Georgia Criminal Defense Blog tag:www.georgiacriminaldefenseblog.com,2010://60 2010-03-16T22:43:00Z Published by Conaway, Strickler & Margolis, P.C. Movable Type 3.33 Police Nab Georgia Man on Internet Sex Charges tag:www.georgiacriminaldefenseblog.com,2010://60.71557 2010-03-16T22:39:41Z 2010-03-16T22:43:00Z The Aiken Standard reports that an Evans, Ga., man was arrested on charges that he attempted to lure a 14-year-old girl he met on the internet to meet him for sex. According to South Carolina's attorney general, the man was... Conaway, Strickler & Margolis http://www.criminaldefensepros.com/ The Aiken Standard reports that an Evans, Ga., man was arrested on charges that he attempted to lure a 14-year-old girl he met on the internet to meet him for sex. According to South Carolina's attorney general, the man was arrested on February 18, 2010 during an Internet predator investigation conducted by the Aiken County Sheriff's Office. The man was cited with criminal solicitation of a minor, which is a felony offense that can lead to up to 10 years of jail time.

The arrest warrant indicates that beginning in mid-January, 2010 the man used MySpace to make arrangements to meet with a person identifying herself as a 14-year-old girl for the purpose of a sexual tryst. The situation was turned over to the Aiken County Sheriff's Office before any encounter took place. A subsequent inquiry to MySpace provided information which lead to the suspect. The Columbia County Sheriff's Office served a search warrant at the man's home and deputies removed three computers.

]]> For many people, the Internet has become an integral part of life, and it's easy to overlook the fact that it is still a relatively new phenomenon. The laws regarding Internet sex crimes are also rather new. Often, people who are using the Internet are not aware that they are committing a crime.

Each year there are countless cases of individuals accused of and charged with criminal sexual acts in Georgia. In each situation, it is very important that you secure the representation of a skilled Georgia sex crime defense attorney who will be able to utilize evidence to show your good character. Please call the experienced and aggressive lawyers at Conaway, Strickler, & Margolis, P.C. at 1-800-536-1740 for a free consultation.

Source report: http://www.aikenstandard.com/Local/0224SexCharge

]]> U.S. Attorney Drops Sexual Assault Charges against David Copperfield tag:www.georgiacriminaldefenseblog.com,2010://60.67538 2010-02-17T12:00:00Z 2010-02-17T12:01:15Z The U.S. Attorney announced recently that the sexual assault investigation against David Copperfield has been dropped. The woman who accused David Copperfield of sexually assaulting her had made a similar claim against another man, and police say there is evidence... Conaway, Strickler & Margolis http://www.criminaldefensepros.com/ The U.S. Attorney announced recently that the sexual assault investigation against David Copperfield has been dropped. The woman who accused David Copperfield of sexually assaulting her had made a similar claim against another man, and police say there is evidence that she gave false statements to a police officer and engaged in prostitution. According to The Seattle Times, the woman was questioned by cops after a man claimed she tried to charge him for sex.

The police report states that the man claimed she performed oral sex on him in a hotel room in Bellevue, Washington on December 2. According to the report, the woman then told him, "Put $2,000 in my purse and you can have it all."

]]> He told police that when he refused to ante-up money, she left the room and told hotel workers that she had been "taken advantage of.” The man then called the police and said that he was being extorted. She also called the police, claiming she didn't remember going to the room and when she came to, that he was assaulting her. Police viewed hotel security video and wrote follow-up reports, questioning the woman's account.

Even though this case occurred in Seattle, each year there are countless cases of individuals wrongfully accused of and charged with criminal sexual acts in Georgia. In each situation, it is very important that you secure the representation of a skilled Georgia sex crime defense attorney who will be able to utilize evidence to show your good character. Please call the experienced and aggressive lawyers at Conaway, Strickler, & Margolis, P.C. at 1-800-536-1740 for a free consultation.

