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DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer - Rockdale County, Conyers, Georgia
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8 Things You Didn’t Know about SHOPLIFTING (IN GEORGIA).

January 17, 2017 conyerslawyer Criminal Defense

We all know someone who has been accused of “Shoplifting”. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they smuggled something out of the store without paying, or that they were necessarily accused of just shoplifting. Georgia law explains that there is a lot of ways to be accused, and some of them you may not be aware of. Other states have different guidelines, so be sure to check out the particulars for your state.

shoplifting
A simple shopping trip with friends could end up in an arrest.

 

Thus, I bring you a short list of things you probably didn’t know about shoplifting in Georgia, but should:

  1. YOU DON’T HAVE TO STEAL SOMETHING OUT OF THE STORE TO SHOPLIFT.

 

Georgia Law says that you don’t even have to take the item out of the store without paying for it. You could carry it around with you and never make it outside of the store nor make any attempt to leave the store before getting “caught” shoplifting. There are many ways to be convicted or accused of shoplifting even when you pay for the item (see below).

 

Shoplifting

 

 

  1. IF YOU CONCEAL OR “TAKE POSSESSION” OF THE GOOD OR MERCHANDISE, YOU COULD BE CONVICTED OF SHOPLIFTING.

 

Even if you don’t leave the store, by merely concealing the store item, a case against you could be brought against you if caught.

 

shoplifting

 

 

  1. IF YOU PEEL OFF THE PRICE TAG STICKER … YOU COULD BE ACCUSED OF SHOPLIFTING.

Altering the price tag or other price marking on goods or merchandise of any store or retail establishment can get you accused of being a shoplifter.

 

 shoplifting price sticker tag

 

 

  1. IF YOU THINK THAT DETERGENT IS TOO LOW, AND YOU TRANSFER A LITTLE OF DETERGENT FROM ONE CONTAINER TO THE ONE YOU INTEND TO PURCHASE… (YOU GUESSED IT – ) SHOPLIFTER.

Transferring the goods or merchandise of any store or retail establishment from one container to another can be considered shoplifting

 

shoplifting detergent

 

 

  1. CHANGING A PRICE TAG FROM ONE ITEM TO ANOTHER, EVEN IF ITS SIMILAR… CAN BE SHOPLIFTING.

A person interchanging the label or price tag from one item of merchandise with a label or price tag for another item of merchandise may be a reason to investigate you.

 

shoplifting price tag

 

 

  1. IF YOU TELL THE CASHIER THE ITEM IS ON SALE AND YOU WANT A LOWER PRICE… WHEN IT REALLY WASN’T IT CAN STILL BE A THEFT CRIME.

A person who wrongfully causes the amount paid to be less than the merchant’s stated price for the merchandise can easily be accused of shoplifting.

Shoplifting wrong sale price

 

 

  1. SHOPLIFTING CAN BE A MISDEMEANOR… OR A FELONY.

Shoplifting in Georgia can either be a Felony or a Misdemeanor; it simply depends on the facts of the case. A fact that is always considered is the value of the items stolen. Another fact is if you have been convicted of shoplifting before at any time.

 

shoplifting

 

 

  1. YOU MAY NOT BE ACCUSED OF THEFT BY SHOPLIFTING… BUT YOU MAY BE ACCUSED OF A DIFFERENT THEFT LAW.

There’s nine different types of “Theft” defined in Georgia law in the stature. The Georgia shoplifting law statutes are as follows:

 

  • O.C.G.A. § 16-8-14 THEFT BY SHOPLIFTING,
  • O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2 THEFT BY TAKING,
  • O.C.G.A. § 16-8-3 THEFT BY DECEPTION,
  • O.C.G.A. § 16-8-4 THEFT BY CONVERSION,
  • O.C.G.A. § 16-8-5 THEFT OF SERVICES,
  • O.C.G.A. § 16-8-7 THEFT OF LOST OR MISLAID PROPERTY,
  • O.C.G.A. § 16-8-8 THEFT BY RECEIVING PROPERTY STOLEN IN ANOTHER STATE,
  • O.C.G.A. § 16-8-9 THEFT BY BRINGING STOLEN PROPERTY INTO THE STATE, and
  • O.C.G.A. § 16-8-16 THEFT BY EXTORTION.

