Practice Areas
The Law Offices of Jeffery C. Talley practice many areas of criminal law. Please continue reading below to learn more about us and the services we offer.
The Law Offices of Jeffery C. Talley practice many areas of criminal law. Please continue reading below to learn more about us and the services we offer.
Drug cases are more common than you think and there are several variations in charges and drug related laws depending on the amount and type of drug in your possession.
HOW GEORGIA CLASSIFIES CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
Although many people know that it is a crime to be in possession of certain drugs — or “controlled substances” — most do not understand what the law says and what sorts of penalties are handed down for a drug possession conviction. Georgia state law mimics the federal Controlled Substances Act in that it divides substances into five different types or “schedules” based on both their accepted medical uses and likelihood of drug addiction or abuse.
Schedule I Substances: No accepted medical use and have a high likelihood of addiction/abuse; includes heroin, MDMA and peyote.
Schedule II Substances: Have an accepted medical use but are subject to restrictions and have a high likelihood of addiction/abuse; includes Oxycodone, methamphetamine and cocaine.
Schedule III Substances: Have an accepted medical use and a lower likelihood of addiction/abuse than Schedule I or II substances; includes ketamine, anabolic steroids and testosterone.
Schedule IV Substances: Have an accepted medical use and a lower likelihood of addiction/abuse than Schedule III substances; includes Lorazepam, Clonazepam and Diazepam.
Schedule V Substances: Have an accepted medical use and a lower likelihood of addiction/abuse than Schedule IV substances; includes cough preparations with certain amounts of codeine, opium or other substances.
DRUG TRAFFICKING & POSSESSION
Georgia drug laws can generally be broken down into three basic categories: trafficking, possession with intent to distribute, or simple possession. While virtually all drug offenses in Georgia are felonies, trafficking offenses carry severe mandatory minimum prison sentences that increase with the quantity of the drugs.
DRUG TRAFFICKING LAWS IN GEORGIA:
Trafficking cocaine is defined as selling, manufacturing, delivering or knowingly possessing 28 or more grams of cocaine. If the quantity is at least 28 grams but less than 200 grams, the penalty is a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years. For quantities of at least 200 grams but less than 400 grams, the law requires a minimum sentence of 15 years. More than 400 grams of cocaine carries a minimum sentence of 25 years.
When it comes to morphine or opium (including heroin), a person commits the crime of trafficking when he or she possesses 4 or more grams. Selling, delivering or possessing 4 or more grams but less than 14 grams requires a minimum sentence of 5 years. Quantities between 14 grams and less than 28 grams require a sentence of at least 10 years. For 28 grams or more, the law demands a sentence of at least 25 years.
Trafficking in marijuana is defined as selling, manufacturing growing, delivering or possessing more than 10 pounds of marijuana. An amount greater than 10 pounds but less than 2,000 pounds requires at least a 5-year sentence. An amount between 2,000 but less than 10,000 pounds requires a minimum sentence of 7 years. For 10,000 or more pounds, the minimum sentence is 15 years.
For methamphetamine or amphetamine, trafficking involves the sale, delivery, or possession of 28 or more grams. Amounts between 28 but less than 200 grams will result in at least a 10-year sentence. For amounts between 200 but less than 400 grams, there is a mandatory minimum of 15 years. Greater amounts trigger a 25-year mandatory minimum sentence. Manufacturing these drugs carries its own penalties, which are virtually the same as above. The only difference is that the manufacturing of any amount under 200 grams requires a minimum sentence of 10 years.
While the above-listed sentences are mandatory minimum sentences, there are three different ways a defendant can be sentenced to less than the mandatory minimum. First, the District Attorney can file a motion asking the sentencing court to reduce or suspend a sentence if the defendant provides substantial assistance in the identification, arrest, or conviction of any other individuals in the drug operation. Second, the sentencing court may use its own discretion to depart from a mandatory minimum sentence if the defendant was not a leader in the drug operation, if the defendant did not possess a weapon, the criminal conduct did not result in a death or serious bodily injury, the defendant has no prior felonies, and the interests of justice will not be served by applying the mandatory minimum sentence. Third, the sentencing court may depart where the District Attorney and the defendant have agreed to a sentence that is below a mandatory minimum sentence.
