Georgia judges and those around the country are taking part in a new trend. The trend involves sending convicted criminals to prison for sentences they can’t possibly serve. An article from the Atlanta Journal Constitution suggests the sentences are an effort by judges to show others, including the parole board, that these inmates are “off limits” for early release. [Read more…]
Is Heroin Use Skyrocketing In Atlanta Suburbs?
According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, heroin use may be rising, particularly in the affluent suburbs of Atlanta. The story cites several instances of heroin addiction leading to lethal overdoses and questions whether or not the problem is growing. Many other major cities across the nation have also seen a jump in heroin related deaths and many others also attribute the rise to former prescription drug addicts seeking a more intense high. [Read more…]
Georgia Teen Sexting Can Lead to Felony Sexual Offender Status
Georgia teens sending sexually explicit images in text messages can face felony criminal charges, jail time, and a lifetime as a registered sex offender just for sending or even receiving a photo from a boyfriend or girlfriend. That’s the message from this news report. [Read more…]
Former Judge’s Criminal Defense May Open Door to Appeals
A few weeks ago we reported on the sentencing of a former federal judge, adjudicated for buying drugs with his stripper-girlfriend, negotiating the purchase with weapons in the vehicle, and giving her a state purchased laptop. Part of his plea for leniency included the effects of a years-old motorcycle accident, an accident that resulted in brain damage and reportedly a subsequent lack of impulse control. It was unclear at the time when the judge was mounting his own defense if he knew this defense would open the floodgates for offenders he had sentenced from the bench. [Read more…]
Tougher Georgia DUI Laws Proposed
A new bill introduced in the Georgia State Senate would toughen drunk driving (DUI) penalties by mandating an ignition interlock breathalyser device be installed in your car after any conviction. Current Georgia DUI law only mandates an interlock device in the case of a second offense DUI conviction. [Read more…]
Former Federal Judge Receives Jail Stint for Drugs/Weapons
A former federal judge was sentenced this week for three misdemeanor charges. He pled for leniency, as did his wife and adult children. But the sentencing judge ultimately felt that jail time was necessary stating “He has disgraced his office…he has encouraged disrespect for the law.” [Read more…]