Nearly 20 years after a 2006 Cobb County sexual assault, DNA evidence has linked the so-called “West Georgia Monster” to the crime, marking his first prosecution outside Douglas County.
When facing a criminal charge in Georgia, many first-time offenders qualify for Pretrial Intervention (PTI)—a powerful alternative to probation that can dismiss charges and protect your record.
Bail laws in Georgia can be confusing — and expensive. Whether you’re facing charges in Cobb County, Bartow County, or Paulding County, understanding how bail works is critical. Learn how Georgia’s bail system differs from other states, the types of bail available, and how a Marietta criminal defense attorney can help reduce bail and keep you or your loved one out of jail.
Sometimes, one simple word can make all the difference in court — “why.” In a recent Georgia appeals case, a driver’s conviction was overturned because the officer’s citation lacked key details explaining why the driver was at fault. This story highlights why every element of an offense matters and how a Marietta criminal defense attorney ensures those details are never overlooked in Cobb, Bartow, and Paulding County cases.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s latest term could have major implications for Georgia’s criminal justice system. From death penalty appeals to double jeopardy and excessive fines, several upcoming rulings could change how prosecutors and courts handle cases in Cobb County, Bartow County, and Paulding County. Here’s what local residents—and anyone facing criminal charges—need to know.
A former Cobb County Republican Party chairman has been charged with child molestation involving two boys, according to police reports. The allegations span multiple years and locations, including a local church. The defendant, who remains jailed without bond, entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment before a Cobb Superior Court judge. Legal experts note that such charges can lead to significant penalties and complex pretrial motions. This case underscores the importance of legal representation and understanding the criminal justice process in Georgia’s courts.
The Georgia Court of Appeals recently clarified how trial courts should apply sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders under O.C.G.A. § 17-10-7.
In Chattooga County, Richard Becker was convicted of possession of methamphetamine and obstruction of an officer. The trial court sentenced him to the maximum penalty, citing Georgia’s repeat offender statute.
The Georgia Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of Tony Robinson, who was found guilty in Clayton County after a domestic dispute turned violent. Robinson threw a concrete slab through his girlfriend’s windshield while her young son was inside the car, claiming he acted in self-defense.
The trial court found insufficient evidence to support his self-defense claim, citing testimony from the victim and her son that she never attempted to hit him with her car. The Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction, agreeing that “credibility issues” are the jury’s responsibility and that evidence of Robinson’s prior legal troubles was properly admitted.
The Georgia Court of Appeals overturned the conviction of Kevin A. Williams, who had been wrongly found guilty of driving without a license in DeKalb County.
Mr. Williams was stopped for speeding, but the trial court misapplied Georgia’s licensing laws, confusing O.C.G.A. § 40-5-20 with O.C.G.A. § 40-5-121, which governs suspended licenses. The Court of Appeals found that the trial court failed to inform Williams of the risks of self-representation and allowed hearsay evidence to be admitted without objection.
The Supreme Court of Georgia recently clarified when aggravated assault and aggravated battery charges should merge under state law.
In this case, Steven Regent was convicted in Fulton County of both charges after attacking his girlfriend with a knife. The Georgia Court of Appeals initially upheld the conviction, but the Supreme Court determined that both offenses arose from the same act and should be merged under O.C.G.A. § 16-1-6 (2).