Source article: http://jerseyshore.momslikeme.com/members/JournalActions.aspx?g=1124010&m=9605845&grpcat=

]]> New Jersey Legislature Approves Bill to Make State 14th New Jersey Legislature Approves Bill to Make State with Medical Marijuana tag:www.georgiacriminaldefenseblog.com,2010://60.67536 2010-02-10T12:00:00Z 2010-02-10T12:01:07Z Legislature on Monday approved a bill that would make New Jersey the 14th state to allow chronically ill patients access to marijuana for medical reasons. The bill allows patients with ailments such as cancer, AIDS and multiple sclerosis to buy... Conaway, Strickler & Margolis http://www.criminaldefensepros.com/ Legislature on Monday approved a bill that would make New Jersey the 14th state to allow chronically ill patients access to marijuana for medical reasons. The bill allows patients with ailments such as cancer, AIDS and multiple sclerosis to buy up to 2 ounces (57 grams) of marijuana a month at state-monitored dispensaries.

New Jersey's legislation authorizes the Department of Health to issue to patients with "debilitating medical conditions" registry ID cards that allow them to use marijuana. Patients with specified diseases such as cancer and glaucoma must also demonstrate severe or chronic pain, nausea, seizures, muscle spasms or wasting syndrome to qualify. Patients with registry cards would be immune from arrest or prosecution for the medical use of marijuana.

]]> New York could be the next state in the area to pass the same law. Until then, marijuana possession violations still happen routinely. Last year alone, the police made almost 830,000 arrests for marijuana law offenses in the United States. Those arrested were separated from their families, branded criminals, and in many cases, fired from their jobs and denied school loans and other public assistance.

If you have been charged with a drug offense in New York, you are facing serious charges and should hire a skilled New York drug crime attorney from Conaway, Strickler & Margolis, P.C. immediately. Depending on the amount of narcotic seized, you could be facing a long jail term and heavy fines. Do not fight these charges on your own. Please call 1-800-536-1740 for a free consultation.

Source report: http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/01/11/new.jersey.medical.marijuana/

]]> Clayton Teacher Fired for Allegedly Putting "Hit" on Student tag:www.georgiacriminaldefenseblog.com,2010://60.67535 2010-02-03T12:00:00Z 2010-02-03T12:01:06Z The Clayton County school board voted to fire a teacher accused of ordering a “hit” on a student, officials said. In a unanimous vote, the nine-member board decided to uphold the recommendation made in December by a tribunal to terminate... Conaway, Strickler & Margolis http://www.criminaldefensepros.com/ The Clayton County school board voted to fire a teacher accused of ordering a “hit” on a student, officials said. In a unanimous vote, the nine-member board decided to uphold the recommendation made in December by a tribunal to terminate the Mundy Mill High School teacher.

The teacher was arrested and charged in October with making terroristic threats against an 11th grade student in one of his classes. Authorities allege that the teacher asked whether the student was gay, then offered $50 to a classmate to "put a hit" on the student.

The student's attorney said the school didn't take action early enough to address the situation between his client and the teacher. The student is currently under psychological care and he had to change schools.

]]> The teacher maintains his innocence and claims it was a misunderstanding and a joke. Not only is his professional reputation in shambles, his future employment opportunities are also in jeopardy.

Today, employers are more concerned than ever about whether or not a potential employee has a criminal record. In part, this is because employers in various industries have been held responsible for negligently hiring people with criminal histories who have harmed others while in the workplace, or while performing work related tasks.

For more information about employment after a conviction, or if you have been charged with a criminal offense, call the aggressive and experienced Georgia criminal defense attorneys at Conaway, Strickler, & Margolis, P.C. today to find out how we can help defend your rights. For a free and confidential consultation, please call 1-800-536-1740 today.