 

 

 

If you were accused of shoplifting, and need some help understanding your charge, call us to speak about your legal problem.

Received Client’s Choice Award 2015

October 28, 2016 conyerslawyer Criminal Defense

Lawyer Gordon Hall | Lawyer Criminal Defense

We are pleased to announce we have obtained the badge for Client’s Choice Award 2015. Check out our PRO AVVO PROFILE.

Questions and Answers about Criminal Defense

September 22, 2016 conyerslawyer Criminal Defense

There are many common questions (And answers) about criminal defense. Questions and answers about criminal defense can vary from case to case and from facts regarding the case. This is by no means legal advice. If you need specific legal advice about your criminal defense matter or you have your own questions, you can feel free to call us for a consultation. Importantly, the consultation will be with an attorney that will consult you on your questions and answers about criminal defense for your case. Even though this is not to be construed as legal advice, you can get a legal consultation and advice on the particulars of your case when you consult a lawyer in person or via phone.

 

The questions and answers about criminal defense that are very common are as follows:

Can I go to jail for a misdemeanor charge?

The answer to this question is most certainly, yes. Misdemeanors are punishable by jail time up to a year in prison. The amount of jail time varies greatly depending on the misdemeanor crime. In some cases, you will not face little jail time. However, in other cases, you face a lot of jail time. In either case, an attorney can help you negotiate your jail time with alternatives, mitigating circumstances, or weekend jail time. No attorney should guarantee a particular outcome, but you can seek advice on what similar cases with similar facts have been able to be reduced in jail time.

Can I go to jail for a felony charge?

If you can go to jail for a misdemeanor up to a year, you can go to jail for a felony charge. Felony charge are usually defined as a crime with a year or more of jail time as a penalty if convicted. However, every person convicted of a felony charge does NOT go to jail. Sure, the majority do, but not all. You certainly can increase your chances of staying out of jail by hiring an attorney to look at all the aspects of your case. By hiring a lawyer, you can increase your chances of your charges being dismissed or reduced.

How much is my fine?

There are many ways you can investigate how much your fine amount. A rule of thumb, for misdemeanor cases, is that your fine amount will be pretty close to the amount of your bail. If you didn’t get arrested you can call the clerk to get an estimate of your fine amount. When you hire an attorney, the law office will conduct your case facts, including the amount of the original fine. Keep in mind fine amounts may sometimes be reduced.

Do I have to get drug tested for my criminal defense matter?

Can you? Yes. Will you? It depends on a number of factors. One factor is the type of charge you are charged with. Is the charge related to drugs? If so, your chances just got higher for having to drug test. Some judges require a clean drug test in order to enter into a pre-negotiated plea, before sentencing, before entering a pretrial diversion program, or before dismissing the case. Your attorney will be able to give you a better case analysis prediction on this question  based on the particular facts of your case.

What will happen in court at my criminal defense hearing?

 

Is this criminal defense a misdemeanor or a felony?

There are instances in which you have many charges. Some could be felonies, while others could remain misdemeanors. Sometimes you only have one charge, but are unsure of the type of charge. If you got arrested, the jail should be able to tell you or a family member the charges and whether it is in their system as a felony or misdemeanor. Another place that can inform is the clerk’s office. If you are going to a Superior court for criminal charges AND the county has a state court, your case is most likely a felony. Likewise, if you are going to State court for a criminal charge your case is probably a misdemeanor. Your lawyer will be able to investigate each of your charges and give you the information on what type of charge they are.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

A misdemeanor is punishable for up to a year in prison and is considered a lessor crime. Felonies are punishable for a year or more in prison. Also, it is considered a more serious crime. A good attorney can explain the differences based on your particular charges.

 

Need more questions and answers about criminal defense? Call us for a no-obligation consultation.

Battery Charge with Boyfriend / Husband or Girlfriend / Wife

September 15, 2016 conyerslawyer Assault, Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence, Family Violence, Family Violence Battery

Have a criminal defense battery charge because of a misunderstanding with your girlfriend or boyfriend you are living with? Perhaps you had a criminal battery charge because of an argument with your wife? Are you a wife and had a criminal battery charge put on you for an argument with your husband? Did an argument escalate out of proportion?

