The Rule of Law at Risk: How Low Salaries for Justices, Prosecutors, and Public Defenders Threaten Justice in Georgia
As a Georgia DUI lawyer with over 30 years of experience navigating our state’s legal system, I’ve seen firsthand how the rule of law underpins everything we do in the courtroom. It’s the foundation that ensures fairness, accountability, and justice for all-whether you’re facing a DUI charge or any other legal matter. The rule of […]
Read MoreClearing Your Record in Georgia: Understanding O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 Record Restriction and Expungement and Retroactive First Offender O.C.G.A. § 42-8-66
If you’ve ever been arrested or convicted in Georgia, you know that a criminal record can follow you long after your case is closed-impacting job opportunities, housing, and even your reputation. Fortunately, Georgia law offers tools to help you take control of your past and move forward. Two key statutes, O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 and O.C.G.A. […]
Read MoreUnderstanding Georgia’s Constitutional Protections Against Unreasonable Searches and Seizures: A Deep Dive into “Tackling Terry”
As a Georgia DUI attorney, I’ve spent years defending clients against charges that often hinge on the actions of law enforcement during traffic stops, searches, and arrests. Many of these cases involve the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. However, a recent article in the Mercer Law Review […]
Read MoreWinning Georgia DUI Jury Trials with the Rule-Out Method in “David Ball on Criminal Defense
As a DUI lawyer in Georgia with over 25 years of experience, I’ve seen how challenging it can be to defend clients against DUI charges in a state with some of the strictest laws in the country. A DUI conviction under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391 can lead to harsh penalties, including jail time, fines, and license […]
Read MoreGeorgia’s New THC Law: What’s Legal, What’s Not, and How It Could Land You in Hot Water
If you’re in Atlanta and you’ve been popping into hemp shops for gummies or CBD tinctures, you might’ve noticed some changes lately. That’s because Georgia’s latest hemp law-Senate Bill 494 (SB 494), signed by Governor Brian Kemp on April 30, 2024, and effective as of October 1, 2024-has shaken up the THC landscape. At George […]
Read MoreUnderstanding Voir Dire in a Georgia DUI Case
If you’re facing a DUI charge in Georgia, you might hear the term “voir dire” tossed around during the legal process, especially if your case goes to trial. As a DUI lawyer with over 25 years of experience defending clients across the state, I know that voir dire is one of the most critical stages […]
Read MoreBusiness Records Exception to the Hearsay Rule
Under Georgia law, the business records exception to the hearsay rule allows business records to be admitted into evidence without requiring the testimony of the person who created them. This exception is codified under O.C.G.A. § 24-8-803(6) and follows the general principles of the Federal Rules of Evidence. Requirements for Admissibility: To admit business records […]
Read MoreUnderstanding Pardon, Clemency, and Commutation in Light of President Trump’s Actions
At the Law Offices of George Creal, we understand the complexities of post-conviction relief, particularly in the context of DUI cases. With former President Trump’s recent flurry of pardons, commutations, and clemency actions, it’s an opportune moment to clarify these terms and discuss how they might apply or have been applied in your situation. Pardon: […]
Read MoreThe Unconstitutional Nature of Painful Blood Draws and Forced Surgeries in Georgia Law
In Georgia,In Georgia, as in many states, the issue of blood draws in cases of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) has raised significant constitutional questions, particularly under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This amendment protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures, which includes intrusions into the human body for evidence collection. Here, we […]
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