Canton Legal Blog

Georgia man freed after judge reconsiders sentence

On behalf of Burns Law Group, PC posted in criminal defense on Friday, September 21, 2018.

Three months ago, a Georgia jury found a defendant not guilty of drug charges, returning the verdict in less than 30 minutes. Still, on June 22, the judge in Bartow County Superior Court ordered the man to serve three years in jail, with about 14 months' credit for time served, declaring that the man had violated probation.

Recently, however, the judge changed his mind and set the man free in response to a motion for reconsideration that the man's defense team had filed on his behalf. "In this particular case, I take into account the fact the jury made a fairly prompt verdict," the judge said. "I am modifying the order to give credit for time served and authorize his release today."

Getting divorced? Don’t make these 3 mistakes

On behalf of Burns Law Group, PC on Tuesday, September 18, 2018.

Divorce is a hard road to travel that is often full of dangerous curves and wrong turns. Even a small speed bump can end up costing you by the time you sign the divorce papers. This means that a big mistake can have devastating consequences for your future and maybe even the future of your children.

One of the reasons why many people do make mistakes during divorce is because the entire process is typically very stressful and emotionally charged. During such a time, you will be making vital decisions that will have long-lasting impacts on your finances and other major aspects of your life. If you are planning to divorce, don't make these mistakes:

Just what does a Georgia grand jury do?

On behalf of Burns Law Group, PC posted in criminal defense on Tuesday, September 11, 2018.

Georgia is among the states that use a grand jury system to decide whether to charge a suspect with a crime. But just what is a grand jury?

A jurisdiction can empanel a grand jury of between 16 and 23 members to hear testimony to determine if there is enough evidence to indict, i.e., charge, someone and move a case to trial. Some states use preliminary hearings to accomplish the same ends, with a judge making the decision instead of average citizens.

Georgia man charged with death of business partner

On behalf of Burns Law Group, PC posted in violent crimes on Thursday, September 6, 2018.

A Georgia man has been arrested on charges that include malice murder and racketeering in the death of his former business partner.

The man, 54, was arrested at the bakery he co-owned with his 46-year-old partner before the latter was killed in 2014.

Put your smartphone away in a Georgia divorce

On behalf of Burns Law Group, PC posted in divorce on Wednesday, August 29, 2018.

Everywhere we go these days, people have their smartphones in hand, snapping and posting photos of the happenings of the day.

The kids on the first day of school. Enjoying a drink sitting by the pool on a hot Georgia day. Fun things they see while shopping.

Georgia judge dismisses murder indictment

On behalf of Burns Law Group, PC posted in felonies on Wednesday, August 22, 2018.

A judge in Fulton County, Georgia, has dismissed a murder indictment against a 35-year-old man who had been charged with injecting another man with a fatal dose of heroin.

In October 2015, prosecutors gained a felony murder indictment, and the murder charge was based on the accused man allegedly distributing heroin.

Must Georgia parents agree to a college tuition plan in divorce?

On behalf of Burns Law Group, PC posted in divorce on Tuesday, August 14, 2018.

There's so much to think about when it comes to kids and divorce.

Who will have primary custody? What about child support? Where will the kids spend the holidays? Who's going to pay for the piano lessons and the swim team fees?

Could law enforcement violation of your rights help you?

On behalf of Burns Law Group, PC on Monday, August 6, 2018.

Facing criminal charges in Georgia is a frightening experience. Whether the charges are a felony or a misdemeanor, you may be eager to take any steps that will reduce the potential consequences on your life. For many people, mounting a vigorous defense to criminal charges is the best approach.

One topic that quickly brings up is concern that law enforcement violated their rights. Officers can engage in questionable behavior while attempting to build a criminal case. If you believe that law enforcement misconduct could have an impact on your case, you need to educate yourself about whether to pursue.

Successful co-parenting starts with a solid plan

On behalf of Burns Law Group, PC posted in child custody on Monday, August 6, 2018.

After your divorce is finalized, you'll come to find that the way you interact and raise your children is not the same as it once was. While things have changed, it doesn't mean you have to give up anything in regard to the relationship you have with your children.

Successful co-parenting starts with a solid plan. Here are five tips that can put you on the right path:

Consider the other parent's feelings. As difficult as this can be after divorce, it's something you need to do. When you take this approach, you hope your co-parent will do the same.
Remain flexible, even if it puts you out. There will be times when a change in schedule is a must, either because your co-parent requests it or because it's in the best interest of your child.
Communicate as necessary. There are many ways to communicate with your co-parent, so choose a method that works for both of you and stick with it.
Be respectful of your co-parent's time. Don't make the mistake of always getting in the way when your ex is trying to spend time with your child.
Don't talk poorly about your co-parent to your child. It's easy to get into this habit, but it's only going to make things worse on everyone involved.

Rapper arrested in Georgia traffic stop

On behalf of Burns Law Group, PC posted in felonies on Friday, August 3, 2018.

Georgia is home to many excellent rock, alternative and rap groups, including the band Migos. Recently, a member of that rap group was arrested in Jonesboro. He faces a number of charges. The 26-year-old entertainer, whose real name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus, was traveling with his bodyguard, and that man also was arrested.

The rapper known professionally as Offset was driving a 2014 Porsche 911 Carerra. Police pulled him over for making an improper lane change. As the officers got closer to the car, they allegedly detected the smell of marijuana.