201808.27
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Georgia Officers Shoot Tennessee Shoplifting Suspect

A case of shoplifting in Tennessee quickly turned into a shooting in the state of Georgia, as police chased two suspects suspected of shoplifting in Bradley County, Tennessee across the state line into Georgia. Georgia state troopers then used a maneuver to halt the suspects, at which time the male driver surrendered, but the woman…

201808.20
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Georgia’s New Hands-Free Law

Most all of us have done it at one time or another—used our cell phone while driving. While knowing full well how dangerous the habit is, most drivers believe they can use a cell phone safely while driving. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, despite the fact that cell phone use may be…

201805.07
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Failure to Appear in Georgia

In February of 1934, John Sheehan Jr. failed to appear in Magistrate Court to answer a charge of suspicion of larceny. That failure to appear cost Sheehan his $1,000 bail bond and resulted in a warrant being issued for his arrest. Failure to appear warrants are used across the United States to “persuade” those who…

201804.23
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Is Raising a Middle Finger Considered Disorderly Conduct in Georgia?

While the Georgia disorderly conduct statutes can be a bit murky, last year the Georgia Supreme Court made a decision regarding at least one action which might be considered disorderly conduct. The issue at hand was “flipping the bird” and the Court ruled that without additional bad behavior, showing a middle finger is protected in…

201803.02
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Georgia Police Sued by the ACLU Over DUI Marijuana Arrests

A Georgia police department—as well as one specific police officer in the department—has been sued for the arrest of three people based on a report by a so-called “drug recognition expert.” Each of the three plaintiffs were accused of driving under the influence of marijuana by a police officer in the Cobb County Police Department….

201802.21
1

Changes to GA DUI Ignition Interlock Permits

According to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization, ignition interlock devices have prevented some 1.77 million drunk driving attempts in the United States. An ignition interlock device is installed on a vehicle to prevent it from starting if any alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath when they blow into the device. The ignition interlock…

201801.24
1

Are Georgia DUI Warrants Being Legally Obtained?

In September of this past year, it was found that in Augusta, and possibly Richmond County as well, hundreds of DUI warrants were signed court employees (mostly court clerks) across the state, giving permission for invasive blood draws. This practice has been going on since March 2015, apparently on a fairly regular basis. A civil…

201801.10
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Georgia Supreme Court Clarifies the Rights of Drivers Suspected of DUI

This past fall, the Georgia Supreme Court issued some “clarifications” regarding the rights those suspected of DUI have, most specifically as those rights relate to Georgia’s implied consent law, as well as the interactions DUI suspects have with police officers. What came through loud and clear from the Supreme Court is that police officers may…

It’s the American Way
201707.01
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It’s the American Way

A big hello to my fellow American gals and guys! The 4th of July is upon us (YAY!) and Miss Melanie is back to give you guidance on how to enjoy the holiday festivities. In my humble opinion, a proper celebration of the 4th must include Old Glory, fireworks and delicious food and beverage. It’s…

201702.03
1

Rise Up! And toasted-itos??

Can I get a Hallelujah? Can I get an Amen?!?!? Our Atlanta Falcons are in the Super Bowl! Y’all know I cannot let this glorious (read: overdue) occasion go by without a bit of advice from Miss Melanie. For those of you going to the game: Get off my blog! You are dead to me….