Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyers Blog

Criminal defense on tap after 22 arrests in Georgia

Published on: January 5, 2017 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Crime rates are high in many areas. However, not all people charged with crimes are convicted. In fact, some accused individuals are successful in having their charges lowered or their cases dismissed entirely. Often, aggressive strategies help defendants protect their rights and preserve their freedoms. There are at least 22 people in Georgia who are likely focused on criminal defense after their recent arrests over a six-day period.

Columbus police investigated various possible crime situations in the area. In addition to arresting so many people, authorities say they also recovered over $100,000 in stolen property. A special operations division and patrol unit combined efforts in this particular investigation.

Authorities say 10 vehicles that had previously been reported stolen were seized. All of the persons arrested will have their day in court. Regardless of how minor or serious charges are, American jurisprudence protects the rights of every accused individual by allowing him or her to present a defense and by guaranteeing the presumption of innocence unless and until prosecutors prove otherwise in court. It can be quite intimidating to go up against tenacious prosecutors, however, which is why it is highly advisable to act alongside experienced and aggressive defense assistance.

Defense options for white collar crimes charges in Georgia

Published on: December 21, 2016 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Being accused of a crime in Georgia (or anywhere, for that matter) may have immediate and long-lasting negative effects, even before a case is tried in court. Society can be harsh toward those who find themselves in trouble with the law. Often, people form opinions without knowing all the facts. If a person is charged with criminal offenses such as white collar crimes or other criminal acts, it is typically best to seek immediate defense assistance to obtain help in preserving his or her reputation and freedom.

The term, “white collar crime” refers to any number of non-violent criminal offenses perpetrated in order to obtain financial gain. Identity theft, tax evasion and illegal use of a credit card all come under this category. Many times, large amounts of money are involved, and penalties if convicted may include extended time in prison and/or substantial fines.

With regard to tax fraud or bank-related offenses, it may be that a documentation error led to the appearance of fraud. If this is the case, a criminal defense attorney can advise a defendant how best to proceed to rectify the situation. If authorities conduct a formal investigation, a lawyer can launch a counter-investigation to scrutinize the process by which any search or seizure occurred and to protect the personal rights of the accused.

Criminal Defense: Cosby and the concept of “similar transactions”

Published on: December 14, 2016 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Criminal Defense: In criminal trials, prosecutors will often attempt to bring in prior convictions or prior bad acts in trial as a way to persuade jurors as to a defendant’s guilt. These are fights that our fought before trial in pretrial hearings. The case against actor Bill Cosby is a great example of a prosecutor trying to get in prior bad acts. Cosby faces sexual assault charges in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Today, the prosecutor attempted to win a preliminary hearing arguing for the testimony of more than twelve women to testify at Cosby’s upcoming trial. The prosecutor argued a concept that we use in Georgia of “similar transactions”. If the judge allows this testimonry to come in, it will ease the prosecutor’s burden of showing intent and it will most definitly bolster the prosecution’s case against Cosby. In Georgia, these “other acts”, like in Pennsylvania, need to be similar enough so that they show the “handiwork of the same perpetrator,” (the PA prosecutor’s words from today) and the limited purpose of showing the defendant’s state of mind, knowledge, intent, or mode of operation in the crime charge (Georgia). In both states, the judge will focus on the similarities versus the differences in making his/her decision in allowing similar transactions in.

Interestingly, the prosecutor has a tough burden in the Cosby case. The Pennsylvania State Supreme Court recently ruled against allowing too many victims testifying. What is a good limit? The judge will probably rule on this issue today.

For additional blog entries, see here.

Sex Crimes: Man released after conviction says GPS monitor unjust

Published on: December 7, 2016 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Many people convicted as sex offenders in Georgia spend extended time in prison and are then released back into public life. The law requires that such persons be categorized as to the severity of the crime they committed and their likelihood to re-offend. Those listed in category three, the highest group for the worst sex crimes, must register as offenders for the rest of their lives, and they must also wear tracking devices on their ankles.

Many may be surprised to learn that people (who have already served their full sentences) wearing ankle monitors post-prison are required to pay for the devices. The entire topic is being hotly debated in a Georgia Supreme Court. One justice said it is unfair to place that financial burden on someone who has already fulfilled the sentence for the crime committed. He noted that even a few dollars a day adds up to more per year than many people are able to afford.

Another surprising detail regarding ankle monitors worn by past offenders in this state is that if they remove them or do not wear them, there is no legal consequence. In other words, the state says the devices are meant to help authorities keep track of past offenders but are not punitive in any way. As such, some say the requirement is unconstitutional. One man who was fitted with a device then moved to another county where authorities chose not to make him wear it.

4 travelers facing drug charges after traffic stop in Georgia

Published on: November 22, 2016 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

When one is pulled over in a traffic stop in Georgia, a particular outcome can never be assumed. Some situations end with an officer sending a motorist on his or her way after issuing some type of warning regarding a particular traffic offense. Other incidents quickly unfold, creating problems much more serious for drivers (and, sometimes other vehicle occupants, too). A recent traffic stop resulted in four people facing drug charges.

Two men and two women were in the vehicle. They were stopped by a police officer on a recent Thursday morning. The officer who approached the car at the time later claimed to have immediately smelled marijuana.

