Georgia Criminal Defense Blog

According to The Augusta Chronicle, an Augusta man accused of two counts of bribery has pleaded not guilty to the charges made against him. The man is being accused of offering Mayor Pro Tem Alvin Mason of Augusta and Commissioner Corey Johnson special privileges in exchange for their support of a commission to build a trade center in the downtown portion of the city.

Bribery can be defined as the offering or acceptance of anything of value, in exchange for influence over the actions of a public or government official or employee. Bribes can take the form of gifts and monetary payment in exchange for favorable treatment, such as receiving government contracts or some sort of award. Bribery is a very serious white collar crime in Georgia in which both parties may be convicted with consequences including several years in prison, steep fines, present and future employment loss, and more.

Continue reading "Augusta Man Pleads Not Guilty to Two Counts of Bribery" »

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Posted In: White Collar Crimes

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A WALB article reported that on July 5, 2010, a Thomasville man was arrested for cocaine possession after reporting a burglary at his own home. According to the article, the man came home to find the lights on inside of his house on Andrews Street and subsequently called to report what he thought to be a burglary in process. The police arrived and searched his home, which appeared to be ransacked, but found no intruder. Instead, the police found a large amount of cocaine and over 4,000 dollars in cash inside of the residence. The owner of the home was arrested on charges of possession with intent to distribute an illegal substance.

If convicted of these crimes, which are felonies in the state of Georgia, this man will be facing fines and more severe penalties, such as a lengthy prison sentence, probation, drug rehabilitation, and more. Georgia drug crimes involving possession must be taken seriously, as the penalties involved are severe and life-altering. It is of the utmost importance that the case at hand be thoroughly investigated so that the best course of action for the defense of the accused may be taken.

Continue reading "Thomasville Man Arrested for Drug Possession after Reporting Burglary" »

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Posted In: Drug Crime

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Shortly after the resignation of UGA’s head football coach due to DUI, three players have been arrested and charged with various alcohol related offenses and other crimes within the last week. According to an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the football players were charged in three separate incidents ranging from leaving the scene of an accident, DUI, obstruction of law enforcement and other offenses. Two other individuals were arrested with one of the players, but they were not members of the team. At least two of the players were under 21. UGA has a reputation as a “party school” and the latest arrests have done nothing to diminish that reputation.

Under no circumstances should an individual get into a vehicle to drive after drinking. Not only does the potential of an accident increase significantly, but a person arrested for DUI faces serious and often life-changing consequences. An individual convicted of drunk driving in Georgia may face jail time, steep fines, driver’s license suspension, and additional penalties if someone is injured or killed in an accident. These DUI penalties and the aforementioned story serve as a reminder for Georgians to always be responsible and safe when consuming alcohol.

The experienced Georgia DUI attorneys at Conaway & Strickler, P.C. have handled numerous successful DUI cases for clients accused of drunk driving. DUI offenses in Atlanta are serious charges, making contacting a skilled attorney of the utmost importance. If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI, please contact the knowledgeable Georgia criminal defense lawyers at Conaway & Strickler, P.C. at 1(800) 536-1740 for a free and confidential evaluation of your case. You deserve to know your rights.

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Posted In: DUI Defense

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A Moultrie Observer article recently described the arrest of a man for drug violations in Colquitt County. The man was charged with the Georgia drug crime of possession and intent to distribute marijuana and white pills known as Hydrocodone. The arrest began as a routine traffic stop when an officer on patrol noticed that the driver’s tag light was not working and made the stop.

The officer spoke to the driver when a second officer with a K-9 unit arrived and had his dog check the outside of the vehicle for illegal substances. The dog indicated that there were illegal substances and the officers had the man step out of the vehicle. They then conducted a search of the man and found a bag of marijuana in his pocket. The officers then searched the vehicle and allegedly found three more bags of marijuana in the vehicle with white Hyrdrocodone pills inside. The man was taken to prison where it was determined that the pills were Hydrocodone.

Charges for the possession and intent to distribute illegal substances in Georgia can have steep penalties. These include anything from prison time, probation, rehabilitation programs to community service. One can even lose certain civil liberties, such as the right to own a fire arm and even the right to vote. When facing such serious charges, it is of the utmost importance that the civil rights of the accused are upheld and that those rights were never violated in process of the arrest.

If you or someone you know is being prosecuted for a Georgia drug related charge, please call a knowledgeable, skilled Atlanta drug possession defense attorney from Conaway & Strickler, P.C. for help. We have years of experience in developing strong, solid cases for our clients who have been accused of a drug related crime. We will ensure that your rights are protected, and we will aggressively defend you in a court of law. For a free consultation, please call us at 1-800-536-1740 to learn more about your legal rights and how we can help you receive the fair trial that you deserve.

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Posted In: Drug Crime

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A recent Atlanta Crime Examiner article reports that a female Fulton County jailer has been convicted of using excessive force against a handcuffed inmate. Apparently the woman hit the inmate with a milk crate and has been charged with a felony as a result.

Atlanta’s federal court determined that the 41-year-old violated the civil rights of the inmate and that she will now serve as an inmate for at least three months in federal prison. In addition, the convicted woman will serve three months of home confinement to be followed by three years of supervised release and will perform 120 hours of community service.

