Criminal Defense

Georgia’s Open Container Law: Don’t Get Penalized this Upcoming Football Season

By Pierce Blitch and Will Dasher  Imagine this: you’re driving home with your significant other after a college football watch party on a Saturday this Fall. As you chat about the delicious food and the outcome of the big game, you glance in your rearview mirror and notice blue lights flashing. The officer pulls you

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Felonies vs. Misdemeanors: What You Need to Know

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Georgia, it’s important to understand what kind of charges you’re facing and what that means for your future. Crimes generally fall into three categories: felonies, misdemeanors, and violations. All of these can have serious consequences, but felonies are the most severe. Let’s break down the differences so

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Can You Erase Your Criminal Record in Georgia? Unlocking the Path to Record Restriction and Sealed Records

By Pierce Blitch & Will Dasher  Rebuilding your life after an arrest or conviction can feel like an uphill battle. In Georgia, your complete criminal history is often available to employers and licensing boards, no matter how old the charges are. However, options exist to help certain individuals keep their past from interfering with their

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Can Refusing a Field Sobriety Test Hurt Your DUI Case? Here’s What You Need to Know

By Pierce Blitch & Will Dasher  Alcohol-Related Accidents: A Growing Concern  More than 10,000 people die in alcohol-related crashes every year—over 30 deaths daily. These tragic events make up nearly 30% of all traffic fatalities. On top of that, close to 300,000 people are injured in such accidents annually. According to the CDC, the financial

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Will a Sudden Turn Near a Roadblock Justify a Traffic Stop?

By Pierce Blitch A group of police officers are standing at a DUI roadblock in a common area of travel after First Friday in downtown Augusta, Georgia. As a result, traffic is backed up as the officers ensure that each driver that passes through is not under the influence.   One driver, who is in

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Understanding Cannabis Use Disorder: What You Need to Know

By Pierce Blitch & Will Dasher   The Reality of Cannabis Use Disorder This article isn’t about condemning cannabis. Just like alcohol, cannabis can become a problem for some people. Cannabis use disorder (CUD) occurs when a person’s cannabis use causes health or social problems, and they can’t stop despite these issues. CUD was officially

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Misdemeanor Drug Possession: Could You Really Go to Jail?

By Pierce Blitch and Will Dasher Facing a charge for misdemeanor marijuana possession can feel overwhelming, but knowing the facts can help you prepare for what comes next. Here’s what you need to know:   What is Misdemeanor Marijuana Possession? Under O.C.G.A. §16-13-2(b), possessing less than one ounce of marijuana is classified as a misdemeanor.

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I got Arrested for DUI. The Police Didn’t Read Me My Rights Though

By Pierce Blitch & Will Dasher   One of the most common questions I hear from clients facing DUI charges is, “Why didn’t the officer read me my Miranda rights?” That’s a fantastic question, and I’m here to explain.   What Are Miranda Rights? Miranda rights come from the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Miranda

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How to Protect Yourself When Charged with Criminal Damage to Property in Georgia

By Pierce Blitch & Will Dasher   Facing a charge of criminal damage to property can be a daunting experience. You might feel overwhelmed by the potential consequences and unsure of what steps to take. The good news is that you don’t have to face this alone. With the right guidance and resources, you can

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Facing an Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer Charge in Evans, Georgia? Here’s What You Need to Know

By Pierce Blitch & Will Dasher   What Is Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer? Have you been arrested for DUI? Were you found in possession of drugs? Did you resist arrest or help someone else do so? If you’ve been in these or similar situations, you might now face a criminal obstruction charge. But

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Don’t Make These 3 Critical Mistakes Before Talking to a Criminal Defense Lawyer

By Pierce Blitch & Will Dasher   When the police ask you to come to headquarters for “a few questions” or you find yourself under arrest, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But before you do anything, remember there are three things you should never do without first consulting a criminal defense lawyer. Acting without guidance

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Do Passengers Have to Show ID During a Traffic Stop?

By Pierce Blitch & Will Dasher   Understanding ID Requests During Traffic Stops Many people believe that passengers in a car don’t have to show identification when stopped by the police. In Georgia and most states, this isn’t true. Let’s clarify the law.   The Law: What Courts Say There’s no constitutional rule stopping an

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Harsh Penalties for Cocaine Charges in Georgia

By Pierce Blitch   Every state has its own rules for handling illegal drug possession. Georgia is no different, with clear penalties for drug offenses. Under Georgia law, different illegal substances have specific penalties.   The Weight of Cocaine Possession Charges Cocaine possession charges in Georgia depend on the amount and the number of offenses.

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Field Sobriety Tests in Georgia: How Reliable Is the Walk-and-Turn Test?

By Pierce Blitch   Walking the Line—But Is It Fair? Law enforcement officers in Georgia rely on several standardized field sobriety tests to determine whether to arrest a person for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Today, we dive into the walk-and-turn test, examining why it’s used when drunk driving is suspected and

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