Friday, June 29, 2012

Drug Offense Attorneys Lawrenceville

Question: I have a drug charge from 2002. will be off probation 12/2/10, never got into anymore trouble.

My question is this: My lawyer at the time I was sentanced- he refused ot plead me first offenders which means 5 years probation. then after that your record id sealed.

What can I do to get me Felony charge hidden. Im a Certified Medical assistant and was, way before i ever got introuble.

What can i do so that when employers pull my background check along w/ criminal recored.. it looks bad.

Answer: There is nothing you can do to hide the felony chrage. And 1st offender would not have hidden the offense either. First offender means if you complete the terms and conditions of the sentence successfully you will not have a felony conviction. 1st offender does not keep you out of jail. 1st offender does not seal your record. 1st offender does not give you an expungement. 1st offender means when your employer pulls your criminal history, he will see teh crime you were arrested for, the crime you pled guilty to and 1st offender as the disposition.

Family Violence Defense Lawyers


Family violence, also known as Domestic violence, refers to physical harm inflicted on one member of a household or family, by another member of the same household or family (usually between spouses). Domestic violence, sometimes called spousal abuse when it involves a husband and wife, usually involves repetitive physical and psychological abuse, and a "cycle of violence".  Specific crimes charged vary based on: (1) the severity of the victim`s injuries; (2) whether a minor was present; and (3) whether a protective or restraining order was in place at the time of the violence.

First, the severity of the victim’s injury will determine whether the police and/or prosecutor will charge the accused with simple battery, aggravated assault and/or aggravated battery.  Second, if a minor was present to witness the domestic violence, there will certainly be a charge of Cruelty to Children put upon the accused, for allowing the child to witness the violence.  Third, if there is a protective order in place when the domestic violence occurs, the accused will probably be charged with Aggravated Stalking, which requires a Superior Court judge to set bond.


Keywords: Family Violence Defense Lawyers, Family Violence Attorneys, Lawrenceville Family Violence Attorneys

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Drug Offense Attorneys Lawrenceville

Question: I have been on probation three yrs in september, that being the end of it. my charge wasn't a violant one nor drug related. certainely not making lite of any thing i may have done nor is that my intention.my fine and resotution was much much more than i could repay . so in may i had to go in front of the judge. right off she ordered anyone there on probation issue ,a drug test. now i hadnt been charged with any such charge nor never ask in almost 3 yrs to provide urine.although it really didnt even bother me, but i immediately let the lady who accompained me to the bathroom that i had a rx for adderall and gave her the name of my doctor and pharmacy. i know that adderall does show up as meth sometimes if you dont have the updated ,more advanced test that break down each drug name. of course it did show a faint line,as tned this they call it ,as meth.i had explained to her that this had happened to people taking this med before,even told her that i had called my pharmacist again to confirm that this med would do so,offering name and number. she told me she didnt believe me and that i was going to jail cause i was on meth. the judge during lunch break had a emergency with her husband and had to leave. otherwise i truely believe and she said she was locking me up. my probation officer never spoke up once to say in 3yrs, i had never caused one area of concern. meanwhile i go to my monthly dr appt to be dismissed because she had gotten a call and wasnt going to have the dea in on her. she gave me two weeks supply ,although she knew i would be out of the state the first of the two weeks she had given me,therefore i basically had one week to find another doctor. i still havent resolved this and have had major physical,emontional and mental problems. havent i been violated, surely this cant be okay to harm another human because of a persons title''

Answer: When the judge gets back around to you, you are going to jail. Good luck.

Protective Order Hearings Lawyers


If you have been served with a temporary restraining order and wish to contest the allegations of domestic violence or stalking, then you have come to the right place. The attorneys at Lawrence Lewis P.C. represent respondents who wish to contest a petition for a domestic violence, repeat violence or dating violence injunction.

We represent men and women served with a temporary restraining order in Gwinnett County, GA, or the surrounding counties of DeKalb County, Fulton County, Hall County, Rockdale County, Cherokee County, Cobb County, Forsyth County or Douglas County.

At Lawrence Lewis, P.C., our attorneys thoroughly investigate the allegations made by the petitioner.  Although these hearings take place on an emergency basis, you are entitled to have an attorney that is completely prepared for the hearing. We take the following actions in a restraining order case:

1. At the upcoming scheduled hearing we may request a continuance so that we can confer with the petitioner, subpoena any witnesses to the events, and investigate the prior difficulties between the parties to show whether the claims are false or exaggerated.


