Crimes and Penalties in Georgia
The table lists the different crimes in Georgia, explains what they mean, and indicates the possible sentence range for each crime. This document is an excerpt from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Criminal Process Before the Trial
The document describes the basic criminal process before trial, including booking, inital appearance, preliminary hearing, indictment, arraignment, pleading, defenses and plea bargaining. This document is an excerpt from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Criminal Trial Process
This document is an excerpt from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004). This document describes the basic trial process, including jury selection, opening statements, presentation of the case, closing statements, jury deliberatin and verdict.
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
DUI (Driving Under the Influence) Laws
This document is excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004). The document describes DUI laws and penalties.
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Learn about Criminal Plea Agreements in Georgia
(Separate Website)
This presentation was developed as part of the Law and Government Education Project in the Institute of Government at the University of Georgia. In partnership with the Law School and the Center for Teaching and Learning at UGA and the Law School at Mercer University, the Institute develops resources on basic areas of Georgia and federal law. These resources are then distributed across the state in a variety of ways including the State Bar of Georgia?s Pro Bono Project website. We hope you will find this presentation to be useful and informative. Please be advised, however, that this presentation is designed to provide general information only and does not substitute for legal advice. At the conclusion of the presentation you will find a list of organizations which may be able to provide assistance to those who have legal issues relevant to the topic of this presentation. We encourage viewers to contact these organizations for help. Also, please consult the Pro Bono Project website for a list of other presentations available for viewing.
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Learnn about Posting Bond in a Criminal Case in Georgia
(Separate Website)
This presentation was developed as part of the Law and Government Education Project in the Institute of Government at the University of Georgia. In partnership with the Law School and the Center for Teaching and Learning at UGA and the Law School at Mercer University, the Institute develops resources on basic areas of Georgia and federal law. These resources are then distributed across the state in a variety of ways including the State Bar of Georgia?s Pro Bono Project website. We hope you will find this presentation to be useful and informative. Please be advised, however, that this presentation is designed to provide general information only and does not substitute for legal advice. At the conclusion of the presentation you will find a list of organizations which may be able to provide assistance to those who have legal issues relevant to the topic of this presentation. We encourage viewers to contact these organizations for help. Also, please consult the Pro Bono Project website for a list of other presentations available for viewing.
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Rights During Police Searches
This document is an excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004). This document describes: (1) Your rights against illegal searches and seizures, (2) The requirements for a search warrant, (3) The exceptions to the search warrant requirement, (4) Rules that apply when the police can do searches even though they don't have a suspicion that a crime has occurred, and (5) Rules on wiretapping (electronic eavesdropping).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
The Difference between Torts and Crimes
This document explains the difference between torts and crimes and the different proceedings for each kind of case, excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Your Basic Constitutional Rights in the Criminal Justice System
This document is an excerpt from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004). This document describes your basic rights under the U.S. Constitution in the criminal justice system.
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
The Death Penalty
This document is an excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004). This document discusses:(1) The Basic Arguments For and Against the Death Penalty, (2) The Process for a Death Penalty Case.
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Crimes and Penalties in Georgia
The table lists the different crimes in Georgia, explains what they mean, and indicates the possible sentence range for each crime. This document is an excerpt from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Criminal Sentencing and Punishment
This document is an excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004). It describes the Sentencing Phase of a Criminal Trial, including: (1) Presentence Investigation, (2) Options for Sentencing (incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, special programs), and (3) Purposes of Sentencing (retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Learn about Criminal Plea Agreements in Georgia
(Separate Website)
This presentation was developed as part of the Law and Government Education Project in the Institute of Government at the University of Georgia. In partnership with the Law School and the Center for Teaching and Learning at UGA and the Law School at Mercer University, the Institute develops resources on basic areas of Georgia and federal law. These resources are then distributed across the state in a variety of ways including the State Bar of Georgia?s Pro Bono Project website. We hope you will find this presentation to be useful and informative. Please be advised, however, that this presentation is designed to provide general information only and does not substitute for legal advice. At the conclusion of the presentation you will find a list of organizations which may be able to provide assistance to those who have legal issues relevant to the topic of this presentation. We encourage viewers to contact these organizations for help. Also, please consult the Pro Bono Project website for a list of other presentations available for viewing.
