double jeopardy

Georgia’s Appeals Court Explains Double Jeopardy

A Cherokee County DUI case prompted the Georgia Court of Appeals to clarify how double jeopardy laws apply when multiple charges stem from a single incident. The defendant argued that paying a seat belt fine barred further prosecution for DUI and related offenses. However, the Court ruled that because each charge had a separate case number, prosecutors were not aware of the other citation — meaning double jeopardy did not apply. The decision reinforces how Georgia courts interpret procedural double jeopardy and the importance of legal counsel in defending against multiple criminal charges in Cobb, Bartow, and Paulding County.

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Ross Harris Trial

Ross Harris Trial

The Ross Harris trial became one of Georgia’s most publicized criminal cases, centering on the tragic 2014 death of Harris’s 22-month-old son. Over weeks of testimony, Cobb County prosecutors and the defense argued whether the incident was a terrible mistake or a deliberate act. Jurors reviewed video footage, car evidence, and emotional testimony before ultimately convicting Harris on eight charges, including malice murder and cruelty to children. His defense attorney plans to appeal, citing trial errors and inconsistent testimony. The case remains a defining moment in Cobb County’s criminal justice system.

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Family Law

Protective Orders Limiting Parental Visitation

The Georgia Court of Appeals recently clarified the limits of protective orders in cases involving parental visitation rights. A Paulding County father appealed a ruling that restricted contact with his children after his wife obtained a protective order. While the Appeals Court upheld the trial court’s decision not to dismiss the order, it ruled that judges cannot permanently block visitation rights under such orders. This decision underscores the balance between family safety and parental rights in Georgia’s legal system.

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