Cash bail, and the bail bonds system as we know it, was not always a feature of the criminal justice system. The system we have in America today started long before America was even discovered. So to understand how we got here, we have to go back and look at England, somewhere between AD … Continued
If you’re arrested and awaiting release on bail, every minute can seem like an eternity. At such times, it’s easy to feel that your situation is entirely out of your control. Fortunately, that’s not entirely true. There are a few things you can do to help expedite the bail process and get you released as … Continued
Being arrested and charged with a crime is something none of us wants to think about. But if it happens to you, or to someone you love, what would you do? Awaiting a trial date in jail can be an agonizing process, for both the arrestee and their family. You risk losing your job, … Continued
Rebuilding your life after a conviction can be challenging. If you have a criminal record, it can be difficult to get a job, obtain a lease, start a business, or secure a bank loan. One way to get your life back after serving a sentence is to seek a pardon. But who has the … Continued
We often here that someone’s past arrest or criminal record has been “expunged”—but what exactly does that mean and how does it affect you? To better understand the concept of expungement and how it is applied in Georgia, let’s take a look at some basics. What Is Expungement? The term “expungement” refers to a … Continued
Crimes committed by juvenile offenders can often have ramifications that extend far into adult life, even if the person never re-offends. One’s ability to obtain certain types of employment, to secure a bank loan, or to rent an apartment can be affected by convictions incurred while under the age of 18. And getting a … Continued
The arrest of a parent, sibling, or other loved one can be traumatic for any child. While many kids have some idea of what an arrest is, few if any are emotionally prepared to see someone they love led away by the police. So how can you best explain an arrest to children without … Continued
In 1990 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police sobriety checkpoints on public roadways do not violate a citizen’s Constitutional protection against illegal search and seizure. This ruling has had nationwide repercussions regarding the way police departments can (and cannot) attempt to stop intoxicated drivers who have not committed a traffic violation or been … Continued
As in much of the nation, the bail system in Cobb County, Georgia is set up to encourage defendants to make each and every appointed court date. Skipping bail (also called “failure to appear” or “FTA”) is a serious offense that can have an array of unpleasant consequences. Much of what happens after you … Continued
If this is your first encounter with the criminal justice system in the state of Georgia, some of the routine protocols and procedures might seem confusing. One common question is, “Will my bail be set by a magistrate or a judge?” To provide a complete answer, we must look briefly at the order of … Continued
