We would like to think that we live in an orderly world. However, it is unfortunate that many people in society choose to break the rules sometimes, creating a need for laws and punishments for those who break those laws.
In Georgia, there are certain crimes that are more common than others and today we will discuss three of them: theft and shoplifting, drug possession, and driving under the influence, or DUI.
Georgia has strict laws that govern our communities and breaking these laws can lead to harsh penalties and punishments, which is why it is so important to understand crimes, especially the most common ones, so we can be vigilant about our behavior and cautious about our actions.
Theft-related offenses
Theft and shoplifting are prevalent in Georgia, especially shoplifting, which involves taking merchandise from a store without paying for it. Many people, including adults, do not realize the serious consequences of shoplifting and, thus, the significant risk they are taking when they commit the crime.
Depending on the value of the stolen items, penalties can range from fines to imprisonment. Having a theft-related offense on your record can negatively affect future employment opportunities and educational projects.
DUIs (driving under the influence)
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense in Georgia. Even one drink can impair your ability to drive safely. If law enforcement catches you with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher, you can face DUI charges.
Penalties for this include fines, license suspensions, mandatory alcohol education programs and even jail time for repeat offenders.
Drug possession
Believe it or not, one of the most common crimes in Georgia is drug possession. This means you have illegal substances in your possession or have access to and control over them.
Penalties range from fines to time in prison, depending on the specific case. Make sure you understand the slippery slope between drug possession and drug trafficking, which is severe in comparison. Speak with a criminal law attorney who can explain what this means.
Presumption of innocence
Keep in mind that if the state accuses you of a crime, it does not automatically mean you are guilty. Everyone has a right to a fair trial and legal representation, and the state must prove you committed the crime in order to convict you.
Having strong representation in criminal cases can help enormously and potentially change the outcome of your case.