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Prison and Paroles
This document is an excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004). This document describes (1) the process in which individuals are placed in prison after they have been sentenced, and (2) the function of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles.
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
The Death Penalty
This document is an excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004). This document discusses:(1) The Basic Arguments For and Against the Death Penalty, (2) The Process for a Death Penalty Case.
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Rules on Search and Seizure
(Separate Website)
What can police search, and when? This area of criminal investigation is extremely important, and the law sets up rules and governs what can be introduced at trial. This web site contains more information about these rules.
By: American Bar Association
Results of Illegal Searches and Seizures
This document discusses what happens when evidence is uncovered and seized by the police illegally: (1) the evidence can be excluded from the criminal trial, and (2) the police can be sued in a civil case for the harm they've caused. The document is an excerpt from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Criminal Process Before the Trial
The document describes the basic criminal process before trial, including booking, inital appearance, preliminary hearing, indictment, arraignment, pleading, defenses and plea bargaining. This document is an excerpt from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Criminal Trial Process
This document is an excerpt from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004). This document describes the basic trial process, including jury selection, opening statements, presentation of the case, closing statements, jury deliberatin and verdict.
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Criminal Sentencing and Punishment
This document is an excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004). It describes the Sentencing Phase of a Criminal Trial, including: (1) Presentence Investigation, (2) Options for Sentencing (incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, special programs), and (3) Purposes of Sentencing (retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Your Basic Constitutional Rights in the Criminal Justice System
This document is an excerpt from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004). This document describes your basic rights under the U.S. Constitution in the criminal justice system.
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Military Law Research Links
(Separate Website)
This website contains links that are useful for understanding military law and the court system, for resolving legal issues and finding source documents.
By: Military Times Media Group
When Someone with Mental Illness is Arrested in Georgia
(Separate Website)
This handbook is designed for anyone who wants information about helping a person with mental
illness who is arrested in Georgia. Although there are general procedures within the criminal justice
system that apply everywhere in the state, there are many facets of the justice system that vary from county to county. Furthermore, in some areas ( ie, Atlanta, Decatur, Savannah) there may be city
systems as well. It can be very confusing, especially to someone who has never been involved with the criminal justice system before.
The purpose of this handbook is to allow you to ask the right questions to get the information you need, should allow you to help bring the information you have to the attention of the court system to bring about a better resolution to the criminal case.
By: Georgia Public Defender Standards Council, Mental Health Advocacy Division
Learn about Criminal Plea Agreements in Georgia
(Separate Website)
This presentation was developed as part of the Law and Government Education Project in the Institute of Government at the University of Georgia. In partnership with the Law School and the Center for Teaching and Learning at UGA and the Law School at Mercer University, the Institute develops resources on basic areas of Georgia and federal law. These resources are then distributed across the state in a variety of ways including the State Bar of Georgia?s Pro Bono Project website. We hope you will find this presentation to be useful and informative. Please be advised, however, that this presentation is designed to provide general information only and does not substitute for legal advice. At the conclusion of the presentation you will find a list of organizations which may be able to provide assistance to those who have legal issues relevant to the topic of this presentation. We encourage viewers to contact these organizations for help. Also, please consult the Pro Bono Project website for a list of other presentations available for viewing.
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Criminal Law: Victims' Rights and Victim Assistance
Protective Orders
Domestic Violence and Protective Orders (Answers to Common Questions)
This document answers questions that many people ask about getting protective orders against people who are threatening, abusing or stalking them.
By: Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc.
How to Get a Temporary Protective Order A temporary protective order (TPO) is a document issued by a court to help protect you from someone who is abusing, threatening or harassing you. The order will require the abuser to stay a certain distance away from you, your home and your work. The abuser will be prohibited from contacting you in person, by email, by telephone, by mail and through a third party. The court can also order the abuser to stay away from your children if the court feels the abuser poses a risk to your children. This document will walk you through the process for getting a Temporary Protective Order from the court.