Monday, June 25, 2012

Theft Defense Attorneys Lawrenceville

Question: I was arrested (misdemeanor) for theft by the company I worked for. I spoke with the companies attorneys, and agreed to pay reparations for the merchandise. This was 6 months ago. I thought it was over and done with, until I got a letter for arraignment today in the mail. I was not expecting this and was wondering what my best course of action is.

Answer: Best course of action is to retain an attorney, who mightbe able to contain the effect the charge will have on the rest of your life.

Answered By Lawrence Lewis - Theft Defense Attorneys Lawrenceville

Georgia Probation Violation Attorney


If you are currently on misdemeanor or felony probation, and you believe that your probation officer is going to accuse you of violating your probation, you need to contact an experienced violation of probation attorney to assist you.  Lawrence Lewis is ready to defend you in the violation of probation case filed in the greater metropolitan Atlanta area.  Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and learn all of the things you may need to do right now to protect yourself against the allegation.

Avoid the Typical Result in a Georgia VOP Case

Typically, after the Georgia probation officer makes an allegation of violation of probation, the judge will sign a warrant for your arrest. The arrest warrant for a violation of probation (VOP) usually has a "no bond" provision, meaning that unless you retain an attorney to resolve your case quickly or obtain a bond, you may be sitting in jail for weeks or months until your probation violation case is heard in court and/or resolved.


Saturday, June 23, 2012

Drug Offenses Attorney Lawrenceville

Question: Do i have the right to face the person in court that planted drugs on me, then called the police and had me arrested?

Answer: Probably NOT. The police located drugs on you. Your defense is he/she planted drugs on you. Therefore, you must find, subpoena and call as a witness the person you claim planted drugs on you. I assume the drugs were planted on you, and you absolutely nothing about them, and have never been arrested for drugs before. Good luck.

Sex offense defense lawyer

People charged with sexual assault or child sex offenses face hostile prosecutors and harsh public opinion.  Most people, even some criminal defense attorneys, are only too willing to believe the worst about those accused of sex offenses.  Our firm knows that not all people accused of sex offenses are in fact guilty of the charges.  We believe that those facing such grave charges deserve the best possible defense and representation. 

            At Lawrence Lewis, P.C. we recognize that a conviction for a sex crime will almost certainly result in prison time, lifetime registration as a sex offender, and a permanently destroyed reputation.  In 2006, sex offender laws were overhauled in Georgia, and four (4) sexual offenses were modified to require a mandatory minimum life in prison, which means thirty years in prison before the convicted person is considered for parole.  These include:

(1)   Rape (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-1), which is defined as any penetration of the female sex organ by the male sex organ, forcibly and against the female’s will;


CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE




If you have been charged with a sex offense and you would like to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney, call an experienced sex offense defense lawyer or attorney at Lawrence Lewis, P.C. today at (678) 407-9300.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Criminal Defense Attorney Norcross

Question: I live in the state of Georgia, within the city limits of thomaston. Yesterday i was on my home from work and received a phone call from my boyfriend stating my neighbor that lives across the highway came into my yard and hit my dog with a metal baseball bat repetitively. when i pulled into my drive way a cop was there to write me a dog running loose citation. (which i do understand is my fault) When i went across the street to talk to the five witnesses they stated my dog got out of the fence and was on MY property (never left my property), the lady from across the highway decided to walk into my yard and call my dog to her, when my dog walked to her but kept a safe distance she barked, she called for her daughter to bring her a stick. Then swung at my dog twice missing, both times my dog backed away from her. moments later her husband comes running out of his house and across the highway with a metal baseball bat and strikes my dog in the ribs, the witness said my dog didn't do anything, then he strikes her in the butt, my dog still didn't do anything, then he strikes her in the leg, and my dog still doesn't proceed to bite him, then he strikes my dog in the head then my dog goes into convulsions and is knocked unconscious, the man hits her two more times before him and his family return across the highway into his yard. The animal control officer came to talk to me this morning stating he wasn't going to press charges against the man because the man felt threatened by my dog. Does it sound like i have a case for animal cruelty, he didn't kill the dog and i took her to the vet this morning and there isn't any internal bleeding or damage. she is bleeding on her nose and has patches of skin missing from her nose. Also the cop said i cant press trespassing charges because the man feared for his life. i wasn't there to witness any of this and soly relying off statement of witnesses ive never met before. Does this sound like i can also press trespassing charges.