DEFENDING DRUG TRAFFICKING & POSSESSION CHARGES:
In defending a drug charge, a criminal defense attorney will normally try to determine whether the search and seizure that led to the discovery of drugs was legal. If the drugs were discovered in a vehicle, the attorney will have to determine if the officer who stopped the vehicle had cause to do so. It will also have to be determined if the officer had cause to search the vehicle or if consent was given by the accused. If the drugs were discovered in a home, an attorney will have to verify that the search was based on a valid search warrant or other probable cause. If the police violated a person’s rights, a judge may be forced to suppress any evidence of drugs.
Another defense to drug charges is to argue that the defendant was not in possession of the drugs. A person’s mere presence where drugs are found is not enough for a conviction. There must be some additional evidence connecting the defendant to the drugs that were discovered.
There are two types of possession under the law. Actual possession occurs when the defendant had knowing and direct physical control over the drugs. Constructive possession occurs when the defendant had the power and intention to exercise control over drugs, but not actual possession. Constructive possession of contraband and participation in the illegal act may be shown by direct and circumstantial evidence. For example, a defendant’s attempts to flee or elude police; inconsistent explanation by the defendant for his behavior, the presence of significant amounts of contraband and drug paraphernalia in plain view, the defendant’s possession of large amounts of cash…or drug-related paraphernalia; evidence that the defendant was under the influence of drugs; or drug residue found on the defendant are circumstances from which a defendant’s intent to control contraband may be inferred. There is also a presumption that the owner of a dwelling or the owner or driver of a car is in possession of any drugs that are found in the home or car. This presumption may be rebutted if the defendant can show that others had equal access to the car or home.
You also have the defense of misidentification of the drug and/or analysis mistakes. Once in a while, a drug charge is reversed because there were actually no drugs involved. There are substances that can resemble illegal drugs. For example, some non-drug white powders may have the appearance of cocaine. It is the state’s responsibility to test and prove the substance it claims is an illegal drug is in fact so. This is done through professional lab testing. If there is an error in the analysis or the substance turns out not to be an illegal drug you can assert these as viable defenses.
Further, you have the defense of entrapment. Entrapment occurs when the government (or government agency) causes an innocent person to commit a crime. If you are going to assert this defense you bear the burden of proving: (1) it was the government that induced you to act and commit the crime; and (2) you did not have a predisposition to commit that crime. This is a common defense. Under the correct facts, it can be a successful argument or defense. Not every case will support an entrapment defense.
Many other potential defenses are available to a person accused of a drug crime. If you have been charged or are being investigated for a Georgia drug crime, you need an experienced Georgia defense lawyer who will defend your legal rights. Jeff Talley has successfully represented his clients charged with drug trafficking and drug possession for over 25 years. Jeff will work to safeguard your interests from arrest to outcome and investigate your charges for any sign of illegal search & seizure by law enforcement that may have violated your Constitutional rights. Jeff will negotiate with prosecutors to dismiss or reduce the charges against you. If your case goes to trial, he will bring persuasive presentations to court to try and beat the charges against you. Throughout the process, you will know that your rights are being protected. From the start to finish of his work, you receive prompt answers to your questions and concerns.
The information provided above is a very general summary of Georgia drug laws at the time this text was prepared. Because this analysis is subject to change depending upon recent cases and legal developments, you should not rely on this summary as legal advice. As with any important legal questions, you should always consult a Georgia criminal defense lawyer.
Child molestation charges create a sensitive, traumatic situation for everyone involved. It is also common for suspects in these cases to be falsely accused.