What do you do? Get a lawyer.

 

What does Georgia law say that a battery is?

A battery is defined in the Georgia Statute under OCGA 16-5-23.1 as follows: “A person commits the offense of battery when he or she intentionally causes substantial physical harm or visible bodily harm to another.

“A person commits the offense of battery when he or she intentionally causes substantial physical harm or visible bodily harm to another.”

 

What can I get if I get a battery? Will I get jail time if I get a battery?

The punishment depends on several factors, including whether this is your first, second, third, or more time getting a battery charge. Whether or not it is with a family member (which can include a person living with you in the same household). An example of a second family violence could be “Upon a second or subsequent conviction of family violence battery against the same or another victim, the defendant shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years.” O.C.G.A. 16-5-23.1 (f)(2).

An experienced attorney can give you a better explanation of what an outcome could look like for your particular case. Jail time can be reduced, or eliminated on some occasions. A person must speak with a legal analysis attorney to get legal advice on what to do.

 

It is scary to see a small argument escalate into a police arrest.

In an argument, there are two or more people. On occasion, one is arrested. In other circumstances, both  or all parties are arrested. Each must usually get their own lawyer when there are multiple arrests. Battery charges occurred where you are living with a roommate, girlfriend, boyfriend, spouse, adult child, or other friend or family members can carry a more severe penalty. It is a scary situation to be in when you are arrested for a battery charge. However, the battery charge does not need to be faced alone. Your attorney can devise a plan specifically for your case so that you can get your life back together.

Steps your attorney can guide you through:

  1. Your attorney can obtain all of the police reports, incident reports, police video, police photographs, and any other information with your battery charge.
  2. Your attorney can help you verify the family violence intervention classes the court will order you to take as a condition of your bond.
  3. Your attorney will help you understand all of the special conditions of your bond for your battery charge.
  4. Your lawyer will help you obtain the documentation necessary so that you can request to not be present at the special status hearing prior to the arraignment court.
  5. Your lawyer will attend the (sometimes mandatory) arraignment (hearing) calendar with you and explain to you your charges.
  6. Your lawyer can put into perspective what the battery charge could result in, and give proper legal advice on how to proceed on the case.
  7. Your attorney can have a pretrial conference with the DA to get a better understanding of what the State wishes to do in your case.
  8. Your lawyer can have a pretrial conference with the DA to explain your side of the story.

There are much more things your attorney can do, but these are just a few of the most important steps your attorney will take a case that has battery charges.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

September 15, 2016 conyerslawyer Criminal Defense

Criminal Law, Criminal Charges, & Criminal Defense Lawyer

Especially noteworthy, “Criminal” carries a negative connotation and feeling in our society. Of course, it’s a scary situation when you are under arrest, get a warrant, or even receive a citation. A Criminal Defense Lawyerlocated near you in Rockdale County, Conyers, Georgia can help you with your criminal defense matter.

Can I go to jail for a misdemeanor charge?

Can I go to jail for a felony charge?

How much is my fine?

Do I have to get drug tested for my criminal defense matter?

What will happen in court at my criminal defense hearing?

Is this criminal defense a misdemeanor or a felony?

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

The above are all typical questions that our clients first ask us. Although we are not the court or the judge to make a final determination, we can walk by your side. In addition, every legal step of the troublesome criminal defense process is planned by your Criminal Defense Lawyer.

Legal Expertise from a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Furthermore, you can count on us to provide you with legal aid to all  felony criminal defense matters. We also handle misdemeanors. In addition, we have several years’ experience in handling criminal  defense matters. Another attribute we have is a proven system to handle your criminal matter so that the legal system does NOT “railroad” you in your criminal defense case. We have legal expertise and knowledge that can give you a peace of mind. Most noteworthy, we offer you an entire legal team handling your criminal defense matter. and a Criminal Defense Lawyer on your side at every court hearing.

Criminal Defense Lawyer can get your Life back on track

Most of all, do not let a criminal defense case ruin your life. Let us be of service to you and provide you with the legal expertise you need by your side. We can walk with you in this troublesome time, and be a zealous advocate for not only your case but for your life.

