A new program is taking shape in Georgia, one that will reportedly help farmer’s while giving ex-inmates and probationers a chance to develop job skills and earn money. But the plan isn’t without its problems. While the Governor is hoping to tweak the plan to make it a win-win, others have doubts. read more

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a special report this week called “Hidden Shame”, where they look at the presence of mentally ill people within the criminal justice system. Decades ago, people with mental health issues and little support could turn to state run hospitals for assistance with things like medication and even basic needs like a place to sleep and food. Now, those hospitals have all but disappeared and their patients have nowhere to go. read more

A new law makes it a serious felony to use fake identification in order to obtain employment. Prior to the passing of this “aggravated identity theft” law, using a fake id for employment purposes would garner a fine and possibly probation. Now, however, violators could go to prison for 15 years and pay fines reaching $250,000. read more

Georgia judges and those around the country are taking part in a new trend. The trend involves sending convicted criminals to prison for sentences they can’t possibly serve. An article from the Atlanta Journal Constitution suggests the sentences are an effort by judges to show others, including the parole board, that these inmates are “off limits” for early release. read more

Georgia teens sending sexually explicit images in text messages can face felony criminal charges, jail time, and a lifetime as a registered sex offender just for sending or even receiving a photo from a boyfriend or girlfriend. That’s the message from this news report. read more

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