Answer: The real question is: Do you intend to pay an attorney $ 2500-5000 to pursue your claims. The witnesses have to be interviewed and subpoenaed to court. Although they apper to be supportive, it becomes a different story when they are forced to miss work or school. If the witnesses testify as you suggest. there will be warrants issued for cruelty to animals and criminal trespass. But again, do you have the money to pay the attorney to pursue the case.

Answered By Lawrence Lewis - Criminal Defense Attorney Norcross

Criminal defense attorney


A violent crime is a criminal offense that is committed with the use of violence, or with threats of violence.  When a person commits a violent crime, the violence is usually just a means to an end.  In recent years, violent crimes have escalated in the state of Georgia, especially amongst the adolescent, male demographic.  In hopes of decreasing instances of violent crimes, law enforcement and legislation has become very strict when dealing with violent crime offenders.  People who are convicted of committing a violent crime should expect to spend substantial time in prison, in addition to paying fines, paying restitution and performing community service.  For these reasons, it is very important to consult a violent crimes lawyer when facing criminal charges involving violence.   

The violent crimes defense attorneys and lawyers at Lawrence Lewis, P.C. are dedicated to defending clients who have been arrested for or charged with any type of violent crime in or around the metro-Atlanta area.  According to the law, numerous illegal acts are categorized as violent crimes in the state of Georgia: 

• Armed Robbery (see Armed Robbery page)
• Arson
• Aggravated Assault
• Aggravated Child Molestation (see Sexual Offenses page)   
• Kidnapping 
• Rape (see Sexual Offenses page) 
• Voluntary Manslaughter (see Murder – Homicide page) 
• Murder (see Murder – Homicide page)  

Because many of the aforementioned violent crimes are so important that they are addressed individually on other pages on the website, we will limit this discussion to two violent crimes: Aggravated Assault and Kidnapping. 


CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

If you have been charged with a violent crime in metro-Atlanta or the surrounding areas, and you would like to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney, call a violent crimes attorney at Lawrence Lewis, P. C. today at (678) 407-9300. 

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Criminal Defense Attorney

Question: I am not sure if we need a lawyer for this situation

I am member of a small (charitable)group registered as non for profit. For the years of existence we never received outside contribution. We personnaly contribute a small amount of money monthly and manage to help 1 of 2 organizations per year. We have a bureau with a president at the top. She lately resigned and before (or after..we don't know yet) decided to write a check to an organization in the full amount of our funds without our knowledge or approval. So she is clearly out of line. Do we need a lawyer to sue her or can we do it on our onw. We later discovered that she failed to renew our registration with the state and our organization was dissolved even before she wrote that check.

thank you for your assistance.

Answer: If you report it the police, the police can arrest her and the prosecutor can pursue restitution for you.

Atlanta Traffic Ticket Attorney

O.C.G.A. § 40-5-20(a) states that no person shall drive any motor vehicle upon a highway in this state unless such person has a valid driver’s license.  Any person who is a resident of Georgia for 30 days must obtain a Georgia’s driver’s license before operating a motor vehicle in this state.  Every licensee shall have his license in his immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle, and shall display the license upon the demand of an officer.  

    The driver with a valid driver’s license may be cited for a multitude of traffic offenses, ranging from speeding, and/or failure to maintain lane, to vehicular homicide.  It is unrealistic to try and address all of the possible traffic offenses here.  So, we will address the most frequent traffic offenses by age group.  


CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE 


Keywords: Traffic Citation Lawyer, Traffic Ticket Attorney, Qualified Traffic Lawyer, Gwinnett County Traffic Ticket Attorney, Atlanta Traffic Ticket Attorney, Lawrenceville Traffic Citation Lawyer

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Criminal Defense Lawyer Lawrenceville

Question: My son is currently incarcerated in a state prison. Recently he was transferred to transitional facility pending release, upon arrival he was removed to another state prison where he was told that there is a hold on him from a county sherrif and now he must serve his full time. and then transferred to the county. No one from the county district atourney or sherrif will even give us a case number or any info at all, other than there is a hold. What can we do?