Child molestation charges are obviously very serious, and can be one of the most difficult criminal cases to properly defend. Jeff Talley has developed an effective approach to these cases through the use of qualified experts and investigators, proven defense theories, and plain old hard work to help his clients respond to false allegations of child molestation and related crimes.
Under Georgia law sex crimes against children include CHILD MOLESTATION and AGGRAVATED CHILD MOLESTATION. Child molestation is defined as performing any indecent or immoral act on or within close proximity of a child under 16 years of age while intending to satisfy the desires of the victim or the offender. The crime becomes aggravated when the conduct harms the child’s body or includes some form of sodomy.
Georgia law also makes it illegal to ENTICE CHILDREN FOR INDECENT REASONS, and to sexually exploit children. A person illegally entices a child when he propositions, lures, or transports a child to a location in order to molest the child or to perform acts that are deemed indecent.
SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A CHILD involves using, persuading, inducing, enticing or coercing any minor to participate in explicit behavior of a sensual nature in order to generate some visual depiction. Additionally, it is illegal for a person to generate, duplicate, dispense, encourage, convey, or own with the intention of conveying or dispensing any visual depiction of a child in such conduct. The same law also makes it illegal to possess such material.
DEFENDING CHILD MOLESTATION & OTHER SEX CRIMES:
Defending sex crime allegations is often a complicated and lengthy endeavor. Among the first steps is to examine the statements made by the alleged victim or witnesses for any inconsistencies and the circumstances under which the statements were made. Inconsistent statements or a failure by law enforcement to follow standard protocol in attaining statements are indicators that an allegation is false. Children are exceptionally prone to suggestibility and coercion by adults or other children. Police officers or social workers not trained in the practice of interviewing children often extract statements that are exaggerated or purely fabricated. The way questions are phrased may lead to inaccurate responses. In many cases, these statements may be taped and offered to a jury for their consideration.
Defense counsel should also conduct an investigation into the background of the people involved in the case. The purpose of a background investigation is to search for any motive or explanation as to why the allegations were made. For example, it is not unheard of during a heated divorce for there to be false allegations of molestation. Allegations of molestation are often made by an adult with grievances towards another adult. In fact, there are times when a witness’ testimony regarding a child’s out-of-court statements is simply too unreliable, and a judge will not allow a jury to hear it. In the case of alleged adult victims, the social and legal history of the alleged victim will be examined for any red flags. Accusations are often made based on embarrassment, jealousy, or other emotions when no crime has been committed.
Medical evidence is another common issue raised at trial. With many sex crimes allegations, a medical report is produced. It is important for a defense attorney to interview any treating physicians or nurses if possible, since not all important information is contained within a medical report. Factors such as timing, the degree and type of damage, and physical evidence must be compared with the allegations. An expert witness may be needed to show that the allegations do not match the medical evidence, or that the evidence is benign in nature.
It is important to remember that false allegations can and do lead to convictions. That’s why it is absolutely necessary to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who will defend your rights and fight for your interests. My firm has successfully represented those falsely accused of molestation and sex crimes for many years. If you have been accused of molestation or a sex crime, my firm may be able to help.
The information provided above is a very general summary of Georgia sex crime laws at the time the text was prepared. Because this analysis is subject to change depending upon recent cases and legal developments, you should not rely on this summary as legal advice. As with any important legal questions, you should always consult a lawyer. I am licensed to practice in the state and federal courts of Georgia.
Since child pornography cases are primarily based on computer-related evidence, attorneys who handle these cases should be well-versed in interpreting computer data and must be able to recognize and obtain the type of data that will prove the client’s innocence. It is vitally important for lawyers to know how to use and analyze computer evidence and, more importantly when to retain a computer forensics expert.