Source article: http://www.ajc.com/news/clayton/clayton-teacher-fired-for-273825.html

]]> Bond Denied for Suspect in Cobb Shooting Spree tag:www.georgiacriminaldefenseblog.com,2010://60.67534 2010-01-29T12:00:00Z 2010-01-29T12:01:06Z A Cobb County judge ordered the suspect in a shooting spree at a Kennesaw truck rental company to be held without bond. An official of the company, Penske Truck Rental and Leasing, said that four of the five shooting victims... Conaway, Strickler & Margolis http://www.criminaldefensepros.com/ A Cobb County judge ordered the suspect in a shooting spree at a Kennesaw truck rental company to be held without bond. An official of the company, Penske Truck Rental and Leasing, said that four of the five shooting victims were employees, and one was a customer. He said the victims were apparently chosen at random.

Police say the suspect opened fire at the truck rental company on January 12, killing two men and critically wounding three others. The suspect faces two counts of murder and five counts of aggravated assault.

Workplace violence is not new in Georgia. The Atlanta area has dealt with workplace violence on a much larger scale. In 1999, day trader Mark Barton shot 22 people, killing nine, at two different metro locations, this while also murdering his wife and two children.

]]> While incidents of workplace violence have subsided, the effects of the recent recession have left untold individuals feeling angry, disillusioned or spiraling out of control. When people get laid off and it's difficult to find a job, in many cases they can get very desperate. Similarly, and usually less spoken about, is the potential for law enforcement becoming overzealous in making arrests, thus neglecting to follow proper procedures and even violating a person’s Constitutional rights.

If you have been charged with a violent crime in the State of Georgia, your freedom may be compromised by a serious conviction that results in a lengthy jail sentence and many other harsh penalties. At the Atlanta Criminal Defense Law Firm of Conaway, Strickler, & Margolis, P.C., our skilled Georgia violent crime defense attorneys have the knowledge and experience necessary to obtain a successful outcome in your case. Call Conaway, Strickler, & Margolis, P.C. today at 1-800-536-1740 for a free consultation.

Source article: http://www.ajc.com/news/cobb/cobb-shooter-chose-victims-273801.html?cxtype=rss_news_81963

]]> Juror in Stalker Case Believes Accused to Be Delusional tag:www.georgiacriminaldefenseblog.com,2010://60.66846 2010-01-26T12:00:00Z 2010-01-26T12:02:22Z Recently, deliberations of R&B singer, Ashanti, and her alleged stalker began in New York City. The man claims that he was just “sex texting” as a joke when he sent more than 30 messages with photos of male genitalia to... Conaway, Strickler & Margolis http://www.criminaldefensepros.com/ Recently, deliberations of R&B singer, Ashanti, and her alleged stalker began in New York City. The man claims that he was just “sex texting” as a joke when he sent more than 30 messages with photos of male genitalia to the singer’s mother. The singer’s manager testified that the mother pulled Ashanti out of a rehearsal after receiving a text indicating that the sender had seen Ashanti’s car arrive at the theater.

The man is being charged with stalking and harassment. One juror said yesterday that the accused “clearly seemed delusional.” The juror was released from the panel last night, but still hopes that the defendant does not receive a conviction and gets the help he needs. The defense claims that it is not a crime to send pictures and text messages and that the accused was misunderstood.

]]> There is often a gray area in stalker cases simply because miscommunication is common in human interactions. Stalking is a broad term that delineates repeated and unwanted contact between two people. Some actions include eavesdropping, spying and contacting victim’s family members. Stalkers intentionally intimidate victims to exert power or gain attention. Other charges are commonly attached to stalking such as fraud, violent intent, sex crimes or, in this case, harassment. Still an accusation of stalking can be devastating and can affect a person’s normal life.

If you or someone you know has been accused of stalking, contact an experienced New York stalking defense attorney that can help you prevail against stalking accusations. The right defense includes extensive investigation and understanding of the law and your rights. Conway, Strickler, & Margolis, P.C. has an outstanding reputation in helping people develop a legal strategy and defense for their case. Call today for a free consultation at (800) 536-1740.