Answer: Retain attorney and let the attorney ascertain what is going on. Neither the DA or the sheriff need to speak to you. Let the attorney do his job. 

Drug Offenses Lawyers


Federal and state drug possession laws make it a crime to knowingly and willfully possess illegal controlled substances such as marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, LSD, and heroin. These laws also criminalize the possession of "precursor" chemicals used in drug cultivation and manufacturing, as well as certain accessories related to drug use.  Drug possession laws vary according to drug type and amount of the drug.  Possession of small quantities may be deemed “simple” possession (O.C.G.A. § 16-13-30(a)), while possession of larger amounts may result in a charge of possession with intent to distribute (O.C.G.A. § 16-13-30(b)) or trafficking (O.C.G.A. § 16-13-31). 
 
Drug crimes spring from a wide variety of fact patterns.  At Lawrence Lewis, P.C., we have represented people who have been accused of growing, selling, producing, importing, delivering, possessing and trafficking drugs.  The drugs involved in these cases have included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ecstasy and marijuana.  In addition, in recent years, law enforcement and prosecutors have begun to rely on wire taps and other clandestine surveillance techniques to apprehend and prosecute individuals suspected of involvement in the drug trade.  The use of wire taps has added great complexity to the defense of individuals accused of drug offenses, and overwhelmed most novice criminal defense attorneys.  Few attorneys have handled as many wiretap cases as Lawrence Lewis. 


Keyword: Drug Offenses Lawyers, Lawrenceville Drug Offenses Attorneys, Atlanta Drug Offenses Attorneys,  Drug Offenses Lawyers in Gwinnett County

Friday, June 15, 2012

Criminal Defense Attorneys Cumming

Question: In a criminal case that you have been found guilty by a jury,what is the purpose of filing an appeal?

Answer: he purpose of filing an appeal is to try and undo the conviction, by arguing that something was not done right during the trial. If client is not in custody, the appeal is normally meant to get the conviction of the person criminal history. If the person was sentenced to jail, then the purpose of the appeal is to try and get the person out of jail.

Lawrenceville dui lawyer


If you or a loved one has been arrested for Driving under the Influence (DUI), you need to retain an experienced DUI Lawyer.  Lawrence Lewis, P.C. provides a full-service approach to your DUI defense from the ALS hearing to protect your driving privileges, to the motions hearings and trial.  Hiring an experienced attorney early in your case is crucial to protecting your privilege to drive and increasing your chances of avoiding a DUI conviction.

In Georgia there are a number of ways to get arrested for DUI.  By statute, any person in physical control of any moving vehicle, can be arrested for being under the influence of: (1) alcohol, whether the person’s alcohol concentration is .08 grams or the person is just less safe; (2) controlled substances, like cocaine and marijuana; (3) prescription medication; (4) glue, aerosol or other toxic vapor; or (5) any combination of two or more of these substances.

After any DUI or DWI (driving while intoxicated) arrest in Georgia, there are actually two different types of cases pending against the driver:


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Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Drug Case Attorneys Lawrenceville

Question: What is the penalty in Georgia for selling class 4 drugs to an undercover officer?

Answer: Whatever the judge indicates the penalty will be. there are no class four in GA. I suspect that you mean schedule 4 drugs. The penalty for a sale will be harsher than a possession charge, and IF you sold to an undercover, I suspect that you may have been a target. You probably need an attorney.

Deposit Account Fraud Forgery attorney


DEPOSIT ACCOUNT FRAUD – FORGERY – FINANCIAL IDENTITY FRAUD
 
In these tough economic times, some folks have acted in desperation, writing checks for goods and services either hoping there will be enough money to cover the check, or worse, knowing there is not enough money in their accounts to cover the checks.  Most don’t realize that writing a bad check is a criminal offense, and that more and more businesses receiving those bad checks are pursuing criminal warrants.  Unlike violent crime (e.g. armed robbery, aggravated battery), “paper crimes” are often viewed as less serious offenses.  Nonetheless, prosecutors are recommending, and judges are handing out, steep penalties, including substantial jail time for individuals convicted of paper crimes.  Often times the severity of the sentence depends on: (1) the criminal offense at issue; (2) the number of prior convictions for paper crimes; and (3) the amount of money involved.
 
