Punishment issues

The Troy Anthony Davis Death Penalty Case - What do You Think?
The criminal law blogosphere has been discussing the case of Troy Anthony Davis - a Georgia man who was convicted of murdering a Savannah police officer in 1989. Mr. (…)

Supreme Court Concludes that DUI is not a "Violent Felony" for Purposes of Armed Career Criminal Law
Very few DUI cases find their way to the United States Supreme Court. Generally DUI cases are a matter of state law and over the years, the Supreme Court has been fairly deferential to the arguments put forth by lawyers representing the government and police departments. Obviously everyone supports the goal of removing impaired drivers from the road, and groups like MADD have done a good job in keeping political pressure on lawmakers to make DUI punishments harsher. (…)

Look Out - That Police Car is Bugged!
Recently I did some legal work for a man who is employed by a local city government in the vehicle maintenance department. One of his jobs is to maintain police cars. We were talking about all of the high tech equipment now found in police cars and he mentioned in conversation that more and more police departments are putting recording equipment inside the patrol cars. (…)

Has DUI Punishment Become Punitive Rather Than Preventative?
Take a look at this interesting opinion piece from a blogger community who calls itself "The Discovering Alcoholic." The writer contends that the public at large does not necessarily benefit when state legislatures pass tougher and tougher DUI laws. (…)

When is a Plea Bargain Most Likely?
One of the most frequent questions I hear from clients has to do with plea bargains vs. (…)

Can I take care of my DUI fine without appearing in Court?
I am well known in Cobb County and it would be very embarassing for me if word of my DUI got out. I'm not convinced that I was really guilty, but I would rather just pay the fine and be done with this mess. (…)

How long does a DUI stay on my driving record?
How long does a DUI stay on my driving record? Does it count as a second DUI if I got my first one 10 years ago? (…)

First time DUI conviction - what will happen?
I am 19 years old and was arrested for DUI. They didn't take a blood test but I had been drinking some at a friend's house.
Should I plead guilty? (…)
Had too much to drink - is there any hope
I got arrested for DUI and I am guilty. I was drinking at a bar for several hours. What is going to happen to me? Is there anything you can do for me? (…)