Source report: http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/12/22/crimesider/entry6009840.shtml

]]> New York Juvenile Justice Under Review tag:www.georgiacriminaldefenseblog.com,2010://60.66845 2010-01-21T12:00:00Z 2010-01-21T12:02:14Z New research indicates that New York’s juvenile detention centers fail to keep the youths secure and do not meet their treatments and services needed for recovery. This new information has underlined many juvenile justice advocates’ sentiments that the state needs... Conaway, Strickler & Margolis http://www.criminaldefensepros.com/ New research indicates that New York’s juvenile detention centers fail to keep the youths secure and do not meet their treatments and services needed for recovery. This new information has underlined many juvenile justice advocates’ sentiments that the state needs to rethink its actions and responses to troubled youth.

Policymakers and prosecutors alike agree that New York should limit the number of juveniles sent to prison-like facilities and create more community-based programs for reducing youth crimes. These programs have statistically shown to be less expensive and more effective than the residential facilities. A shocking 89 percent of juvenile boys placed in residential facilities go on to commit further crimes. Roughly 1,600 youths are sent to these facilities each year, however, the majority of these youths have not committed serious felony crimes.

]]> A simple but significant change in juvenile justice must take place in order to connect probation departments with adequate financing and services for youths. This requires attaching the juvenile probation system to the courts rather than keeping it linked to the executive branch. Many New York judges have helped nonviolent adult offenders obtain necessary treatments and have monitored the convicts’ success. What’s left is to implement a similar system to nonviolent juvenile criminals.

If your child has been accused of a crime in New York, it is important to talk to an experienced New York juvenile criminal defense attorney. Despite the fact that the juvenile justice system was created as an alternative to adult prosecution, it still can implement serious punishments to youths, including placement in prison-like residential facilities. In order to ensure the success of your child’s case, contact an experienced juvenile crime defense lawyer at Conway, Strickler & Margolis, P.C. We have the skills and track record required to achieve client satisfaction and the best possible results.

Source report: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/15/opinion/15lippman.html

]]> Dodge County Sheriffs Uncover Identity Theft Ring tag:www.georgiacriminaldefenseblog.com,2010://60.66656 2010-01-19T12:00:00Z 2010-01-19T12:02:16Z Dodge County sheriff’s deputies broke an alleged identity theft ring that has been operating in four counties. The 37-year-old man arrested is accused of receiving stolen property by using a license plate to conceal or misrepresent a vehicle’s identity. He... Conaway, Strickler & Margolis http://www.criminaldefensepros.com/ Dodge County sheriff’s deputies broke an alleged identity theft ring that has been operating in four counties. The 37-year-old man arrested is accused of receiving stolen property by using a license plate to conceal or misrepresent a vehicle’s identity. He is being charged with 56 counts of identity theft and two counts of receiving stolen property. Another possible conspirator was also charged in the case.

During the bust, Dodge County deputies discovered that the accused had several stolen vehicles as well as access to the owner’s Social Security and account numbers and keys obtained through his job as an auto parts delivery driver. The theft came to light when a Georgia state trooper saw that the vehicle identification and tag numbers did not match the 2008 Ford F-150 the man charged was driving when he had gotten into an accident.

]]> Identity theft is categorized as a white-collar crime and is one of the fastest growing theft crimes in America. White-collar crimes vary widely; however, the punishments for such are often severe, including prison sentences, steep fines, revocation of professional licenses and a permanent mark on records. Often times, those convicted of theft crimes struggle to find new employment or keep their jobs.

Remember that being accused of a crime does not mean that you are in fact guilty. If you have been charged with a white collar or theft crime in Georgia, contact an experienced and aggressive Atlanta theft criminal defense attorney as soon as possible in order to better your chances of prevailing in court. Conway, Strickler, & Margolis has years of experience in investigating theft cases, mounting strong legal defenses for their clients, and achieving successful outcomes. Contact our offices today for a free consultation.