PEER-TO-PEER FILE SHARING PROGRAMS:
Most child pornography cases stem from the use of peer-to-peer file sharing programs such as Ares, eMule, and Shareaza that provide access to a vast network of files. Many people use these programs to download pornography and the majority of it is legal adult pornography. Occasionally, a person may accidentally download a file containing child pornography but may not realize this until the file is actually viewed. While deleting the file will keep it out of sight to the user, this does not remove it from the hard drive of the computer or device. Thus, a person who has accidentally downloaded child pornography will still remain in possession of the file well after it is deleted.
In order for your attorney to prove that the file was accidentally downloaded, it is critical for the attorney to analyze the file and folder properties on the computer. Many times legal counsel can obtain the search terms used by the client to prove that the download was accidental. Since law enforcement will never be looking for this type of evidence during their investigation, it is imperative for legal counsel to search for and obtain this evidence in order to prove the client’s innocence.
CACHE & DELETED FILES:
Anytime a website is viewed, all of the pictures and videos on that site are automatically downloaded to what are known as “cache files,” or “temporary internet files.” These files are downloaded without the user’s knowledge and may remain on the computer for a long period of time. These cache files very often lead to the unknowing possession of child pornography.
Another type of cache file is a “thumbs.db” file. Thumbs.db files are system cache files that are created by Windows and are associated with actual image files stored somewhere on the computer. These files are also stored without the user’s knowledge and are typically hidden from view. Even if the image file is later deleted from the computer, the thumbs.ds file will remain on the hard drive. The problem is that the thumbs.db file contains the same picture that the image file contains – just in a lower resolution. So, if an image of child pornography is deleted from the computer, the associated thumbs.db file, containing that very same image, will remain on the hard drive without the user’s knowledge.
In Barton v. State, the Georgia Court of Appeals held that the presence of child pornography saved in a person’s cache files does not, by itself, constitute knowing possession of child pornography. The ruling in Barton, also applies to deleted files found in the unallocated space of the computer. To provide that a person knowingly possessed cache files or deleted files in the unallocated space, the prosecution will have to prove that the person actively sought out and stored these files on the computer.
COMPUTER FORENSICS EXPERTS:
With the assistance of computer forensics experts, your attorney can usually prove when a user has accidentally downloaded or possessed child pornography. Using software such as EnCase or FTK, the expert can retrieve date from the hard drive that enables your attorney to retrace the steps that led to the unwanted files entering the computer. For instance, an expert can assist your attorney in locating search terms used with the file sharing programs, internet history data, file properties that can show when files were downloaded or deleted, as well as extract data that will help create timelines surrounding the downloading of the unlawful files.
It must be stressed that very little of this data can be obtained from the hard drive without the use of a computer forensics expert. My firm is fortunate to be able to work with some of the best experts in the field and with their assistance have successfully proven the innocence of many people.
Murder is the most serious criminal offense you can be accused of. While the victim always deserves adequate justice, it’s equally important for the suspect to be charged only if they truly committed the crime.
GEORGIA MURDER & VIOLENT CRIMES
MURDER occurs when an individual with premeditated malice unlawfully causes another person to die. The element of malice may be satisfied by showing an expressed or implied form of malice. The law also states that an individual commits murder when he causes the death of another while engaging in a felony. In such cases, malice does not have to be proven. The punishment for a conviction of murder is death or imprisonment for life.
Murder is reduced to a charge of VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER when the defendant’s actions are due to a passion that is impulsive, aggressive, and irresistible stemming from a grave provocation that would create the same passion in a reasonable person. Generally, there cannot be an opportunity for the defendant to have calmed down between the provocation and the killing. A conviction carries up to 20 years in prison.
If a person unintentionally kills another during the commission of an unlawful act, that is not a felony; he can be charged with INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER and receive a sentence of up to 10 years. If a person kills another unintentionally while performing a lawful act in an unlawful manner that is likely to cause great bodily harm, the person may also be charged with involuntary manslaughter; however, the conviction of such a crime is only a misdemeanor.
