Know Your Rights Articles (15)
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Basics of Criminal Law
This document provides basic information about criminal law in Georgia and answers the following questions: What is a Crime? What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor? Who are considered parties to a crime? How do you prove a crime has been committed in a court of law? 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). Read More
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- Spanish / Español
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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). Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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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). Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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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). Read More
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- Spanish / Español
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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. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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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. Read More
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- Spanish / Español
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Parole Process in Georgia
Except for those offenders sentenced to death, to life without parole, or convicted under “two-strikes” legislation (see below), Georgia inmates are entitled by law to a consideration for parole. Eligible inmates are automatically considered for parole, regardless of appeals or other legal action by the inmate or his or her representative. The earliest point during their confinement when they may be granted clemency is their parole eligibility date. Content Detail
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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. Read More
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- Spanish / Español
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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). Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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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). Read More
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- Spanish / Español
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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. Read More
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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). Read More
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- Spanish / Español
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The Parole Handbook: A Guide to the Parole Consideration Process for Families of People in Prison
Georgians for Equal Justice wrote this handbook to help people in prison and their families get the information they need, in a way they can understand, from a source that cares about the basic human rights of every Georgia prisoner and his or her family. It is hoped that this handbook will help all people who are considered for parole and their family members had better understand the current parole process. It is also hoped that this handbook will be a first step toward changing the balance of power between a state agency that has ultimate control over the lives of hundreds of thousands citizens, and the citizens themselves. Content Detail
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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. Read More
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- Spanish / Español
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Your Guide to the Court System in Georgia
Handbook developed by the Southern Center for Human Rights to guide you through the courts (including the juvenile justice system) in Georgia Read More
