Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

Do You Need a License to Carry a Gun in Georgia? No. Georgia is a constitutional carry state, and has been for years. You do not need a license to carry a gun in Georgia. State law lets any "lawful weapons carrier" carry a handgun openly or concealed without a Weapons Carry License. A lawful…

What Does Making False Statements Mean in Georgia? Making false statements is a crime in Georgia, and prosecutors bring the charge far more often than most people realize. A person violates the statute by knowingly and willfully deceiving a state or local government department or agency. The deception may be a spoken lie or a…

What Is Swatting? Swatting is a false emergency call made to send armed police to another person's home. The caller often claims there is a hostage, a shooter, or a bomb. The purpose is to draw a large police response to that address. SWAT stands for Special Weapons and Tactics. Those are the specialized units…

How Long a Speeding Ticket Stays on Your Georgia Driving Record In Georgia, the points from a speeding ticket count against your license for 24 months. The conviction itself stays on your driving record much longer. Understanding how long a speeding ticket stays on your license means keeping three separate clocks apart. First, Georgia's Department…

What Is a Triple 0 Breathalyzer Reading? A triple 0 breathalyzer result is a reading of 0.000. In plain terms, the machine found no alcohol at all in the driver's breath at the time of the test. Georgia law enforcement agencies typically use the Intoxilyzer 9000 for roadside and station breath testing. The machine reports…

Are DWI Records Public in Georgia? Short Answer: Yes Yes. In Georgia these records are generally public. Anyone can obtain arrest records, court dockets, and driving history reports from the appropriate state or county agency. Georgia law uses the term DUI, short for driving under the influence. Plenty of people say DWI instead. Both words…

What Does Driving While Impaired Mean? Driving while impaired means you operate a motor vehicle while alcohol or drugs diminish your mental or physical abilities. The substance can be illegal, it can come from a doctor, or it can come off a store shelf, and a mix of two counts as well. The key point…

What Is a Misdemeanor? A misdemeanor is a criminal offense. It ranks below a felony but above a civil infraction. Most courts punish a misdemeanor with up to one year in county jail. They can also add fines, probation, or community service. Even a minor criminal charge can follow you for years. A felony conviction…

How Georgia Handles DUI License Suspensions In Georgia, you can lose your license after even a first DUI conviction. Each later offense brings a longer suspension. A second conviction within five years brings a three-year suspension. A third triggers a five-year revocation and habitual violator status. A fourth within ten years is charged as a…

Is Attempted Theft a Crime in Georgia? Yes, attempted theft is a crime in Georgia. Many people wonder if attempted theft qualifies as a crime when no property was actually taken. The answer is clear: Georgia law makes it a crime to take a substantial step in an attempt to commit theft, even if you…