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. [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…]
Atlanta Cops Looking for Drugged Drivers
DUI laws aren’t just for drunk drivers. Driving under the influence (DUI) can also refer to driving under the influence of drugs. Despite this, the majority of DUI campaigns are targeted at drinking and driving. Though it’s likely more common, cops know that people use drugs and get behind the wheel too. And for that reason, Atlanta-area police are learning how better to identify drugged drivers. [Read more…]
Texting With Police: Bad Idea for Drug Dealers
When you text the police that you will sell them drugs, it’s pretty much a wrap. You will be arrested. But while no one would knowingly do such a thing, one Conyers man got himself into trouble for sending text messages to an arrested friend. [Read more…]
North Georgia Drug Task Force Waiting on $5 Million in Funding
The Atlanta High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Tast Force (HIDTA), responsible for numerous raids and in-depth investigations into Mexican drug cartels in the North Georgia area last year, is waiting on the Atlanta City Council to vote on a $5 million federal grant, giving it funding for yet another year of big drug busts. [Read more…]