Source article: http://www.macon.com/local/story/969459.html

]]> Atlanta Police Fail to Locate Over 200 Registered Sex Offenders tag:www.georgiacriminaldefenseblog.com,2010://60.65761 2010-01-07T01:55:56Z 2010-01-07T02:00:01Z Despite the strict laws intended to monitor registered sex offenders, Georgia has lost track of, or absconded, nearly 250 sex offenders from metro Atlanta. In an article by the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, many of these missing offenders were convicted of rape,... Conaway, Strickler & Margolis http://www.criminaldefensepros.com/ Despite the strict laws intended to monitor registered sex offenders, Georgia has lost track of, or absconded, nearly 250 sex offenders from metro Atlanta. In an article by the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, many of these missing offenders were convicted of rape, kidnapping, molestation, as well as people who engaged in consensual sex acts with minors.

Over the years, there has been a growing controversy over Georgia’s sex offender registry in that the restrictive rules govern where offenders can live and work. Many advocates against sex crimes are concerned with the high number of missing offenders, especially since they feel that monitoring offenders deters attacks on new victims.

The sex offender laws are currently under review in the U.S. District Court in Atlanta. Lawyers prosecuting these laws declare that the state imposes vague and arbitrary restrictions on sex offenders that are unconstitutional. The law currently bars sex offenders from living within 1,000 of churches, parks, schools and day care centers, which some feel could be anywhere.

]]> The associate director of the Southern Centre for Human Rights, Sara Totonchi, said that the residency restrictions are a considerable drain on law enforcement and do not yield the desired results. Others believe that Georgia sex offender laws are too lax, especially since authorities have absconded so many of them.

Being accused of a sex crime can leave a person feeling helpless and devastated, especially if that person did not commit the crime. Reputation and relationships may also suffer as a result of an accusation. If you have been charged with a sex offense, do not hesitate to face your case. The experienced Atlanta sex offense attorneys at Conway, Strickler & Margolis, P.C. can help you build a defense and overcome the accusations posed against you. Contact our offices today at (404) 816-5000 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Source article: http://www.ajc.com/news/more-than-200-sex-246354.html

]]> Teacher Charged with Sexual Assault Not Guilty in Cobb County tag:www.georgiacriminaldefenseblog.com,2009://60.63779 2009-12-09T23:22:47Z 2009-12-09T23:25:47Z According to an ajc.com article, an uncommon method was used by a judge in Cobb County as he by-passed the jury and issued a directed verdict. Based on the article, a 36-year-old teacher who confessed to having a sexual relationship... Conaway, Strickler & Margolis http://www.criminaldefensepros.com/ According to an ajc.com article, an uncommon method was used by a judge in Cobb County as he by-passed the jury and issued a directed verdict. Based on the article, a 36-year-old teacher who confessed to having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student was determined to be not guilty of sexual assault. In supporting his decision based on witness testimony and other evidence, the judge declared that the relationship was “consensual.”

If the man in this case had been convicted of sexual assault, he would have faced 10 to 30 years in prison. The article reminds readers that the Georgia Supreme Court ruled in June that, in the event that a student is a willing participant, and, is 16 or older, the fact that the student consented can be a strong defense for a teacher facing a charge for sexual assault. The judge who issued the not guilty ruling stated that he suspects the Georgia Legislature to amend this law.

Being accused of a sex crime can have serious consequences on a person’s life, even before a case goes to trial, and perhaps even after a not guilty verdict is declared. Social scorn and loss of employment are some repercussions of a sexual assault charge, which can be especially harsh when minors are involved.

]]> If you have been arrested for sexual assault or any other kind of sex crime in the state of Georgia, it is of the utmost importance to be fully aware of your legal rights and options. Sexual assault cases are often very complex and require complete knowledge of a wide array of factors that may influence a case’s outcome.

At Conaway, Strickler & Margolis, P.C., our experienced Georgia criminal defense attorneys have been defending the rights of those accused of a broad range of offenses in Georgia for many years. We know what it takes to help our clients obtain a successful outcome in their case. If you have been accused of an offense, please contact our aggressive and skilled lawyers today. Call 1-800-536-1740 for a free consultation.

