Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyers
Georgia criminal defense lawyers fight criminal offenses in all GA courts.
Two years ago, a case originating in DeKalb County Georgia went before the U.S. Supreme Court. At issue was whether judges could close a courtroom to the public for any reason. The court found that judges must do whatever possible to keep their courts open, except in rare circumstances. But today, some Georgia judges are still making the public feel very unwelcome, if not locking them out altogether. [Read more…]
The Atlanta Journal Constitution ran an in-depth piece last week on the state’s drug courts, their popularity and their effectiveness, as part of a five-part series on accountability courts across the state. There are 35 drug courts in the state; the first was started in Macon in 1994. These courts focus on rehabilitating offenders without sending them to prison, and for many, the results are life changing. [Read more…]
Judge Amanda Williams of Brunswick has announced she will be retiring on January 2, 2012. She has also agreed to never seek or hold judicial office again. This dramatic exit was due to what the Atlanta Journal Constitution characterizes as a “tyrannical” reign over her courtroom. [Read more…]
The new Henry County Drug Court is one of 33 such courts in the state. These courts are known as accountability courts and are designed to provide select offenders with an alternative to jail or prison time in exchange for an intense period of supervision and accountability, which simultaneously saves the county thousands. [Read more…]
The Fulton County Superior Court, known as the “Rocket Docket”, is under fire for its huge dismissal rates. Created to help speed less serious cases through the system, the court dismissed an average of 4 of every 10 cases in the second half of 2010, a rate that many say is unacceptable. [Read more…]
In the world of criminal courts, the district attorney is the long arm of the law. They represent the state in criminal cases, hoping to gain a conviction, sometimes at all costs. This figure is usually interested in stiff penalties and laws that make those penalties a possibility. One District Attorney, however, is speaking out against a potential move that could strengthen criminal penalties, an odd move given his position. [Read more…]