Aggravated assault in Georgia is categorized as a form of criminal conduct under violent crimes. While felony violent offenses often involve aggravated assault and impose serious consequences upon a convicted individual, more severe penalties exist for those convicted of murder and manslaughter crimes. Whether a crime is deemed a misdemeanor or a felony is typically based on the level of punishment connected to the offense.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a violent crime in Georgia, you should strongly consider getting in touch with an aggressive and highly knowledgeable Atlanta violent crime defense lawyer. At Conaway & Strickler, P.C., our Georgia experienced criminal defense law firm has been defending the rights of individuals accused of a wide range of offenses for years. Time is of the essence in building a strong and effective criminal case. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling 1-800-536-1740.

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Posted In: Violent Crimes

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A recent wsbtv.com article reports that one individual is in critical condition and another has sustained a shot to the hip after fleeing the scene of an alleged home robbery. Apparently, the Gwinnett County double shooting occurred after the homeowner discovered the two individuals on the property. After being shot at and hit by the homeowner, the individuals got into their car, but they didn’t make it far. The vehicle crashed into a ditch and the injured individuals were taken to a local hospital. The article mentions that the robbery and shooting may have been motivated by drugs.

The Bureau of Justice Services defines robbery as, “Completed or attempted theft, directly from a person, of property or cash by force or threat of force, with or without a weapon, and with or without injury.”

While this above incident has several complex factors, such as the potential involvement of drugs and the role of the homeowner in the encounter, every individual arrested for a crime has valid Constitutional rights. If law enforcement violates any of these rights during arrest or interrogation procedures, then charges against an individual may be dropped.

Facing robbery or theft crime charges in Georgia is not an easy thing to experience. Some robbery charges may be coupled with charges for assault, weapons possession, and violent crimes such as murder. Fortunately, experienced Atlanta criminal lawyers are available to provide legal guidance and representation to ensure that an individual’s rights are properly defended. If you or someone you care about has been charged with a crime in Atlanta, contact the skilled Georgia defense attorneys at Conaway & Strickler, P.C. today for more information about your legal rights.

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Posted In: Theft Crimes

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A www.accessnorthga.com article addresses the recent arrest of three Gainesville men for several drug charges relating to trafficking cocaine, conspiracy to traffic cocaine, possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, and use of a communications device to facilitate a drug transaction. Based on the article, after an undercover drug investigation involving the local gang task force, the FBI and the Gainesville Police Department, the men were arrested for allegedly possessing over six pounds of cocaine. The arrested men are all in their twenties and have a full life ahead of them to live.

Facing drug charges in Georgia for multiple offenses, especially those involving drug trafficking and possession with the intent to distribute, can lead to several harsh and life-changing consequences if an individual is convicted. Some of these serious penalties may include prison time, serving probation, steep fines, mandatory drug rehabilitation programs, community service, and loss of certain civil liberties such as the right to own a handgun, the right to vote, and the ability to obtain some kinds of employment.

When multiple drug arrests are made due to undercover operations, some may question the legality of arrest procedure and whether the rights of arrested individuals were violated in any way. If you or someone you know has been charged with a drug crime in Georgia, the aggressive and knowledgeable Atlanta drug crime defense attorneys at Conaway, Strickler, & Margolis, P.C. can help. Our criminal defense lawyers have years of experience thoroughly investigating drug crimes and building strong cases for our clients. Call 1-800-536-1740 for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can defend your rights.

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Posted In: Drug Crime

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While everyone finds different ways to enjoy a three-day weekend, law enforcement is on high alert for drunk drivers to help keep local residents, visitors and travelers safe during holidays like Memorial Day.

Even if you think you are not drunk, and especially if you have had a few drinks - do not drive! Instead, find a safe, alternative way home. Never hesitate to call a friend or a taxi if you have been drinking and are unable to drive home. The best way to avoid an arrest for driving under the influence in Atlanta is to have a designated driver with you if you or your friends plan on drinking.

While an Atlanta DUI checkpoint typically shuts down a designated area or road and stops vehicles at random or based on another approach, law enforcement will usually otherwise be on the look-out for certain driving behavior before pulling someone over.

First of all, you may be pulled over if your driving seems irregular, if you are swerving, overcorrecting, drifting, driving at an unusually slow speed, braking more often than is necessary, making wide turns, displaying a slow response to traffic signals, driving without your headlights on, making a sudden turn without signaling, and more. It is important to remember that if you did not perform any of these erratic driving patterns and did not violate the law, an officer is not supposed to stop you, even if he or she believes that you may be driving under the influence.

If you have been arrested for drunk driving in Georgia, you may want to contact an aggressive and skilled Georgia DUI defense lawyer. At Conaway, Strickler, & Margolis, P.C., our Georgia criminal defense lawyers have been defending the rights of those accused of a wide range of alcohol-related offenses for several years. We know what it takes to help you retain your driving privileges and help you obtain a positive outcome at your DMV hearing and in your DUI case. Call 1-800-536-1740 to learn more about how we can help.