AGGRAVATED BATTERY occurs when a person’s actions cause physical injury to another person through the loss of a body part or through the loss of function of a body part. A charge of aggravated battery is also appropriate when the injury results in disfigurement of the victim’s body or a part of the body. A conviction will generally result in up to 20 years. An aggravated battery committed upon a law enforcement officer will result in a 10 to 20-year sentence. In addition, if the alleged victim was 65 or older, the sentence will be between 5 and 20 years.
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT is another serious crime in Georgia. An individual commits this crime when he assaults another with the intention of murdering, raping, or robbing. An aggravated assault can also be committed when a person assaults another with a lethal weapon or device likely to cause serious injury to the body, or that actually does cause such an injury. A third way to commit an aggravated assault is when a person discharges a firearm towards another from a vehicle without legal justification. A conviction of this crime carries a sentence of between 1 and 20 years. If the assault is committed upon an officer, the minimum sentence is increased to 5 years. If the alleged victim is 65 or older, the sentence is a minimum of 3 years.
KIDNAPPING is defined as abducting any person without lawful authority and holding such person against his or her will. Kidnapping differs from false imprisonment in that kidnapping requires an additional element of transportation or movement of the alleged victim. Kidnapping carries with it a 10 to 20-year sentence for victims 14 years and older. For a victim of less than 14, a defendant can receive 25 years to life. If bodily injury occurs during a kidnapping, the penalty is life imprisonment. The crime of false imprisonment carries with it a sentence of 1 to 10 years.
A charge of OBSTRUCTION OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER is a common charge. Obstruction occurs when a person deliberately opposes or resists any officer through a form of violence. It should be noted that this law requires that the officer be acting in his capacity as an officer for there to be a conviction. A conviction for obstruction carries with it a sentence of up to 5 years. Obstruction is a misdemeanor when a person deliberately hinders an officer from carrying out his duties, but no force or violence is involved.
DEFENDING MURDER & VIOLENT CRIME CHARGES:
A criminal defense attorney has many options in defending allegations of a violent crime. Of course, the state must always prove every element of a crime as charged. There can be no conviction if the state cannot prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. For instance, kidnapping requires several elements, including transportation. If there is no evidence that the victim was moved against his will, there can be no conviction.
A defense attorney will also investigate the arrest and any police investigations that were conducted for possible defenses. Part of this work usually involves investigating the witnesses and alleged victims. Violent crimes are often the result of personal or emotional situations when tempers are running high. When cooler heads prevail, stories may change and a witness’ trial testimony may be inconsistent with the initial statement.
Additionally, criminal allegations are often made against people who were justified in their actions. This is referred to as an affirmative defense. A person is justified in using force against another to the extent that he reasonably believes that such force is necessary to defend himself or a third person against anothers imminent use of unlawful force. Furthermore, Georgia provides that a person may use deadly force if he believes that it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily injury to himself or a third person or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.
Georgia also allows a person to defend his or her home. A person is justified in using force against another when he reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent or terminate another’s unlawful entry into the home. A person may use deadly force when the owner reasonably believes the intruder intends to assault someone or commit a felony inside the home. Deadly force is also generally allowed when the owner has reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry occurred when the intruder is not a member of the family or household. It is important to note that a person defending his or her home, self, or others has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground.
Many other defenses are available to someone accused of a violent crime. In many cases, a skilled attorney will be able to negotiate for a reduced charge or have a charge dismissed entirely. A reduction could mean the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor. The complexity and gravity of violent crime charges underscore the necessity of an experienced attorney who will defend your legal rights. For many years, my firm has successfully represented clients charged with violent crimes. If you have been charged with a violent crime, my firm may be able to help.
The information provided above is a very general summary of Georgia’s murder and violent crime laws at the time this text was prepared. Because this analysis is subject to change depending upon recent cases and legal developments, you should not rely on this summary as legal advice. As with any important legal questions, you should always consult a lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction. I am licensed to practice law in state and federal courts of Georgia.
