As a senior in college, you’re old enough to go out and drink with friends and colleagues. You’re celebrating being so close to the end of your schooling, and you’re getting ready to start your career. What you may not have thought would ever happen was that you’d end...
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Valdosta Legal Blog
Can you be blamed for someone else’s drug use?
You and your friends spend a lot of time together. You ride in each other’s vehicles, share jackets and even swap clothing once in a while. You were carrying a bag for your friend at a local event when a police officer approached your group with their K-9. The dog, a...
How you act during a DUI arrest can affect your defense
By the time a police officer turns on their flashing lights and siren, they believe they already have probable cause to suspect a driving infraction. From the moment you roll down your window, their main goal will be to gather more evidence to confirm their...
Can you get a DUI because of over-the-counter medications?
If you are taking over-the-counter medications for a cold or for another illness, it’s important that you understand how those medications could impact you. Even though those drugs are available freely, there is a possibility that you could have side effects that may...
How can college students avoid expulsion after a drug charge?
Drug charges can be a significant issue for college students. Obviously, jail time could affect someone's academic performance. Needing to prepare for court could lead to distractions that affect someone's grades. A conviction even without a jail sentence could affect...
Georgia’s Super Speeder law explained
For more than a decade, drivers in Georgia have been subject to a special type of fee if a police officer catches them going extra fast. The statute behind this potentially expensive change is called the Super Speeder law. Even if you have never gotten fined under the...
Ignition interlock device – what is it, and when will I need one?
Georgia’s laws regarding DUIs (driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs) give quite a bit of discretion to judges. This means that there are some penalties that will always apply to intoxicated drivers, while others are up to the judge to decide. Among...
If I take a plea deal, will the original charge show up on my record?
If the state charges you with a criminal offense, you may have the opportunity to plead guilty to a lesser charge. This offers the benefits of a lighter sentence and a less serious mark on your criminal record. You may still be worried about having the more severe...
Binge drinking and marijuana use remain high among college students
When students go off to college, they often are excited about the freedom that will bring. They are ready to make decisions on their own and enjoy the full college experience. For many students, the college experience includes going to big parties, where they may...
Does a misdemeanor stay on your record forever?
Even though everyone makes mistakes, some mistakes lead to criminal charges. If you have a misdemeanor conviction on your record, it may plague you for years. After all, employers can typically find misdemeanor convictions when performing background checks. In...