First, there are a number of different “paper crimes,” including:
 
(1) Identity Fraud (O.C.G.A. § 16-9-121(a)) is defined as willfully and fraudulently (1) without authorization or consent, using or possessing with intent to fraudulently use, identifying info concerning a person; (2) using identifying info of an individual under 18 over whom the accused exercises custodial authority; (3) using or possessing with intent to fraudulently use identifying info of a deceased individual; (4) creating, using, or possessing with intent to fraudulently use any counterfeit or fictitious identifying info concerning a fictitious person; or (5) creating, using, or possessing with intent to fraudulently use any counterfeit or fictitious identifying info concerning a real person.    


Lawrence Lewis is a Deposit Account Fraud Forgery attorney primarily practices in Gwinnett County, which includes the following cities: Auburn, Berkeley Lake, Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Grayson, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Loganville, Snellville, Sugar Hill and Suwanee.  However, he frequently handles cases in Fulton County (Atlanta, Alpharetta, College Park, Decatur, East Point, Fairburn, Hapeville, Palmetto, Roswell, Union City), DeKalb County (Avondale Estates, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Lithonia, Stone Mountain), Hall County (Gainesville), and Cobb County (Acworth, Kennesaw, Marietta, Powder Springs, Smyrna).  He has also appeared in courthouses in Rockdale County (Conyers), Walton County (Loganville), Barrow County (Auburn, Winder), Forsyth County (Cumming), Cherokee County (Canton, Holly Springs, Woodstock), Douglas County (Douglasville), Butts County (Jackson), Henry County (McDonough, Stockbridge) and Clayton County. 

Monday, June 11, 2012

Simple Battery Attorneys Lawrenceville

Question: My son is being charged with simple battery what are the chances of him going to jail?

Answer: He may go to jail. It depends on his record, the prosecutor, the judge and other factors.

Burglary Defense Attorney

 In Georgia, burglary is defined as entering the dwelling of another without authority with the intent to commit a felony or theft.  Intent to steal or commit a felony need not be formed at the precise moment of entry, but can be formed thereafter while the perpetrator is remaining on the premises. State v. Jones, 291 Ga. App. 296 (2008).  Although burglary is often regarded as a type of theft crime, Georgia recognizes that any non-theft felony (e.g. aggravated assault, aggravated stalking) can give rise to a burglary charge.  More importantly, it is not necessary to actually commit a theft or felony, in order to complete the crime of burglary.State v. Alexander, 279 Ga. App. 683 (2005).  As long at the intent in entering the premises is to commit a felony or theft, the burglary statute (O.C.G.A. § 16-7-1(a)) permits the prosecutor to seek an indictment for the offense of burglary. 

            Unlike other states, forced entry is not an element in Georgia. State v. Gray, 291 Ga. App. 573 (2008).  Unlawful entry occurs when a person breaks the plane of the structure.  In other words, when a person passes over or through a window or door, without authority, and with the intent to commit a theft or felony, a burglary occurs. 


CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE


Lawrence Lewis is a Burglary Defense Attorney primarily practices in Gwinnett County, which includes the following cities: Auburn, Berkeley Lake, Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Grayson, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Loganville, Snellville, Sugar Hill and Suwanee.  However, he frequently handles cases in Fulton County (Atlanta, Alpharetta, College Park, Decatur, East Point, Fairburn, Hapeville, Palmetto, Roswell, Union City), DeKalb County (Avondale Estates, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Lithonia, Stone Mountain), Hall County (Gainesville), and Cobb County (Acworth, Kennesaw, Marietta, Powder Springs, Smyrna).  He has also appeared in courthouses in Rockdale County (Conyers), Walton County (Loganville), Barrow County (Auburn, Winder), Forsyth County (Cumming), Cherokee County (Canton, Holly Springs, Woodstock), Douglas County (Douglasville), Butts County (Jackson), Henry County (McDonough, Stockbridge) and Clayton County. 

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Misdemeanor Attorneys Lawrenceville

Question: I was arrested in Jan for misdemeanor battery. The arrest warrant had a similar name to mine and I was booked under that name. The arresting officers didn't have the arrest warrant changed to my legal name. I had an arraignment scheduled for April and it was changed to June. I called the Judges' chamber and was informed that my case is no longer on the calendar because it hasn't been "accused". How should I proceed with this?

