No Contact Orders

“Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” – The late Carroll County Chief Magistrate Judge Alton P. Johnson – When a person is arrested, they will either receive a “pre-set bond” or must appear before a magistrate judge within 72 hours for...

Gratitude In Helping

“At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” – Albert Schweitzer – April 23, 1920 – A child is born in the heat and humidity...

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....