Violence Charge with Girlfriend or Wife

September 7, 2016 conyerslawyer Assault, Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence, Family Violence, Family Violence Battery

Have a criminal defense violence charge because of a misunderstanding with your girlfriend or boyfriend you are living with? Perhaps you had a criminal charge because of an argument with your wife? Are you a wife and had a criminal violence charge put on you for an argument with your husband?

What do you do? Get a lawyer.

It is scary to see a small argument escalate into a police arrest.

In an argument, there are two or more people. In occasion, one is arrested. In other circumstances, both  or all parties are arrested. Each must usually get their own lawyer when there are multiple arrests. Violence charges occurred where you are living with a roommate, girlfriend, boyfriend, spouse, adult child, or other friend or family members can carry a more severe penalty. It is a scary situation to be in when you are arrested for a violence charge. However, the violence charge does not need to be faced alone. Your attorney can devise a plan specifically for your case so that you can get your life back together.

Steps your attorney can guide you through:

  1. Your attorney can obtain all of the police reports, incident reports, police video, police photographs, and any other information with your violence charge.
  2. Your attorney can help you verify the violence intervention classes the court will order you to take as a condition of your bond.
  3. Your attorney will help you understand all of the special conditions of your bond for your violence charge.
  4. Your lawyer will help you obtain the documentation necessary so that you can request to not be present at the special status hearing prior to the arraignment court.
  5. Your lawyer will attend the (sometimes mandatory) arraignment (hearing) calendar with you and explain to you your charges.
  6. Your lawyer can put into perspective what the violence charge could result in, and give proper legal advice on how to proceed on the case.
  7. Your attorney can have a pretrial conference with the DA to get a better understanding of what the State wishes to do in your case.
  8. Your lawyer can have a pretrial conference with the DA to explain your side of the story.

There are much more things your attorney can do, but these are just a few of the most important steps your attorney will take a case that has violence charges.

How to find an attorney with DUI experience?

August 31, 2016 conyerslawyer Criminal Defense, DUI - Driving Under the Influence

While it seems like every attorney on google claims to be the “best” DUI lawyer, how do you know if the attorney is any good with DUI charges? First, what type of training does the attorney have? Wouldn’t you want to hire a lawyer who has DUI experience and the same training as the officer regarding DUI investigation? Only then would your attorney be really good at knowing what questions to ask and how to ask them.

DUI Attorney Must Have NHTSA Training

While attorney Gordon Hall has NHTSA training, many attorneys do not. What is NHTSA? NHTSA stands for “National Highway Traffic Safety Administration”. NHTSA standards on a DUI arrest are approximately 4000 pages of required procedures that must be followed by a police officer before and after making a dui arrest. If there was an error on your arrest, our attorney and investigators could find it with their extensive training on NHTSA procedures and standards for DUI arrests. Our attorney knows what the police are supposed to do, and he knows how to fight your DUI when the police didn’t do what they were trained to do.

DUI Lawyer Must Update Their Training

We offer you our DUI experience, our extensive knowledge, and our desire to fight for your case. Of course, we offer what the other guys do. 10-day letter (new law – now you have 30 days!!!). ALS Hearing. Good old fashion well-thought out legal advice. Yet, we bring a little more to the plate. We strive to always stay on top of the new laws and regulations.  We are constantly seeking to improve our knowledge through classes, seminars, continuing education, and literature tailored to our DUI arrests. That’s how our legal staff continues to lead in DUI defense.  That’s how Mr. Hall achieves good results.  We receive extensive DUI NHTSA training.  This training and in court experience develops the knowledge needed to build a case that can be fought and won in the court.

Scientific Evidence

The state will use scientific evidence in a DUI case. Therefore, our attorney can help you fight for your case, even when it seems all hope is lost. Because he understands the science required to validate, or invalidate, a DUI arrest. Don’t lose hope. Call us to lend a helping hand with our DUI experience on this scientific area of law.

Don’t settle for the cheapest attorney, find the best attorney your money can afford.  A good DUI attorney has the NHTSA DUI investigation training, DUI experience, and creativity necessary to fight your case. Let us give you a peace of mind and the attention you deserve.