Source report: http://www.ajc.com/news/cobb/it-s-gross-but-232336.html

]]> Leandra's Law Approved: Drunk Driving Penalties More Severe tag:www.georgiacriminaldefenseblog.com,2009://60.62190 2009-11-20T12:00:00Z 2009-11-20T12:00:07Z On November 18, 2009, the bill supporting Leandra's Law was signed, now making it a felony to drive drunk while a child is in the car. The new legislation is named after an 11-year-old girl who was killed as a... Conaway, Strickler & Margolis http://www.criminaldefensepros.com/ On November 18, 2009, the bill supporting Leandra's Law was signed, now making it a felony to drive drunk while a child is in the car. The new legislation is named after an 11-year-old girl who was killed as a passenger in a vehicle driven by a drunk driver. According to a nydailynews.com report, the signing of Leandra’s Law has been referred to as one of the most difficult bills to turn around in the nation. In fact, it even stalled for weeks in the Democrat-controlled Assembly.

Residents and visitors of New York should also note that in addition to making it a felony to drive drunk with a child 15 or younger in the vehicle, Leandra’s Law also makes it mandatory for ignition locks to be installed in the vehicle of any convicted drunk driver. After an individual blows into the ignition lock device, it is able to detect whether that person has consumed alcohol. If the device picks up any trace of alcohol, then the driver will not be allowed to start their vehicle’s ignition.

In signing the bill, Governor Paterson stated, “These are the types of penalties that this state has needed for a long time.”

]]> Now that Leandra’s Law has been passed, the stakes are even higher for individuals facing DUI charges in New York. Other states may also expect similar changes to be made regarding driving under the influence penalties.

It is not highly uncommon for those arrested for DUI in New York to feel overwhelmed and uncertain regarding their legal rights. If you have been charged with a crime in New York, no matter how minor or serious the offense, the experienced New York criminal defense attorneys at Conaway, Strickler & Margolis, P.C. can help. Our aggressive and knowledgeable lawyers have been defending the rights of those accused of a wide range of offenses for many years, and know what it takes to obtain a successful outcome in a New York criminal case. Call Conaway, Strickler & Margolis, P.C. today at 1-800-536-1740 for a free consultation.

Source article: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/11/18/2009-11-18_leandras_law_passes_state_senate_gov_paterson_to_sign_later_today.html

]]> Hackers Arrested for Stealing $ 9 Million from Atlanta Based Credit Card Processing Co. tag:www.georgiacriminaldefenseblog.com,2009://60.61459 2009-11-12T00:36:06Z 2009-11-12T00:46:21Z According to an 11alive.com article, an unnamed accomplice and numerous Eastern Europeans have been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly hacking into an Atlanta-based credit card processing company (RBS WorldPay) computer network and thieving $9 million. Some of... Conaway, Strickler & Margolis http://www.criminaldefensepros.com/ According to an 11alive.com article, an unnamed accomplice and numerous Eastern Europeans have been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly hacking into an Atlanta-based credit card processing company (RBS WorldPay) computer network and thieving $9 million. Some of the charges filed in the indictment included:
  • Conspiracy to commit computer fraud

  • Computer fraud

  • Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

  • Wire fraud

  • Aggravated identity theft

In relation to the above charges, the indictment alleges that the group utilized refined hacking techniques to create the data encryption that was implemented by RBS WorldPay to protect customer data on payroll debit cards. Atlanta’s RBS WorldPay and many other companies across the United States use payroll debit cards to pay their employees in which they can withdraw their regular salaries from an ATM.

]]> There is no doubt that this computer hacking and theft crime is a serious and complicated matter that may enforce stern penalties upon the several accused individuals if convicted. If a person is found guilty, the consequences for such offenses can be devastating, especially when multiple counts are charged. For instance, those accused of computer fraud may face five or ten years in prison for each count they are found guilty of. In addition, some of the individuals charged with wire fraud may face a maximum sentence of up to 20 years for each count. Furthermore, an aggravated identity theft conviction alone amounts to a mandatory two-year minimum sentence.

Although these particular computer and internet crimes involving hacking and theft are more extensive than your typical incident, this case demonstrates the severity of criminal charges centering-around acts of fraud, especially when they breach national borders.

