Criminal forfeiture in Savannah, Georgia

Criminal forfeiture in Savannah, Georgia

Criminal forfeiture in Savannah, Georgia refers to the seizure your properties by the state, because of its relationship to a crime. Forfeiture laws vary from state to state, and may be broader or narrower depending upon the crime committed and the laws of the state. But, generally, criminal forfeiture will be sought when the properties are used in the commission of a criminal activity, or was obtained by a crime.

Criminal forfeiture happens if, after the owner is convicted of a criminal offense, and when forfeiture is allowed under the rules of the prosecuting state, it is demonstrated that your property has a sufficient relationship to the criminal offense to justify depriving you of the property rights. For example, the state can have a rule that gives the court the right to forfeit your car, if you are convicted of drunk driving. The prosecutor's office can seek forfeiture of your property even your business or home when you are convicted of particular offenses, including drug trafficking or racketeering.

When you are facing a charge involving likely criminal forfeiture, you can include the issue of forfeiture in any plea negotiations that might occur with the prosecution.

If you are facing forfeiture in Savannah, Georgia , contact an attorney immediately.

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Savannah, Georgia White Collar Crimes

Savannah, Georgia White Collar Crimes

"White Collar Crimes" are a type of criminal activities that generally take place in businesses or corporations, such as "insider trading," "antitrust violations," "computer fraud," "securities fraud," and "money laundering." White collar crimes are non-violent in nature, and typically consist of some form of fraud or dishonesty. These crimes are committed through apparently legal businesses. Many times the principals of the corporation are involved in the criminal activity, whereas on many occasions the criminal offense is committed by an employee of the corporation, without the knowledge of anyone else.

A corporation in Savannah, Georgia that does not respond properly to an offense, or allegations of a crime, may appear to be involved in that criminal activity. Especially if the corporation is governed by state or federal laws, it is vital to have the right compliance, reporting and investigatory mechanisms, to deal with any rumors or reports of illegalities by staff. If a business does not want to be made liable for illegal conduct, or desires to reduce the responsibility, the best method of doing so is often to cooperate with any investigation of the inappropriate conduct.

There can also be circumstances where a corporation appears to be so deeply involved in the criminal offense that a criminal charge is initiated against the business itself. This often happens if it appears that the managers and directors of the business were so involved in, or so indifferent to, the criminal offense that the entire corporation appears to have actively permitted the offense.

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Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, Georgia Criminal Defense attorney

Savannah, Georgia Criminal Defense attorney

Usual "civil infractions" include "moving violations", like "speeding" and "failure to yield." At times people get confused, when they are charged with a traffic misdemeanor, such as having invalid license plates or driving an uninsured automobile, and feel that they are being charged with "civil infractions." Traffic misdemeanors in Savannah, Georgia are criminal offenses, and can establish a criminal record. Many traffic misdemeanors also carry "points" that will be added to the defendant's driving record, and some require the revocation of a driver's license. If you have been booked for a "misdemeanor," the ticket will usually reflect the nature of the charge, and you will be required to appear in court. When the charge is a "civil infraction," you typically will not have to appear in court when you pay a fine by mail.

A defendant facing misdemeanor charges in Savannah, Georgia has fewer legal rights than a defendant facing a felony charge. If the defendant does not face imprisonment as a result of conviction, he has no right to an attorney. There will be no right to indictment by grand jury, or to a "preliminary examination" to review the basis of the charges filed. In some states, misdemeanor charges are tried before six person juries, while felonies are usually tried before twelve man juries. Most other rights are the same, for both felonies and misdemeanors.

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Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, Georgia Criminal law firm

Savannah, Georgia Criminal law firm

A "civil infraction" is not a crime, however it is a charge filed by the state. The state should establish that you are guilty of a civil infraction by a "preponderance of the evidence," which is to say, that it is more likely than not that you committed the violation. This is a much lesser standard than the "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" standard which applies in civil cases. A typical civil infraction will be determined by a judge, without a jury, in what is generally a short proceeding.

Some states have a class of "petty offenses," in which the defendant will be tried without a jury before a magistrate. Typically, the only punishment for a "petty offense" is a fine. But, these offenses can be of a criminal nature.

A "misdemeanor" is a criminal offense, and conviction ordinarily ends in a criminal record. Misdemeanors are technically less serious crimes, although the consequences of conviction can nevertheless be very severe. Likely punishments for misdemeanors include imprisonment, probation, fines, and some times driver's license suspensions. Certain misdemeanors are considered as "sex crimes" and require that a convicted person register as a "sex offender", and notify the police informed of his place of residence -- a requirement that may continue for life.

Felonies are the most serious offenses that can be charged. Sometimes, the distinction between "felonies" and "misdemeanors" seems arbitrary. However, all of the most serious criminal offenses like murder, sexual assault, embezzlement, burglary, robbery, arson, and treason are felonies.

If you have been charged with a crime in Savannah, Georgia , contact a criminal attorney.

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Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, Georgia DUI attorney

Savannah, Georgia DUI attorney

Drunk driving occurs if an individual is driving an automobile, after consuming alcoholic beverages to such an extent that his ability to drive a vehicle is impaired. Many people charged with drunk driving claim that their driving was alright. They feel either the officer made up an excuse to pull them over, or that the "mistake" that the officer observed had nothing to do with their driving.

Every state imposes a maximum permissible blood alcohol content (BAC) for drivers, and you are considered legally "drunk" even when you do not feel that you are in any way influenced by the alcohol you drank. The legal limit for blood alcohol in Savannah, Georgia, is usually 0.08%, but DUI charges are also possible depending on your driving conduct even at a lesser BAC.

Additionally, you may be stopped since there is a mechanical problem with your car. If the officer observes you to appear intoxicated (general indicators: slurred speech, glassy or bloodshot eyes, poor balance, conspicuous odor of alcohol, lack of coordination, difficulty comprehending instructions, clumsiness or lack of coordination, combativeness, and disorientation), he can investigate further.

The penalties vary substantially from state to state. All drunk driving offenses in Savannah, Georgia can result in a prison term. However, most first offenders are awarded lesser punishments, like driver's license restrictions, fines, mandatory attendance of drunk driver's education classes, mandatory attendance of alcohol counseling, community service, or probation.

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Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney

Savannah, Georgia Marijuana regulations

Savannah, Georgia Marijuana regulations

GA, along with the remaining 49 states, has adopted a tough stance in the war on drugs. GA’s marijuana rules are tough. The legal consequences are perhaps far more severe than you’ve ever imagined. When you’ve charged with a marijuana connected offense, it is essential that you find an attorney experienced in fighting marijuana charges. Selling, buying, using and growing marijuana are all illegal in Savannah, Georgia . If you are convicted of a marijuana charge, you will be sentenced to jail term and a heavy fine. The severity of the sentence differs based on a number of factors. Quantity is one factor that is considered at the time of deciding the sentencing.

A marijuana possession Savannah, Georgia with intent to distribute charge attracts some especially harsh penalties. This felony offense includes prison term and also fines starting in the thousands. If you possess a large quantity of drugs, you may be slapped with this charge even if you have no intention of distributing the drug. In these cases, intent is based on the quantity of the drug in your possession.

Selling marijuana or growing marijuana Savannah, Georgia also results ina more severe punishment. The location of where you are charged of marijuana selling is a vital element. A conviction for sale of drugs near a school will lead to more serious penalties. If you have had one or more prior marijuana convictions, you will spend more time in jail or pay even larger fines.

If you have been charged with a marijuana crime in Savannah, Georgia contact a marijuana defense attorney immediately.

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Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney