A few decades ago, the headline would have more likely read that the Georgia Governor signed a “tough” on crime bill, but times are changing in some ways and state lawmakers are beginning to understand that tough penalties and severe punishments aren’t always the best decisions. This week, Governor Nathan Deal signed a bill that would give judges more leeway in imposing mandatory minimum sentences, allowing them to use at least some level of discretion rather than being bound by rules that dictated the same sentence for all similar crimes. [Read more…]
Minor Marijuana Offenses: Deportation No Longer Automatic for Some
According to a new U. S. Supreme Court ruling, some legal residents arrested for possessing minor amounts of marijuana may no longer have to fear automatic deportation. This case was based upon a Georgia man who had come to America from Jamaica with his family back in 1984 when he was only three years old. Since that time, Adrian Moncrieffe got a job, married and had children.
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Atlanta Area Cops Arrested in Embarrassing Corruption Scandal
When a police officer needs more money and his gig with the Department isn’t pulling in enough income, they will regularly seek out security details or part time employment where their police training is seen as an asset. But, you wouldn’t think guarding drug deals would be a good employment opportunity. Ten former and current Atlanta area officers thought otherwise and are now facing federal charges. [Read more…]
Atlanta Grandmother Arrested With 9 lbs of Marijuana and $130k
Seventy-nine year old Norma Cheren looks like a typical grandmother. But she wasn’t doling out cookies like many other women her age—she is accused of selling marijuana, and lots of it. [Read more…]
Court Rules Man Wrongfully Arrested for Cursing at Cop
After receiving a ticket, many of us would like to curse at an officer. But, most of us hold our tongue for fear of “rocking the boat.” One Georgia man didn’t hold his tongue when his daughter was cited for improper use of a seat belt, and he was arrested for it. But, both the District Court and federal Court of Appeals who heard his case determined his arrest was unjustified. The rulings provide a look at just what is protected under the First Amendment and when the police can arrest you for nothing more than words. [Read more…]
Macon Police Shooting Incident Widens Rift With Community
Last week, Sammie “Junebug” Davis, Jr. was shot and killed by a Macon police officer in the parking lot of a Kroger grocery store. Why the shooting happened is anyone’s guess—the Macon Police Department keeps changing its story and is providing little clarity as tempers over the death rage on. [Read more…]