You Have the Right to Remain Silento?
The American Bar Association’s Special Committee on Hispanic Legal Rights wishes to help both the police and Spanish-speaking population by translating the Miranda rights into one standardized format in Spanish. Problems exist with officers using their high school Spanish language skills, relying on unofficial translators such as the wrongdoer’s friends, or resorting to adding the […]
Two Teenaged Gang Members Shoot Marietta Police Officer
Just before dawn on Sunday morning, two teenagers shot a ten-year veteran of the Marietta Police Department in the leg. Three officers answered a call regarding potential vehicle break-ins at an apartment complex, and upon nearing the two suspects who were in a car, someone fired at the police who then returned the shots. One […]
Marietta Police Department Welcomes Your Input
Wednesday, August 17th – Marietta Police Department Welcomes Your Input In light of the recent tensions between civilians and the police, Georgia’s Marietta Police Department is extending a line of communication, allowing the public an opportunity to express any concerns. This Wednesday in the Marietta Council Chamber at City Hall at 6:30, members of the […]
Boundaries for Campus Police Jurisdiction
Georgia’s Supreme Court Explains the Boundaries for Campus Police Jurisdiction A defendant in a Cobb County State Court case was charged with driving under the influence (DUI), failing to maintain lane, and operating a vehicle without headlights. Kennesaw State University’s campus police stopped the man and performed an Intoxilyzer 5000 test for suspicion of DUI, […]
Georgia’s Civil Forfeiture Statute Costs a Defendant Over $12,000.00
A defendant in a Cobb Superior Court case lost two amounts of cash, one of which totaled $12,231.00, and some personal property to the police under Georgia’s Civil Forfeiture Statute, O.C.G.A. § 16-13-49 (2014). The money and property were discovered “in close proximity to methamphetamine and marijuana during a search of” the defendant’s car and […]
Qualifications of Expert Witness
Georgia’s Supreme Court Clarifies Qualifications of Expert Witness in Medical Malpractice Case DeKalb Superior Court heard testimony from an expert witness in a medical malpractice case, but the trial court dismissed the suit because the witness did not meet the expert affidavit requirement under O.C.G.A. § 9-11-9.1 (a). Georgia’s Court of Appeals agreed with the […]
Eyewitness Credibility Questioned by Defendant in Hijacking Case
Rockdale Superior Court found a defendant guilty of hijacking a motor vehicle and aggravated assault, but he appealed, contending that the evidence was insufficient in supporting the convictions. The defendant also believed that the trial court charged the jury incorrectly and commented on evidence. Georgia’s Court of Appeals examined the case, noting the defendant’s objection […]
Time Taken for Drug-Sniffing Dog Not Enough to Block Motion to Suppress
The police stopped two men for a lane change violation, and during the time it took the officer to complete an identity check on the passenger, he discovered the existence of drugs through the use of his dog. He searched the vehicle, having been provided probable cause, and discovered nearly ten pounds of marijuana. The […]
Evidence Supports Convictions in Spite of Defendant’s Protestations against Trial Court Procedures
Chatham Superior Court convicted a defendant of malice murder and other offenses after he beat his wife to death. The defendant appealed, claiming that the trial court made several mistakes. Georgia’s Supreme Court examined his case and showed that the trial court permitted the testimony of the defendant’s prior acts of domestic violence committed against […]
Georgia’s Appeals Court Determines How the Role of a Tipster Transitioned into Participant-Informer
Hall Superior Court found a defendant guilty of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, criminal attempt to commit the sale of cocaine, and use of a communication facility in facilitating a commission of a felony criminal act. The defendant appealed, believing that the State should have identified its confidential informant because he was […]
