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
]]>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
]]>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
]]>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
]]>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
]]>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
]]>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
]]>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
]]>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
]]>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
]]>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
]]>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
]]>This shooting incident has sparked concern amongst college officials in regards to the security on campus and the safety of teachers, staff, and students. However, law enforcement officials say that the death of the 19-year-old appears to be an isolated incident. Police also stated that although the Spelman College campus does border neighborhoods known for having high crime rates, the campus does not have history of violent crime, nor do any of the other nearby college campuses have such a history.
The article stated that it is not known at this time whether or not the arrested suspect has obtained an attorney, although it is safe to assume that it is in his best interest to seek the legal advice and representation of a skilled Atlanta violent crime defense lawyer as soon as possible. The fact that police do not believe this particular man deliberately meant to shoot and kill the deceased woman is a factor that may hold great strength in his potential case.
]]> 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, steep fines, societal scorn, 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 an extensive understanding of local courts, judges, and other courthouse personnel. This familiarity lends us 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.wsbtv.com/news/21216498/detail.html
]]>So how did the suspect end up in the driver’s seat? In the report, one officer speculates that the man “was able to slip the handcuffs under his buttocks, get the window open and crawl through it…it can be done.” Police believe the man managed to pull off this impressive feat all while the on-scene officers checked on the passenger in the U-Haul. The man managed to successfully escape, and remains at large.
While police continue their hunt throughout Atlanta to locate the man, this incident serves as a good example of what not to do when pulled over for a traffic violation of any kind, especially one relating to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Just because you are arrested for DUI does not mean that you are guilty.
]]> Although a person being charged with drunk driving may feel intimidated, scared, or upset at the time of arrest, it is important to remember that how you behave throughout the course of your detainment can greatly influence the charges held against you in court, thus affecting your sentence and the consequences, if convicted.If you have recently been charged with DUI in Georgia, the skilled Atlanta DUI attorneys at Conaway, Strickler, & Margolis, P.C. have the legal experience and knowledge in criminal defense to assist you with your case. We have defended the rights of many people accused of drunk driving and have acquired a broad knowledge and understanding of the Atlanta court system that will be key in building you a strong and effective defense. Call Conaway, Strickler, & Margolis, P.C. today at 800-536-1740 for a free consultation of your DUI case.
Source article:http://www.gwinnettherald.com/Articles-c-2009-09-02-179195.114126_Suspect_made_off_with_Duluth_police_car.html
]]>The Georgia resident served 17 long months in Rikers Island, a sentence that still haunts him like a bad dream. According to an article, the man reportedly described it with a relatively jarring perspective. "It's just a nightmare knowing that someone that's innocent can be picked up off the street and held.”
These recent events undoubtedly raise many questions as to how such a false conviction could take place. According to the report, the falsely accused and incarcerated man was in Atlanta, a full 880 miles away from Howard Beach, where the robbery took place. He was arrested for the crime nearly a year after it was committed, when a partial index-fingerprint was supposedly deemed a match to the man’s own fingerprint that had previously been collected in Brooklyn during a traffic violation and arrest for driving with a suspended license.
]]> Needless to say, there are many complexities surrounding the grounds for an arrest, and a number of determining factors that need to be taken into consideration before an individual is declared guilty of a crime. Although law enforcement performs many great services to the public, they are not immune to making mistakes. If you have been charged with any kind of theft offense in New York, the experienced New York theft defense attorneys at the Law Office of Conaway, Strickler, & Margolis can investigate your case to ensure that your rights were not violated during your arrest and will not be infringed upon during your criminal trial. Call us today for a free consultation.Source report:http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/09/03/2009-09-03_botched_fingerprints_put_him_in_jail_17month_rikers_nightmare_because_of_mistake.html
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