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Posted In: DUI Defense

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Two 28-year-old male gospel singers have been charged with nine counts of “theft by taking” and nine counts of burglary in Georgia. A News4Jax report discusses that law enforcement utilized a search warrant to arrest the individuals after receiving a tip that linked the men to nine church burglaries in central Georgia.

The men are being accused of stealing music equipment, including microphones, speakers, and various other materials, amounting to approximately $100,000. When officials searched the homes of the men, music equipment was found inside as well as in the men’s vehicles. However, the report did not mention additional information regarding the exact equipment that was discovered.

Under Georgia Code 16-8-2, the crime of “theft by taking” in Georgia occurs when an individual “unlawfully takes or, being in lawful possession thereof, unlawfully appropriates any property of another with the intention of depriving him of the property, regardless of the manner in which the property is taken or appropriated."

While theft and burglary crimes in Georgia are serious matters that should not be taken lightly by those accused, individuals who have been charged with such offenses have valid and important Constitutional rights. It is vital for arrested persons to be aware of these rights so as not to have any potential violations go unnoticed. Georgia theft defense attorneys will also work to ensure that an accused person’s rights are upheld and defended, thus contributing to a fair and just trial.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a theft offense in Georgia, the aggressive Atlanta defense lawyers at Conaway, Strickler, & Margolis, P.C. can help. Our skilled attorneys have been defending the rights of individuals throughout Georgia for years, lending us the legal experience to obtain a successful case outcome for any criminal offense. Call us today for more information at 1-800-536-1740.

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Posted In: Theft Crimes

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Going into law enforcement is no easy task. Police officers and public safety officers alike have important responsibilities to uphold in helping prevent crime and keeping a community secure. In fulfilling these duties, officers are also expected by law to not cause any unnecessary harm to others or commit any illegal action themselves. What are we to believe, then, as citizens of Georgia, when officers are accused of using excessive force and exercising other forms of misconduct?

A recent Atlanta Journal-Constitution article reports that subpoenas have been given to four police officers by an Atlanta City Council committee. Apparently, the offices failed to provide answers to questions posed by the city’s Citizen Review Board regarding complaints filed for excessive force. The alleged incidents of unwarranted contact of force occurred in September, October and December of last year. The article did not mention how many complaints were filed, nor did it mention if those making the accusations experienced any sort of physical harm or emotional trauma.

The Citizen Review Board was created by Atlanta’s City Council back in 2007 in order to provide the means for investigations of public safety officer misconduct. A drug raid gone awry prompted the creation of the board after a 92-year-old woman was fatally shot by police in 2007. Even with the installment of this board, fewer police officials than expected are willing to take part in some of the board’s investigations. The reason for this is that some officers are concerned that their involvement would negatively affect their own internal investigations if certain information were to be revealed.

Continue reading "Atlanta Public Safety Officer Misconduct and Excessive Force" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense

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An article discusses that the personal assistant of a punk-rock icon and celebrity real estate broker was convicted of beating her boss to death with a piece of gym equipment. The jury on the case spent less than a day reaching a second-degree murder verdict.

Prosecuting attorneys said the suspect had stolen over $30,000 from the victim, and then beat her to death to try and hide the crime. Her defense lawyers admitted she had stolen from her former boss, as well as at least one other employer at a prior job, but they denied she murdered her boss. The 28-year-old woman's attorney said in closing arguments that police officers coerced his client into a false confession after more than 12 hours of questioning.

In the beginning of the questioning, the suspect claimed she had no knowledge of the killing. She later blamed it on a masked intruder who told her not to report it. Finally, she gave her videotaped confession of beating the victim to death with a piece of gym equipment after the boss had harangued her lack of productivity and blowing marijuana smoke at her face. The coroner later determined there was no marijuana in the victim’s body when she died, and she suffered many more than the approximately six blows she described.

Continue reading "NYC Personal Assistant Convicted in Ex-Punk Manager Killing" »

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Posted In: Violent Crimes

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An ajc.com article reports that the McEachern High School football star dialed 911 when his family was being held captive by his mother’s ex-boyfriend. Just after 2 a.m., the man allegedly broke into their house armed with a .22 caliber revolver. He then demanded that his ex-girlfriend gather up all the cell phones in the house and he led two adults and two children into the bathroom.

A 14-year-old daughter was able to sneak her phone into the bathroom where the victim made the call to police. Within a few minutes, the police arrived. The suspect instructed the girl to send the police away, but she ran out the front door and told officers what was happening inside. The suspect went back to the bathroom and started shooting at random. The mother and one child escaped unhurt, a male adult was shot in the stomach and the son was shot in the chest. He never got out of the bathroom. Police found him on the floor by the suspect, who had turned the gun on himself.

Murder is considered to be one of the most heinous crimes. For this reason, those accused of murder could face severe punishments including life imprisonment, the death penalty, fines, and other punishments and penalties. An experienced and aggressive Georgia criminal law attorney will use numerous defenses in a murder case to improve the outcome. Murder defenses that may be used in a trial include self-defense, insufficient proof or evidence, factual innocence, insanity, and more.

Continue reading "Police Release New Details in Student's Murder" »

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Posted In: Murder/Homicide

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