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Georgia Appeals Court Determines Whether Best Evidence Rule Was Applied

January 31, 2017 No Comments

A Paulding County man’s conviction for armed robbery and aggravated assault was recently upheld by the Georgia Court of Appeals. The defendant argued that the Best Evidence Rule was violated because the state used photos from surveillance videos instead of the originals. However, the court found that prosecutors had introduced the original recordings, and the Marietta defense team’s appeal was denied. This decision reinforces how appellate courts in Georgia handle evidence and challenges based on trial errors.

Georgia’s Appeals Court Supports Trial Court’s Authority

December 19, 2016 No Comments

The Georgia Court of Appeals upheld a Cobb County trial court’s decision in a case involving threats made against a judge and his family. The defendant, convicted of terroristic threats, argued that evidence such as a marked gun was improperly admitted. The Appeals Court disagreed, emphasizing that the weapon and testimony were directly tied to the case. This ruling underscores how Georgia’s appellate courts support trial courts’ authority when evidence is inextricably linked to the crime—especially in high-stakes criminal defense cases across Cobb, Bartow, and Paulding County.

Georgia Appeals Court Explains Cumulative Evidence

December 14, 2016 No Comments

When a conviction is challenged in Georgia, appellate courts often evaluate whether legal missteps truly impacted the outcome. In a recent case, the Georgia Court of Appeals upheld convictions despite valid defense claims—ruling that the cumulative evidence was still strong enough to support the verdict. Understanding how courts apply the cumulative evidence standard can make all the difference in building or appealing a criminal defense case in Cobb, Bartow, or Paulding County.

Georgia’s Supreme Court Weighs Factors of Effective Counsel

July 21, 2016 No Comments

The Supreme Court of Georgia reviewed a Gwinnett County murder case involving claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. The defendant, convicted of malice murder, burglary, and multiple firearm charges, sought a new trial, alleging that his attorney’s performance had compromised his defense.

The Court found no evidence supporting the defendant’s claims. The justices ruled that the trial attorney’s strategic decisions, including his approach to witness testimony and handling of procedural issues, were reasonable and did not constitute ineffective representation.

Georgia Appeals Court Explains How Trial Court Inadvertently Impacted Plea Negotiations

July 13, 2016 No Comments

The Georgia Court of Appeals reversed a Fulton County conviction after finding that the trial court improperly influenced plea negotiations.

The defendant had pleaded guilty to burglary, possession of tools for a crime, and obstruction of a law enforcement officer. During plea discussions, the judge warned the defendant that if convicted at trial, he would “serve every day of a 20-year sentence,” implying that probation or suspension would not be available.

Georgia Appeals Court Determines Whether Best Evidence Rule Was Applied

Georgia’s Appeals Court Supports Trial Court’s Authority

Georgia Appeals Court Explains Cumulative Evidence

Georgia’s Supreme Court Weighs Factors of Effective Counsel

Georgia Appeals Court Explains How Trial Court Inadvertently Impacted Plea Negotiations

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