If you have been arrested for a computer or internet crime, whether it involved hacking, illegal computer transactions, cyberstalking, or identity theft, don’t hesitate to contact a skilled Atlanta computer crime defense lawyer. Call the aggressive and experienced Georgia criminal defense attorneys at Conaway, Strickler, & Margolis, P.C. today to find out how we can help defend your rights.

Source article: http://www.11alive.com/news/news_story.aspx?storyid=137373&catid=40

]]> Effingham County Arrest of DUI, Deputy Hit-and-Run Suspect tag:www.georgiacriminaldefenseblog.com,2009://60.60406 2009-10-30T19:57:27Z 2009-10-30T20:02:39Z There was much media attention over the recent search for a drunk driving suspect who was wanted for allegedly running over a deputy. According to a wtoc.com article, the man was found and arrested in Effingham County. Based on authorities’... Conaway, Strickler & Margolis http://www.criminaldefensepros.com/ There was much media attention over the recent search for a drunk driving suspect who was wanted for allegedly running over a deputy. According to a wtoc.com article, the man was found and arrested in Effingham County. Based on authorities’ statements, the man was stopped on US 1 for suspicion of drunk driving and allegedly failed a field sobriety test.

Before the deputy could arrest the suspect for DUI, the suspect reportedly jumped in his truck. When the officer tried to reach into the truck while the man began to drive away, the officer lost his balance and was run over by the truck after falling to the ground. Apparently, the deputy suffered major injuries and said that he had arrested this particular suspect many times before on alcohol-related charges. This time, the man may face charges relating to battery, aggravated assault, DUI, and perhaps even more offenses considering that he fled the scene of an accident and Police.

Drunk driving incidents in Georgia are not as clear-cut as many people may think. First of all, field sobriety tests can be unreliable in providing an accurate determination that a motorist is in fact intoxicated. In any case, if you find yourself pulled-over and are asked to perform a field sobriety test, you may have to perform the one leg stand, the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, and the walk and turn test. However, these tests are often left to the subjective interpretation of an officer. In some situations, a driver may not fully understand a test’s instructions or may have problems with all or at least one of the tests due to a physical disability, yet, he or she may still be arrested for drunk driving.

Being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be an intimidating experience, especially when a person is not thoroughly familiar with his or her legal rights. In such situations, it may be in the best interest of a suspect arrested for DUI in Georgia to obtain the legal advice and representation of an experienced Atlanta DUI defense attorney.

]]> Considering that you only have 10 business days from the date of your DUI arrest to request an administrative hearing before the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety, and that this is a separate court date that you may have received on your citation, time is of the essence to successfully challenge your Georgia driver’s license suspension.

At Conaway, Strickler, & Margolis, P.C., our skilled criminal defense lawyers have been defending the rights of those arrested for DUI offenses for many years, making sure that the validly of evidence and tests is examined thoroughly. We will use our extensive knowledge and resources to help you keep your license. Call the attorneys at Conaway, Strickler, & Margolis, P.C. today for a free consultation of your Georgia DUI case.

Source report: http://www.wtoctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11368432

]]> Mexico-Based Cartel Bust: New York One of Many Drug Shipment Sites tag:www.georgiacriminaldefenseblog.com,2009://60.59685 2009-10-23T21:29:07Z 2009-10-23T21:35:25Z A report from foxnews.com discusses the recent events of the largest drug bust of the last 10 years conducted by the Justice Department, in which New York State and many other U.S. states were main sites for receiving the shipment... Conaway, Strickler & Margolis http://www.criminaldefensepros.com/ A report from foxnews.com discusses the recent events of the largest drug bust of the last 10 years conducted by the Justice Department, in which New York State and many other U.S. states were main sites for receiving the shipment of illegal substances. According to the article, over 400 members of an alleged Mexico-based cartel have been taken into custody for charges of distributing tons of methamphetamines, cocaine, and marijuana in the U.S.

Aside from New York, other locations that are suspected of receiving the drug shipments include the cities of San Diego and Los Angeles, and the states of Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Ohio, New Jersey, Alabama, Colorado, Kentucky, Arkansas, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Illinois, North Carolina , Florida , Oregon and Washington.