Answer: Proceed with what the open charges, the info regarding the accusation, what are you referring to? If you miss your court date a bench warrant will be issued and you will be arrested. If the courts have your correct address, the name on the accusation should not matter. 

Answered By Lawrence Lewis - Misdemeanor Attorneys Lawrenceville

Murder Defense Attorneys in Atlanta


If you are facing charges on a murder case, we can help.  Homicide or murder is considered by many to be the ultimate crime, which will likely lead to the most severe punishment, if the accused is convicted.  In Georgia, O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1 designates two different types of murder:
 
(1) Malice murder under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1(a) occurs when a person unlawfully and with malice aforethought, either expressed or implied, causes the death of another human being; and  

(2) Felony murder under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1(b) occurs when a person causes the death of another human being, irrespective of malice, during the commission of a felony.

The punishment for either category of murder is the same: death, imprisonment for life without parole, or my imprisonment for life.  Often times the prosecutor will charge the accused with both categories of murder.  So, the indictment will read one count of felony murder and one count of malice murder for the same homicide.


Lawrence Lewis is one of the top  Murder Defense Attorneys in Atlanta and 
primarily practices in Gwinnett County, which includes the following cities: Auburn, Berkeley Lake, Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Grayson, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Loganville, Snellville, Sugar Hill and Suwanee.  However, he frequently handles cases in Fulton County (Atlanta, Alpharetta, College Park, Decatur, East Point, Fairburn, Hapeville, Palmetto, Roswell, Union City), DeKalb County (Avondale Estates, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Lithonia, Stone Mountain), Hall County (Gainesville), and Cobb County (Acworth, Kennesaw, Marietta, Powder Springs, Smyrna).  He has also appeared in courthouses in Rockdale County (Conyers), Walton County (Loganville), Barrow County (Auburn, Winder), Forsyth County (Cumming), Cherokee County (Canton, Holly Springs, Woodstock), Douglas County (Douglasville), Butts County (Jackson), Henry County (McDonough, Stockbridge) and Clayton County. 

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Expungement Lawyers Lawrenceville

Question: Can probation or court drug test me after my probation has expired?

i have served 3 years on felony probation and it expired 2 days ago. I am under first offenders here in georgia, and when i called my probation office and asked if i had to go to court or sign anything they said no, it just expires. could probation or court still test me? and how long would it take for the for my record to be expunged? would i and when would i have to go to court? so can they legally drug test me? and are my 2nd amendment rights still forfeited? im not going to go do anything stupid or anything, i honestly just want to drink a beer( i am over 21) and be able to smoke pot if i want to while im on vacation and not worry about it. i havent done anything in 3 years and i want to celebrate and relax.

Answer:  Your 1st offender disposition will not be expunged. Click here to see expungement  If you have not learned your lesson with drugs and alcohol. Go crazy and wait for the next charge, which will mean a felony on your record. Good luck.

Mental Health Problems

There are a myriad of mental health problems that unfortunately often lead to arrests for criminal offenses.  However, many of these problems do not have to result in lengthy periods of incarceration, as long as the accused can be properly diagnosed and medicated.  Here are the major mental health problems I have seen firsthand when assisting clients in resolving criminal arrests: 

DEPRESSION 
Depression is typically characterized by a depressed mood or irritable mood, and: 
  1. Markedly diminished interest in things normally found pleasurable 
  2. Insomnia/hypersomnia
  3. Fatigue/loss of energy 
  4. Weight loss or weight gain (or nearly daily serious change in appetite) 
  5. Observable psychomotor agitation or retardation 
  6. Excessive guilt or feelings of worthlessness 
  7. Significantly diminished ability to concentrate, and/or 
  8. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts/ideation 

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Criminal Defense Attorney Lawrenceville

Question: I had a vehicle that I financed and got behind on payments after losing my job. When the finanace company couldn't find the vehicle a warrant was placed out for my arrest for Security Interest. When I found out about the waranty two days later I turned the vehilce in and was told by a rep from the finance company that the warrrant would be recalled. I turned the vehicle in April 2, 2012 and was still arrested for the charge on May 31, 2012. When I spoke to the finance co they said that although I turned the vehilce in I still commited a crime and the warrant is still valid. I never knew it was a crime when I wasn't paying my car payment. I was maybe 3 mos behind if that and my intentions were to make the payment once I could. I bailed out of jail and have a court date on Aug. 3rd, 2012. Please advise!