Under Georgia law, ROBBERY occurs when a person with the intent to commit theft, takes the property of another or in the immediate presence of another by use of force, sudden snatching, intimidation, use of threat or coercion, or by placing a person in fear of immediate serious bodily injury to himself or another person.
An item that was taken does not need to have actual contact with the victim’s body. The item simply needs to be under the victim’s control or responsibility and not too distant from the victim. A conviction will result in a 1 to 20 year sentence. Additionally, if the victim was 65 or older, the defendant will be sentenced to between 5 and 20 years. The judge is also required to force the defendant to make restitution to any victim equal to the uncompensated portion of damages.
The more severe crime of ARMED ROBBERY is committed when a person intends to commit a theft and takes property from another or the immediate presence of another by use of an offensive weapon, or any replica, article, or device having the appearance of such a weapon. An offensive weapon is essentially anything that is likely to produce death or great bodily injury.
Even the use of a toy replica may be sufficient to convict someone of armed robbery. A conviction will result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years with the possibility of up to 20 years in prison. If the armed robbery occurs at a pharmacy in which the person takes a controlled substance and intentionally inflicts bodily injury upon any person, a conviction will result in a sentence of at least 15 years.
Georgia also makes it a separate offense for a person to possess or use a machine gun, sawed-off shotgun, sawed-off rifle, or a silencer-equipped firearm during the commission of a robbery. A conviction requires a sentence of 10 years which will run consecutively to any other sentences. A second offense will result in life imprisonment.
The crime of BURGLARY generally occurs when a person enters or remains within a building or structure without authority and with the intent of committing a felony or theft thereon. It is important to note that forced entry is not an element of burglary.
Intent to commit a felony or theft inside the home or structure may be inferred simply by the presence of valuables inside and no items need to have been actually taken for a conviction. A conviction will result in a 1 to 20 year sentence. A second conviction carries a 2 to 20 year sentence. A third offense carries a 5 to 20 year sentence.
A charge similar to burglary is CRIMINAL TRESPASS. However, criminal trespass is only a misdemeanor and often results from a reduced burglary charge. Criminal trespass may be committed in a variety of ways, including when a person knowingly and without authority enters upon the land or premises of another for an unlawful purpose. The crime can be also charged when a person enters upon the land or premises of another after being given notice by the owner that such entry is forbidden or remains upon the land or premises after being told to leave. Criminal trespass is also committed when a person intentionally damages property valued at $500.00 or less without consent. Similarly, this crime can be charged when a person knowingly and maliciously, interferes with the possession or use of the property of another without consent.
Defending Robbery & Burglary Cases
A criminal defense attorney has many options in defending allegations of robbery or burglary. Of course, the state must prove every element of the crime as charged. There can be no conviction if the state cannot prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. For instance, robbery requires several elements including the intent to commit theft. If there is no evidence of this intent, there generally can be no conviction.
Georgia also provides for two affirmative defenses in the crime of burglary. First, you have the defense of whether the defendant was authorized to be in the building or was authorized to enter the building. Any conflict in testimony between the defendant and the alleged victim is generally a question of credibility for the jury to resolve. The second affirmative defense is to argue a mistake of fact.
Many other potential defenses are available to a defendant accused of a robbery or burglary. If you have been charged with one of these offenses, you need an experienced Georgia attorney who will defend your legal rights. My firm has successfully represented clients charged with robbery and burglary and may be able to help.
The information provided above is a very general summary of Georgia’s robbery and burglary laws at the time this text was prepared. Because this analysis is subject to change depending upon recent cases and legal developments, you should not rely on this summary as legal advice. As with any important legal question, you should always consult a Georgia criminal defense lawyer. I am licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in Georgia.
In Georgia, theft crimes include several different offenses. A person commits theft by taking when he illegally takes another person’s property and intends to deprive that person of his property. It generally does not matter how the property was taken.
