A few weeks ago we reported on the sentencing of a former federal judge, adjudicated for buying drugs with his stripper-girlfriend, negotiating the purchase with weapons in the vehicle, and giving her a state purchased laptop. Part of his plea for leniency included the effects of a years-old motorcycle accident, an accident that resulted in brain damage and reportedly a subsequent lack of impulse control. It was unclear at the time when the judge was mounting his own defense if he knew this defense would open the floodgates for offenders he had sentenced from the bench. read more

A new bill introduced in the Georgia State Senate would toughen drunk driving (DUI) penalties by mandating an ignition interlock breathalyser device be installed in your car after any conviction. Current Georgia DUI law only mandates an interlock device in the case of a second offense DUI conviction. read more

A former federal judge was sentenced this week for three misdemeanor charges. He pled for leniency, as did his wife and adult children. But the sentencing judge ultimately felt that jail time was necessary stating “He has disgraced his office…he has encouraged disrespect for the law.” read more

The Fulton County Superior Court, known as the “Rocket Docket”, is under fire for its huge dismissal rates. Created to help speed less serious cases through the system, the court dismissed an average of 4 of every 10 cases in the second half of 2010, a rate that many say is unacceptable. read more

In the world of criminal courts, the district attorney is the long arm of the law. They represent the state in criminal cases, hoping to gain a conviction, sometimes at all costs. This figure is usually interested in stiff penalties and laws that make those penalties a possibility. One District Attorney, however, is speaking out against a potential move that could strengthen criminal penalties, an odd move given his position. read more