Georgia’s Supreme Court Offers Value to Dog’s Life
The Georgia Supreme Court reviewed an Appeals Court case involving the value of a dog’s life, not just the fair market value of the dog due the owners but its actual value. The dog in this case is Lola, a mixed dachshund breed, who died shortly after boarding at Barking Hound Village, LLC. Lola was […]
Exception of Hearsay in Clarke County Superior Court
Georgia’s Clarke Superior Court convicted Dorunte Williams of malice murder, aggravated assault involving family violence, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Mr. Williams felt that the court mistakenly allowed hearsay to be construed as evidence and filed for an appeal. The Court of Appeals reviewed the case, and determined that […]
Court of Appeals Denies Grant of New Trial
Georgia’s Mitchell Superior Court convicted Frederick L. Shelton of cocaine possession, obstructing an officer, and a sound violation. Shelton believed his counsel to be lacking and asked the trial court for a new trial, which the court granted. After reviewing the case, the Court of Appeals disagreed with the trial court’s decision, noting several flaws […]
Spoliation of Evidence in Medical Malpractice Case
During a medical malpractice case in Henry Superior Court, Lee Phillips and Santhonia Hector asked that a charge of spoliation of evidence be levied against the defendants who worked at Henry Medical Center. Shortly before birth, Lee Phillips was allegedly deprived of oxygen, causing spastic quadriplegia, blindness, and an inability to speak. As is typical […]
A Recidivist Appeals on Sentencing
A Fulton County jury found Hopton Hyde guilty of multiple crimes including malice murder, aggravated assault, felony murder in the commission of aggravated assault, and possession of a knife during the commission of a crime. Fulton Superior Court, using O.C.G.A. § 17-10-7 (c), sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole for […]
Gwinnett Superior Court convicted Adam Wells of armed robbery
Gwinnett Superior Court convicted Adam Wells of armed robbery, but Mr. Wells believed that the court and his counsel prevented him from receiving fair treatment. He felt that the court allowed a biased juror to remain in the jury, concerned that she had formed an opinion about his guilt prior to hearing any evidence. The […]
Georgia Court of Appeals Permits Transfer of Juvenile Case to Superior Court
T.S., a 15-year-old, was held accountable for actions considered the jurisdiction of superior court instead of juvenile court, and after a hearing, the Glynn Juvenile Court deemed a transfer necessary. When committed by an adult, the teenager’s acts would be construed as burglary, criminal trespass, theft by taking, and criminal gang activity. The defendant appealed, […]
Georgia Court of Appeals Notes Faulty Counsel in Rape Case
Willie Blackmon was on trial in Fulton Superior Court for two counts each of rape, aggravated child molestation, and aggravated child molestation against a minor child. During the trial, Mr. Blackmon’s counsel allowed witnesses to testify against him, discussing claims that the defendant allegedly made out of court. His counsel also permitted the victim’s mother […]
Supreme Court of Georgia Defines Sufficient Evidence for Child Pornography in Search Warrant
Gwinnett Superior Court denied Michael S. Shirley’s Motion to Suppress evidence, believing that the search warrant used to obtain child pornography gathered from his home was sufficient. Mr. Shirley appealed, but the Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s decision. The Supreme Court of Georgia determined that a search warrant taken out against Michael Shirley […]
Police Dog Harmed by Fleeing Robber Has Day in Court
Chatham Superior Court found Devante Bynes guilty of armed robbery and harming a police dog, but Mr. Bynes appealed, claiming that the State did not prove that he knew the dog was employed by the police. He choked the dog into unconsciousness, stating that it was a matter of self-defense after the dog bit him. […]
