Report From The Gold Dome

This year, the General Assembly was very cautious on passing new criminal laws that would significantly affect Georgia. However, three important bills will soon become law. Other bills, that will likely be introduced again, failed to get approval from both chambers....

Judge Nathaniel Smith

“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” – John D. Rockefeller – Over the past two years, west Georgia has seen a number of significant changes in the judiciary. We have a number of new judges including: Deah Warren – Superior Court Judge...

What Is Family Violence?

“Use the darkness of your past to propel you to a brighter future.” ― Donata Joseph – The state of Georgia defines domestic violence as an act of “family violence.” The law protects against abuse among family members. You don’t...

2023 Fentanyl Summit

“Addiction is the only prison where the locks are on the inside.” – Author Unknown – Summer – 2022 – Carrollton, GA – I am preparing for court. Suddenly, I receive a devastating message. This is a message that no one would ever want to convey. But, it is...

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished?

Carrollton, GA – July 1999 – I am sitting on the law firm’s front porch after surviving the first year of law school with my mentor, Gerry Word. Gerry is the best criminal defense attorney in west Georgia and perhaps the state. As I eagerly listen to him describe how...

Owning Our Mistakes

July 1, 1863, – Southern Pennsylvania – The greatest general in history awakes well before dawn, reads his Bible, and prays for his family, the soldiers who serve under his command, and their families. The national level of respect for him is hard to believe....

Stewarding Our Gifts

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to...

Overview – Georgia Criminal Law

“Criminal law has to do with relations between the misbehaving individual and his government… Criminal law establishes rules of conduct; their breach, if prosecuted and conviction follows, results in punishment.” – Lawrence M. Friedman – The above quote...