Theft crimes can also occur by deception. This happens when a person deceitfully acquires property of another and intends to deprive that person of his property. This type of theft may occur in many ways. For instance, a person who gives a wrong impression about some fact which allows him to take another’s property may be guilty of theft. Another way in which a person commits theft through deception is if he agrees to perform a service even though he has no intention of carrying out the agreement.
Theft may also occur by conversion. This happens when a person lawfully obtains funds or property of someone else under an agreement or legal obligation to apply the funds in a certain way or to carry out some action with the property, but instead uses it for himself.
Georgia law also recognizes that services may be stolen. A person breaks the law when he attains lodging, amusement, services or uses property and has the intention of evading payment for the services rendered. Georgia also makes it illegal to avoid payments due for rental or lease of personal property in certain situations. A person who uses a false ID, provides false information on a written contract, makes an instrument for the payment of money knowing that it will not be honored, returns property to a location that will not reasonably be known to the owner of the property, or abandons property at a location that is not the location agreed upon may be guilty of a crime.
A conviction of these crimes is a misdemeanor except in cases where the value of the property exceeds $500.00. If the property exceeds $500.00, a conviction will generally result in a 1 to 10-year sentence, or the trial judge may exercise discretion and convict the defendant of a misdemeanor. It should be noted that there are several exceptions. If a person commits theft by deception against a person who is 65 years or older and the value exceeds $500.00, a conviction will result in a sentence between 5 and 10 years. In addition, property that is stolen by a fiduciary in violation of his duties, or by an employee of a financial institution or government in violation of his obligations, will result in 1 to 15 years.
Financial transaction card theft is also a crime. This may occur in several different ways . A person who takes, obtains, or withholds such a card from the person of another without consent may be charged with theft. If a person has knowledge that a card has been taken, obtained, or withheld and receives the card with intent to use it, sell it, or transfer it to a person other than the issuer or owner, he may also be charged. It is also a crime for a person to receive a card that he knows to have been lost or delivered by mistake and to retain possession with the intent to use, sell, or transfer it. Georgia also makes it illegal to sell or purchase a card from a person other than the issuer. It can also be a crime to receive two or more cards in the names of someone else over a 12-month period. Generally, such offenses can result in a sentence of 1 to 3-years and up to a $500.00 fine. However, in some cases, the offense may be charged as theft by taking.
Georgia also recognizes several fraud related offenses including financial transaction card fraud. A person commits this offense when he has the intent to defraud and uses the card for the purpose of obtaining money, goods, services, or anything of value. Cards that fall under this law include those which are defined under the financial transaction card theft statute, or when a person knows the card is forged, expired, altered, revoke, or was obtained by fraudulent application. If the value in question exceeds $100.00, a conviction will generally result in a 1 to 3-year sentence and up to a $5,000.00 fine. In addition, Georgia law provides many other ways in which someone can be charged with financial transaction card fraud.
Deposit account fraud is also a crime in Georgia. A person commits this offense when he makes, utters, draws, executes, or delivers an instrument for the payment of money on any bank or other depository in exchange for money or some present consideration when he knows that it will not be honored by the drawee. Generally, a conviction of deposit account fraud when the amount in question is for $500.00 or more will result in a sentence up to 3 years and a possible $5,000.00 fine. If the instrument concerns a bank from another state, a conviction will result in a 1 to 5-year sentence.
DEFENDING GEORGIA THEFT CRIMES & FRAUD CHARGES
A criminal defense attorney has many options in defending allegations of theft or fraud. Of course, the state must prove every element of a crime as charged. There can be no conviction if the state cannot prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. For instance, theft by taking requires several elements including the intent to deprive the owner of his property. If there is no evidence of this intent, there generally can be no conviction.
A defense attorney will also investigate the arrest and any police investigations that were conducted for possible defenses arising from improper police conduct or procedures. A primary line of defense is to determine whether any searches or seizures conducted by police were legal. If evidence was discovered in a vehicle, the attorney will have to determine if the officer who stopped the vehicle had cause to do so. It will also have to be determined if the officer had cause to search the vehicle or if consent was given by the accused.
Many other potential defenses are available to a defendant accused of theft or fraud. If you have been charged with one of these offenses, you need an experienced attorney who will defend your legal rights.
The information provided above is a very general summary of Georgia’s theft and fraud law at the time this text was prepared. Because this analysis is subject to change depending upon recent cases and legal developments, you should not rely on this summary as legal advice. As with any important legal questions, you should always consult a Georgia criminal defense lawyer.
A traffic ticket not only can cost a person time and money, but it can also cost a person a clean driving record and increase insurance rates. In some cases, a traffic ticket can even result in a license suspension and/or job loss.
A traffic citation can have unexpected consequences that a driver may not have anticipated as in such cases of out-of-state drivers, drivers under 21, and CDL drivers. For this group of drivers, special restrictions and rules apply.
Hiring an experienced attorney who is local and is familiar with the court you are scheduled to appear in can be helpful in an effort to receive a positive outcome. We know that every case is different and at the Law Offices of Jeffery C. Talley we work hard to resolve cases favorably for our clients.
Reasons to Hire a Traffic Ticket Attorney:
In this list we offer 8 good reasons why having an attorney on your side is a smart idea.
Speeding Ticket:
A speeding ticket in Georgia can result in fines, higher insurance premiums, and possibly even a license suspension.
Georgia Super Speeder Law:
Georgia’s new Super Speeder Law went into effect on January 1, 2010. Any driver convicted of speeding whose speed exceeds thresholds of in O.C.G.A. Section 40-6-189 will be classified by the State of Georgia as a Super Speeder. Speeds exceeding 85 on the highway or 75 on any road are considered Super Speeder.
Georgia Under 21 Drivers:
Every driver under the age of 21 should consult with a Georgia Traffic Ticket attorney on any traffic citation they receive due to potential automatic license suspensions. In particular, the driver’s license of any person under 21 years of age convicted of hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident in violation of Code Section 40-6-270, racing on highways or streets, using motor vehicle in fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, reckless driving, any offense for which four or more are assessable under subsection (c) of Code Section 40-5-57, or a violation of Code Section 40-6-391 for driving under the influence shall be suspended by operation of law.
CDL Drivers:
Are you a commercial driver? If your livelihood depends on driving a tractor trailer and maintaining a CDL license for employment, you face even greater risks when you receive a traffic violation in Georgia.
Out-of-State Drivers:
What happens in Georgia does not stay in Georgia. Georgia likely shares your conviction information with other states, such as Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina. Take extra care when deciding to just pay a ticket and move on, it could dramatically affect your current state’s license, even resulting in a suspension.
Aggressive/Reckless Drivers:
Receiving an aggressive or reckless driving citation is a serious misdemeanor offense. If your driving record and ability to drive is important to you, then hiring a skilled defense attorney would be in your best interest. This offense, if convicted, could ultimately result in jail time and serious fines. As defined by Georgia Law, a reckless driver is someone who was driving their vehicle with disregard for the safety of others and may have caused a collision due to their recklessness.
Speeding/Speeding in Work/School Zone:
In a work or school zone, a driver cited for speeding can anticipate a fine to be double of what your average speeding ticket penalty would be.
Driving on Suspended License:
A citation for driving on a suspended license is charged as a misdemeanor in the State of Georgia. A license suspension can occur for a number of reasons, not knowing your license is suspended is not a defense to the citation. A fine of $500.00 to $1,000.00 and 2 days in jail is likely. However, a skilled attorney would be in a position to provide numerous defenses to such a change, including a reduced charge.
Attorney Jeffery C. Talley, Criminal Defense Attorney serving clients throughout North Georgia.
Hours: Monday-Sunday 8am-7pm