Articles Posted in Criminal Defense

On February 18, 2025, the Georgia Supreme Court issued a new decision in Clark v. The State, a case that clarified the role of the Department of Community Supervision (DCS) in notifying courts about probation termination eligibility. The Court held: While DCS has a mandatory obligation to provide notice under OCGA § 17-10-1(a)(1)(B), a failure…

In State v. Johnson, the Georgia Court of Appeals reinforced the principle that search warrants must be specific in their scope and cannot be broadly interpreted to authorize additional searches beyond what was originally permitted. In this case, the court ruled that a search warrant obtained to test a driver’s blood for alcohol cannot be…

In Forrest v. State, the Georgia Court of Appeals clarified the O.C.G.A. § 17-10-11, specifically regarding a defendant’s right to credit for time served before sentencing. This case is a critical reminder that trial courts must abide by the law’s broad mandate and leave the final calculation of time-served credit to the Department of Corrections…

In State v. Pelayo, the Defendant appealed his 2022 conviction for raping his niece, arguing that the jury instruction on the statute of limitations was incorrect. He was correct and the case was dismissed. The defendant was convicted for a rape that occurred in 1995 or 1996 when his niece was approximately 12 years old.…

If you or a loved one are facing the daunting prospect of a guilty plea hearing in Forsyth County, Dawson County, or anywhere else in North Georgia, you’re likely experiencing a mix of anxiety and uncertainty. Understanding what happens during this crucial part of the legal process can help you feel more prepared and informed.…

Understanding the Bonding Process in Georgia: Your Guide to Getting Your Friends and Family Out of Jail Welcome to Richman Law Firm’s blog, where we are committed to helping our clients navigate the legal system in Georgia. One crucial aspect of the criminal justice process in our state is understanding the bonding process. Whether you’re…

If the police call you on the phone and ask whether you were involved in a crime, it is important to remain calm and take the following steps: It is also important to be aware of your rights during a police encounter. If the police stop you on the street or pull you over in…

Probation is a type of sanction imposed instead of a prison sentence, and it requires you to abide by specific rules and restrictions as part of your sentence. You must meet with a “probation officer” regularly who will monitor progress and ensure you comply with all terms and conditions required by the judge. Think of…

Another Wrongful Conviction Because Prosecutors Withheld Evidence Finally free, Devonia Inman can look forward to starting over with his life today. He was exonerated after years spent wrongfully convicted; 23 to be exact. He is now a free man thanks to his defense attorneys. Inman, who claimed his innocence all along, was finally proven innocent…

WHAT IS RECKLESS STUNT DRIVING? This new law is called “Reckless Stunt Driving.” It will crack down pretty harshly on street racers in Georgia. Here’s what you need to know about Georgia’s new statute on reckless stunt driving: § 40-6-390.1 – This will be considered a misdemeanor traffic offense and much more than just a…