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What Happens After the Judge Bangs the Gavel?

October 27, 2025 No Comments

A criminal conviction in Georgia doesn’t mean your case is over — it’s often just the beginning. From probation and appeals to record restriction, understanding your post-trial options is critical. This guide explains what happens after sentencing, how probation modification works, and why having an experienced Marietta criminal defense attorney by your side can make all the difference in Cobb County, Bartow County, and Paulding County.

The Importance of Reasonable Doubt

March 19, 2019 No Comments

Reasonable doubt is the cornerstone of the American justice system — and a key protection for anyone facing criminal charges. It ensures that no one is convicted unless guilt is proven beyond uncertainty. This post explains how Georgia courts apply reasonable doubt, how it impacts jury decisions, and why a Marietta criminal defense attorney can use it to fight for your rights in Cobb, Bartow, and Paulding County.

Appeals Court Sees Through Convicted Burglar’s Attempt to Cloak Actions as Seeking Shelter

September 15, 2016 No Comments

The Georgia Court of Appeals upheld a Fulton County burglary conviction, dismissing the defendant’s claim that he entered the property seeking shelter.

According to court records, the man was caught removing door hinges after breaking a porch door, and valuables inside the home suggested intent to steal. The defendant also challenged the trial court’s refusal to include criminal trespass as a lesser offense, but the Appeals Court found no evidence to support that instruction.

The Court further dismissed arguments about jury instructions and ineffective counsel, ruling that the trial court’s process and the defense attorney’s actions were appropriate. This case illustrates how Georgia courts interpret burglary intent under O.C.G.A. § 16-7-1 and underscores the importance of experienced representation in criminal trials.

Evidence Supports Convictions in Spite of Defendant’s Protestations against Trial Court Procedures

July 21, 2016 No Comments

The Supreme Court of Georgia upheld a malice murder conviction in a Chatham County case involving a defendant accused of beating his wife to death. The defendant appealed, arguing that the trial court made multiple procedural errors.

The Georgia Supreme Court ruled that the evidence of prior domestic violence was properly admitted under the new Evidence Code, which allows for testimony on prior acts to establish a pattern of behavior. The Court also addressed the use of residual hearsay, finding that any potential error in admitting it did not harm the fairness of the trial.

Georgia’s Appeal Court Shows How Rape and Incest Cannot Be Merged

July 21, 2016 No Comments

The Georgia Court of Appeals has clarified that rape and incest convictions cannot be merged during sentencing because the crimes involve different legal elements.

The case stemmed from a Dougherty County trial in which a defendant was convicted of rape, incest, aggravated child molestation, and sexual battery against his daughter. On appeal, the defendant argued that his rape and incest convictions should have been combined for sentencing.

What Happens After the Judge Bangs the Gavel?

The Importance of Reasonable Doubt

Appeals Court Sees Through Convicted Burglar’s Attempt to Cloak Actions as Seeking Shelter

Evidence Supports Convictions in Spite of Defendant’s Protestations against Trial Court Procedures

Georgia’s Appeal Court Shows How Rape and Incest Cannot Be Merged

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