Apparently, the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with the assistance of more than 100 federal, state, local and foreign law enforcement agencies, spent 20-months investigating the drug ring that is allegedly based in Sinaloa, Mexico. The investigation, referred to as “Operation Imperial Emperor,” led to the seizure of an estimated $45.2 million, 27,229 pounds of marijuana, 9,512 pounds of cocaine, 705 pounds of methamphetamine, 227 pounds of pure methamphetamine, and 11 pounds of heroin. $6.1 million in assets and property was also confiscated, in addition to approximately 100 weapons and 94 vehicles.

Drug trafficking is a serious criminal offense, and although incidents are usually not as widespread as the recent bust of the alleged Mexico-based cartel, these types of cases are some of the most complex. If a person is convicted of drug trafficking, he or she may face spending years in prison, having valuable assets taken away, and paying hefty fines, all in addition to having his or her own personal reputation and relationships compromised.

]]> If a drug trafficking case involves large quantities of illegal substances, as is the case in the aforementioned article, then such an incident may be considered a federal drug crime, which is subject to the three-strike rule. If an accused individual has had two or more previous convictions, he or she risks receiving a life sentence if convicted. This type of mandatory life sentence is also a possibility in federal drug crimes charges for marijuana trafficking where either serious injury or death took place as the result of the illegal activity.

With all of these potential consequences of a drug trafficking charge in mind, it may be in an accused individual’s best interest to contact a skilled NY federal drug crime defense attorney that has many years of experience handling such cases. At Conaway, Strickler, and Margolis, P.C., our aggressive criminal defense lawyers have the knowledge and resources to handle a broad range of drug offense and federal crime cases. For a free consultation of your criminal case, call us today at 1-800-536-1740.

Source article: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,255523,00.html

]]> $275,000 Stolen from NAACP: Ex-Employees Accused tag:www.georgiacriminaldefenseblog.com,2009://60.58909 2009-10-15T12:00:00Z 2009-10-15T12:11:26Z A recent wsbtv.com news article reported that during an audit, it was discovered that $275,000 was stolen from the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Atlanta Branch. According to the article, the Atlanta NAACP Branch President stated... Conaway, Strickler & Margolis http://www.criminaldefensepros.com/ A recent wsbtv.com news article reported that during an audit, it was discovered that $275,000 was stolen from the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Atlanta Branch. According to the article, the Atlanta NAACP Branch President stated that the organization’s former executive director and her assistant are suspected of stealing the money from the association over a period of six years. Apparently, they used the money for a wide range of personal benefits including paying for dental work and buying furniture.

Law enforcement also suspects that the duo applied for credit cards with American Express using the organization’s name and marked themselves as authorized uses. They are also suspected of receiving credit cards in their own names and using checks belonging to the NAACP to pay their own personal bills. The report confirmed that the two suspects are no longer employed by the association.

Theft-related offenses in Georgia are very serious matters due to the various strict penalties laid out by Federal and Georgia State law. The legal consequences of such crimes are even more severe when an employee is accused of stealing from the company or association that he or she works or worked for. These offenses are referred to as white-collar crimes, and, if convicted, a person may face lengthy prison time, steep fines, loss of employment, loss of future employment opportunities, and much more. With these repercussions in mind and your professional reputation on the line, if you’ve been accused of a white-collar crime, it may be in your best interest to seek legal representation from a skilled Atlanta white-collar crime defense attorney.

]]> At Conaway, Strickler, Margolis, P.C., our aggressive and knowledgeable Georgia criminal defense lawyers have defended the rights of many individuals facing white-collar criminal charges. In white-collar crimes especially, it is extremely important to know your rights and seek legal advice from an attorney with many years of experience dealing with white-collar crime defense and investigation. Call Conaway, Strickler, Margolis, P.C. today for a free consultation of your white-collar or theft criminal case.

Source report: http://www.wsbtv.com/news/21296576/detail.html

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