For more information about impaired driving, visit NHTSA at http://www.nhtsa.gov/Impaired

DUI Lawyer Near Me

June 22, 2016 conyerslawyer Criminal Defense, DUI - Driving Under the Influence

Many different lawyers have websites that advertise their firms take DUI cases all over Georgia. Consequently, they even take cases out of state. However, “DUI lawyer near me” is what most people that have a DUI look for. Yet what sets us apart from the rest of the DUI lawyers? Seems like a DUI lawyer “near me” what you you are searching for, isn’t it?  Seems like this office is the “DUI lawyer near me” that you are looking for!

A LOCAL LAWYER.

First of all, we have a real office steps away from the courthouse. Our faces are recognized by the local courts because they actually see us inside the courts every week.  The DUI LAWYER NEAR ME is how we like to describe ourselves.  We make sure that we provide our clients with the “DUI lawyer near me” experience they are looking for.

A LAWYER THAT COMMUNICATES.

In addition, the person searching for a “DUI lawyer near me”  usually wants to be able to have the accessibility of face time with their lawyer or lawyer’s trained staff of legal assistants, paralegals, and investigators. We make sure that you do not feel disconnected from us throughout this hard time in your life. This “DUI LAWYER NEAR ME” approach provides all of our clients with the connection they seek to have with their lawyer. We offer our clients a range of services that include in-person meetings, phone communication, mail correspondence, and email correspondence. We do everything possible to make you feel like we are always the “DUI lawyer near me”. Opposite is the DUI lawyer that you feel is hundreds of miles away. This is due to those other lawyers having a  lack of office accessibility or lack of communication.

A LAWYER THAT FIGHTS.

Most of all, as the DUI LAWYER NEAR ME that we consider ourselves to be, we take our clients’ cases very seriously, and are very aggressive with the manner in which we defend a DUI. Most noteworthy, we take special pride having the honor to fight your case.

We are the “DUI Lawyer Near Me” you are looking for.

Hence, do not settle for just any lawyer, find a a DUI LAWYER that gives high quality legal work and offers you the peace of mind. In conclusion, contact your DUI Lawyer, Gordon Hall today, and let your trained attorney and his trained paralegal, his trained investigator, his trained legal assistant, and the rest of his trained team to FIGHT your DUI case for you so you can stop worrying about how to find the right DUI LAWYER NEAR ME. Let our firm be the right “DUI LAWYER NEAR ME” for you and for your peace of mind.

DUI Lawyer Near Me

Do I have to go to court on my court date?

December 11, 2015 conyerslawyer Criminal Defense

You have a full-time job.  You are a full-time caretaker. Perhaps have some other responsibility. “Do I have to go to court?” is a question that is commonly asked by our clients. The answer, as with many questions, is “it depends”. Sometimes, your first court hearing in a criminal matter (after preliminary and bond hearings) will be an arraignment court hearing. In an arraignment hearing, some jurisdictions, such as Rockdale County State Court and Rockdale County Superior court, allow your attorney to file an arraignment. The waiver of arraignment excuses you, the client, meaning you do not have to go to court for that particular matter. However, this is a decision made by you and your attorney, and sometimes it is not available. For example, family violence charges often have a mandatory arraignment calendar. You MUST consult with your attorney to see if your first arraignment hearing can be waived because there are courts that want you to go to court and will not waive the arraignment.

Case Analysis Prior to Court

With our clients, we do a thorough analysis of the case prior to the first court hearing. We usually conduct a full investigation that includes obtaining reports, and sometimes video and other evidence the police may have on file to use against you.

Not Guilty Plea

With our clients, we know that our client has a defense and is declaring himself “not guilty”. This is because we are fighting for their case. We do a legal analysis first. If we find it beneficial to the client, and the client has a pressing reason why they cannot go to court, we explore options. Doing a waiver of arraignment and/or not guilty plea (when available) allows our client to not have to go to court once. We can explore the option of  waiving the arraignment where the Court allows it. This allows our client to not have to go to that first arraignment court hearing, saving time for the client.

Consult with an Attorney for your particular case. You may or may not have to go to your first court hearing.

Every case is different, but you can consult with your attorney to explore all your options. There are many other case-specific scenarios that may apply to you. Even if you do have to attend your first court hearing, it is best to go to court with an attorney representing you. Give yourself the peace of mind of taking a dedicated legal professional by your side to fight your case and find the legal questions, like Do I have to go to court on my court date?

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