By: Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc.
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
How to Enforce Protection Orders When You Move To Another State
(Separate Website)
Do you have a protective order? Are you thinking of moving to another state? This document contains information to help you use the full faith and credit law for enforcement of your protective order by other states.
By: Violence Against Women Office and Minnesota Center Against Violence & Abuse
Legal Services for Survivors of Sexual Assault
Learn about how the law protects you, financial help that might be available, and how to find support.
By: Georgia Legal Services Program®
Stalking (Answers to Common Questions)
This document contains answers to questions many people have about stalking and the legal rights and protections you have against stalkers.
By: Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc.
Georgia Crime Victims' Compensation Program
(Separate Website)
Crime Victims Compensation assists eligible victims of violent crime with expenses (listed below) that are incurred due to the victimization. Crime Victims Compensation is a payer of last resort and does not cover expenses that have been covered by a third party payer (insurance, sick leave, worker's compensation, etc.).
By: The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
Victims' Rights
(Separate Website)
Victims have many more rights than they once did. However, there are many variations in state law. Model legislation has been proposed for a uniform victims' rights act, which each state would have the option of adopting. This site contains more information about victims' rights.
By: American Bar Association
When your Child is Missing: A Family Survival Guide
(Separate Website)
This Guide was written by parents and family members who have experienced the disappearance of a child. It contains their combined advice concerning what you can expect when your child is missing, what you can do, and where you can go for help. It explains the role that various agencies and organizations play in the search for your missing child and discusses some of the important issues that you and your family need to consider. The first checklist, What You Should Do When Your Child Is First Missing, summarizes the most critical steps that parents should take when their child is first missing, including whom to call, what to do to preserve evidence, and where to turn for help.
By: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Your Rights and the Police
This document explains your basic rights if you are stopped by the police, you rights if you are stopped in your car, and your rights during an arrest.
By: American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia
Getting Uncle Sam to Enforce Your Civil Rights
(Separate Website)
This resource describes where and when to file your complaint if you believe that you have been discriminated against and want to file a complaint with the Federal Government.
By: U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Results of Illegal Searches and Seizures
This document discusses what happens when evidence is uncovered and seized by the police illegally: (1) the evidence can be excluded from the criminal trial, and (2) the police can be sued in a civil case for the harm they've caused. The document is an excerpt from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Rights During Arrest
This document is an excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004). This document discusses your Constitutional rights when you are arrested by the police, including: (1) What the police officers must do to get an arrest warrant, (2) Arrests that may be made when the police do not have a warrant, (3) Citizens' arrests, and (4) Your right to have the
police tell you what your rights are when you are arrested ( the "Miranda Warnings").
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Rights During Police Searches
This document is an excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004). This document describes: (1) Your rights against illegal searches and seizures, (2) The requirements for a search warrant, (3) The exceptions to the search warrant requirement, (4) Rules that apply when the police can do searches even though they don't have a suspicion that a crime has occurred, and (5) Rules on wiretapping (electronic eavesdropping).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Rules on Search and Seizure
(Separate Website)
What can police search, and when? This area of criminal investigation is extremely important, and the law sets up rules and governs what can be introduced at trial. This web site contains more information about these rules.
By: American Bar Association
The Police and Your Rights
(Separate Website)
The U. S. Constitution and the law of all states guarantee criminal defendants certain rights. These rights affect how criminal cases are investigated. See the section on search and seizure for more on that aspect of investigations.
By: American Bar Association
What to Do if You Are Arrested or Detained by Immigration Officials
(Separate Website)
This pamphlet describes what you should do if you are arrested or detained by immigration officials.
By: National Immigration Law Center
Read this in:
Chinese / 中文
When Someone with Mental Illness is Arrested in Georgia
(Separate Website)
This handbook is designed for anyone who wants information about helping a person with mental
illness who is arrested in Georgia. Although there are general procedures within the criminal justice
system that apply everywhere in the state, there are many facets of the justice system that vary from county to county. Furthermore, in some areas ( ie, Atlanta, Decatur, Savannah) there may be city
systems as well. It can be very confusing, especially to someone who has never been involved with the criminal justice system before.