At some point, authorities allegedly seized approximately 70 ecstasy pills and at least $3,000 worth of marijuana. One official said he typically expects an increase in such arrests as the holiday season gets underway. All four persons who were riding together that day have been charged with possession of illegal drugs with intent to distribute. The two men who were charged are apparently brothers.

Criminal Defense: Ross Harris #hotcardeath trial summary

Published on: November 12, 2016 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Criminal Defense attorney Meg Strickler has been covering the Ross Harris #hotcardeath trial for WXIA NBC Affiliate in Atlanta. She has appeared throughout the more than month long trial with anchor Vinnie Politan and his dream team of legal experts. Click here for a sample of her commentary. Ross Harris is accused of intentionally leaving his 22 month old son, Cooper, in a his small SUV to die on a very hot day in June of 2014 in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. The jury will probably come back this week with a verdict of at least the Felony Murder charge of Cruelty to Children second degree and counts six through eight that focus on his sexting with a minor. His sentencing will probably be postponed for a bit of time after the trial ends. But, ultimately, Ross Harris could be taxed with the famous “trial tax” and receive a long sentence of life plus an additional amount of years. He will not get out of prison.

When trying a criminal case, there are many elements that come in to play. Seasoned criminal defense attorneys, like Dan Conaway and Meg Strickler, are an essential part of a successful trial. Most criminal cases require extensive knowledge and experience and Conaway & Strickler, PC has both. But, also the lawyers for the defense and prosecution in the Ross Harris case are great examples of exceptional lawyers.

When an incident occurs, it is CRUCIAL to hire an attorney as soon as possible. With today’s technology, every word and movement is recorded. Do not add to the government’s case by talking freely with any government authority! Allow the lawyer to assist early on. It can only help.

Drug Charges: Warrants for drug charges, etc issued in Georgia

Published on: November 8, 2016 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

There are many situations in which Georgia authorities combine their efforts with outside law enforcement agencies to conduct sting operations and investigations into suspected large-scale crime rings. Such endeavors often lead to drug charges or other formal accusations, depending on the circumstances. A recent task force operation set up for the purpose of investigating a child pornography issue has culminated with many warrants being issued and arrests being made in two states.

A task force for internet crimes against children in Georgia teamed up with authorities in a neighboring state to conduct an investigation that lasted at least three months. It reportedly took two full days to issue all the warrants and make arrests in both states. Approximately 54 warrants were served during the process.

All told, more than 160 digital devices were examined, and more than 730 electronic devices seized as evidence in the sting. Various arrests included charges related to second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana and other drug charges. Other individuals were taken into custody and charged for possession of child pornography. The investigation was known as Operation Southern Impact.

Criminal Defense: The Use of Experts in Trials

Published on: November 3, 2016 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Criminal Defense: The use of experts is an important decision in the defense of a criminal case. If the government, for example, has chosen to bring an expert on as part of their case, it may be an absolute necessity to obtain an expert on the defense side to refute the various statements made by the government’s expert. The use of experts by the defense can also be quite helpful in the pre indictment discussions with government.

Criminal defense attorney Meg Strickler has been commenting on the Ross Harris hot car death trial on various media outlets. In this case, the defense put on an expert as part of their case. Experts are often called upon by the government and the defense. In the Ross Harris case, the defense called a “memory” expert to try and explain away the fact that Ross Harris allegedly “forgot” his child in the back seat of his car and the child died. The defense alleged that this was all a tragic accident as opposed to something reckless or maliciously done by the defendant. The cross examination, however, brought down any effectiveness that may have occured. And the cross of this expert is now going to be a classic “how to” for future lawyers to dismantle anything the expert has stated on direct. Please see my commentary here. Criminal defense attorneys like Dan Conaway and Meg Strickler will work to obtain the best expert(s) in your case and use it in trial as applicable. But, also, Conaway & Strickler will also know, through years of trial experience, when to use experts and when not to utilize them.

For additional blogs, please see here.

Sex Crimes: Council member in Georgia accused of sex crimes

Published on: October 24, 2016 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Sex crimes: Serving one’s community in the capacity of a city council member is considered by many to be a worthwhile endeavor. Being accused of criminal wrongdoing while serving on a council, however, may not only ruin a person’s reputation but also cause immediate and long-lasting consequences, even before the court addresses the situation. A 53-year-old man in Georgia is facing such charges for alleged sex crimes he committed with a teenage girl.

The council member is suspected of having had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl. Authorities claim the relationship has been ongoing since the girl was age 13. Her mother is said to have reported the relationship between her daughter and the man to police.

For additional blogs, click here.

Drug Charges: Key factors to consider in Georgia

Published on: October 12, 2016 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

The need for skilled and experienced criminal defense assistance is widespread in Georgia and surrounding regions. There are many reasons a person might retain a criminal lawyer. The situation may have something to do with drug charges, weapons violations, suspected driving driving or other issues.

With regard to being accused of illegal drug activity in the state, there have been many situations where persons accused are later found innocent. Many people have dealt with circumstances where they were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, thus leading to incidents whereby they were mistakenly incriminated. Others have enlisted the help of experienced investigators to determine that their personal rights were actually violated during searches and seizures or arrest processes.

For additional blog entries, please see here.