail for a car accident? The answer is yes – when the driver's conduct crosses the line from ordinary negligence into criminal behavior.…

What Is a SCRAM Device? SCRAM stands for Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring. It is an alcohol monitoring bracelet worn on the ankle. The bracelet reads transdermal alcohol concentration – the alcohol vapor that passes through the skin – every 30 minutes, around the clock. That is why this is called transdermal testing: the reading…

What Is a DUI Provisional License in Georgia? A DUI provisional license is also called a limited or restricted license. It allows a driver whose license has been suspended after a DUI to keep driving for specific purposes. It is not a full license. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) issues this permit. Georgia…

What Is a DUI Warrant in Georgia? If you have an outstanding DUI warrant in Georgia, you may wonder how much jail time you could face. The answer depends on the warrant type and the underlying charge. A warrant is not a sentence. It is a court order that tells law enforcement to take you…

What People Mean by "Charges Being Stayed" After a Traffic Stop If the stop led to a DUI charge, our Georgia DUI defense practice explains how those cases are handled. A Georgia traffic charge may move forward or stop based on four factors: the evidence, the stop's legality, the defendant's history, and the prosecutor's choice.…

What Is a Hardship License? A hardship license is a restricted driving permit. It lets a person whose regular license has been suspended or revoked drive for a few basic needs. Those needs usually include travel to and from work, school, medical care, court-ordered programs, or caring for a dependent. The permit does not restore…

How Long Do Hit and Run Cases Stay Open in Georgia? A hit and run case in Georgia generally remains open until one of three things happens. The statute of limitations may expire. Law enforcement may identify and charge a suspect. Or police may formally close the investigation. An "open" case can mean two different…

What Does Misdemeanor DUI Mean? A misdemeanor DUI is a driving-under-the-influence charge classified as a misdemeanor rather than a felony. It generally carries a maximum jail term of up to 12 months and lesser penalties than felony-level offenses. Understanding misdemeanor DUI meaning starts with how the law sorts criminal offenses. One call to (404) 567-5515,…

What Is a RICO Case? A RICO case is a criminal or civil action brought under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. It allows prosecutors to charge individuals who participate in an "enterprise" through a pattern of racketeering activity. RICO exists at the federal level under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and…