The purpose of this handbook is to allow you to ask the right questions to get the information you need, should allow you to help bring the information you have to the attention of the court system to bring about a better resolution to the criminal case.
By: Georgia Public Defender Standards Council, Mental Health Advocacy Division
Personal Injury: Accidental Harm to People or Property (Negligence)
Defenses to a Lawsuit for Accidents and Injuries
This document describes the basic defenses to tort claims (harm caused by negligence or by intentional actions). The document is an excerpt from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Fast Facts on Consumer Rights
(Separate Website)
This document provides some quick tips on your rights in certain consumer issues.
By: Barnes Law Group
Liability Insurance
(Separate Website)
The liability portion of your homeowner's policy is designed to cover unintentional injuries on the premises and unintentional damage to other people's property. In other words, injuries caused by your negligence are covered; those you inflict on purpose are not covered.
Here are a few tips on how to cover yourself adequately. Remember, it takes only one person who is seriously injured by your negligence to generate a huge liability award and deplete your financial nest egg, not to mention your psychological well being.
By: American Bar Association
Regulating Product Safety in Georgia
This document contains information on product safety laws in Georgia, and answers the following questions: What two types of laws relate to product safety? What is product liability? What are some examples of federal laws concerned with public safety? What are some of the agencies that work to protect consumer safety and what areas do these agencies cover? What is Georgia's "lemon law"? The document is excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
The Georgia Negligence Jury
(Separate Website)
This web page contains statistics about judges and juries that decide cases about accidental injuries to people or property (negligence cases). The information is based on surveys of judges and juries in Georgia over a period of three years.
Judges and juries frequently agree on who ought to win a case.
Citizens perform jury service in an un-distracted and highly conscientious fashion.
Juries hear only a small portion of the total number of negligence controversies.
The jury is not more likely than the judge to find for the plaintiff
The jury largely comprehends even complicated negligence cases.
The jury generally follows the judge's instructions on the law of the case.
Judges and attorneys adamantly oppose the abolition of the negligence jury.
By: Georgia Civil Justice Foundation
The Law and Your Home: Avoiding Liability for Accidents
(Separate Website)
You might be legally liable if someone has an accident in your home. Did your negligence or carelessness contribute to an accident or injury? Pitfalls include someone slipping and falling on an icy sidewalk, and accidents involving power lawn mowers, swimming pools, boats, and other recreational vehicles. The best way to avoid liability is to prevent injuries on your property in the first place and protect yourself with a solid insurance policy in the event the unavoidable and unexpected does occur. This web site contains more information on how you can keep your home safe and protect yourself from liability.
By: American Bar Association
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Web Site
(Separate Website)
CPSC is an Independent Federal Regulatory Agency. CPSC works to save lives and keep families safe by reducing the risk of injuries and deaths associated with consumer products. We do this by: (1) developing voluntary standards with industry, (2) issuing and enforcing mandatory standards or banning consumer products if no feasible standard would adequately protect the public, (3) obtaining the recall of products or arranging for their repair, (4) conducting research on potential product hazards, (5) informing and educating consumers through the media, state and local governments, private organizations, and by responding to consumer inquiries.
By: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
When You Harm Others by Accident
This document describes legal claims that people may have when they are injured because of someone accidentally hurting or harming them. These claims are based on theories of "negligence". The document also contains information about defenses to those claims. The document is excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Bringing a Law Suit for Accidents and Injuries
This document outlines the basics of lawsuits resulting from accidents and injuries and includes information on who's legally responsible, how much money to ask for, and what happens if someone abuses the system.
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
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LegalAid-GA.org provides general information only. This is not legal advice and cannot replace legal advice. You can get legal advice only from a lawyer. Deadlines are extremely important in most legal matters. You may lose important legal rights if you do not hire an attorney immediately to advise you. Viewing this web site or sending an e-mail message through this web site does NOT create an attorney-client relationship.
LegalAid-GA is a project of the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, the Georgia Legal Services Program and the Pro Bono Project of the State Bar of Georgia. This website was produced with funding from the Legal Services Corporation.
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