Answer: It is clear from question that you think you are entitled to drve a vehicle that you are not currently paying for IF you really need that vehicle to drive and you have lost your job. However, that is not the law. You agreed to pay, you didn't pay and you continued to drive the vehicle, that is a crime. If you have no prior record, your attorney may be able to work out something less than a conviction. If you do have prior arrests (not convictions) then you might be stuck.

Answered By Lawrence Lewis - Criminal Defense Attorney Lawrenceville

Juvenile Issues - Juvenile Law


Criminal cases impacting minors (children under the age of 17) are handled differently than those where adults are arrested.  The criminal courts have long recognized that a child’s developing mind is not able to comprehend and appreciate the consequences of certain behaviors.  Therefore, for juveniles accused of a criminal offense, the courts focus on education and rehabilitation, rather than strictly punishment.  Although delinquency petitions, where criminal offenses are allegedly committed by a child under the age of 17, may be the most common type of case addressed in Juvenile Courts in Georgia, there are actually five types of cases (also known as petitions) addressed in Juvenile Courts: 

1.  Delinquencies (where a criminal offense is allegedly committed by  a child under the age of 17);
2.  Unruly/Runaways (where a parent files a petition against a vehemently disobedient child under the age of 18);
3.  Truancies (where a school official files a petition, alleging the child refuse to attend school);
4.  Deprivations (where Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFACS) investigates whether the parents are providing for the health and welfare of the child); and
5. Termination of the Parental Righs. 


Sunday, June 3, 2012

Family Law Attorney Lawrenceville

Question: The judge order me to have absolutely no contact with the mother or my child. Does she have to follow the order to by not tring to contact me

Answer:  No, while you are ordered to stay away from her, IF you do not have a mutual stay away order, she does not have to stay away from you. She can contact you, but you cannot speak to her or contact her if she leaves a message. Good luck.

Answered By Lawrence Lewis - Family Law Attorney Lawrenceville

Friday, June 1, 2012

Simple Battery Attorneys Lawrenceville

Question: Female charged with simple battery against father of her child (only hit him , no bruises etc). Out of anger, he files charges. Now wants to drop charges but it's in legal system now. Does female need to go to court with a lawyer if the accuser is a. Going to drop charges or b. not going to show up?

Answer:  She needs an experienced attorney, because the prosecutor maintains control over whether the charges will be dismissed.

Answered by Lawrence Lewis - Simple Battery Attorneys Lawrenceville

Court Dates - Trial

There are two types of trials: bench trials and jury trials.  The reasons for agreeing to a bench trial, where a judge sits as the jury, are so few that I won’t waste any time discussing them, but instead turn my attention jury trials.

JURY TRIALS

The defendant’s role is very significant in the trial of his case. As a defendant it is important to remember that you will be the center of attention. Everyone in the courtroom will be watching your movements, facial expressions, gestures and conduct.  Your role during the trial is to make the jury like you; to give them a reason to rule in your favor.  Many will agree that the trial of a case is not reality. It is a fantasy period in which the jury will perceive what the truth is; which may or may not be the same thing as the actual truth.  As such it is essential that you make the best impression possible upon the jury. You must leave them with feelings of honesty, trust worthiness, and goodness. You must be someone the jury wants to help. The following are areas you should consider in the presentation of yourself to the jury.


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About Me

I hung a shingle in February 2000, because I saw that individuals charged with criminal offenses were being underserved by the attorneys practicing criminal law. Since February 2000, I have represented more than two thousand criminal clients. I only practice criminal law, but I do everything from violations of probation to Supreme Court appeals. There are few attorneys under the age of sixty that have my level of experience. I have tried more than two hundred major felony jury trials. I have tried more than fifty misdemeanor jury trials. In Philadelphia as a prosecutor, I tried more than two thousand bench trials. I have conducted more than three thousand preliminary hearings and bond hearings. Yet, I still have the energy at forty-five to serve my current clients. There is nothing that will occur in a courtroom that I have not experienced before. When you are looking for an attorney, experience is everything.