Behind the lens: Navigating the surge of First Amendment audits
In an era where everyone carries a high-definition camera in their pocket, a new type of interaction has become common in government lobbies and...
Law of the land or legal fiction? The truth about sovereign citizens
In recent years, a growing movement has emerged on our roadways and in our courtrooms, often captured on camera and uploaded to social media....
The Miranda trigger: Custody + interrogation
The biggest misunderstanding is when Miranda is actually required. Contrary to popular belief, an officer does not have to read you your rights just...
Navigating the fourth amendment: The mechanics of brief detentions
Encounters between law enforcement and the public are often characterized by high tension and legal ambiguity. When an officer detains an individual without making...
Debunking myths about public corruption in Georgia
Public corruption is a topic that often surfaces in community discussions, yet many misconceptions persist about what it entails. Recent Facebook posts regarding missing...
Open books: Debunking 4 common myths about accessing Georgia public records
As school board meetings become increasingly central to local discussions, more parents and taxpayers are seeking access to internal documents, emails and district policies.
However,...
Georgia shoplifting law sets felony threshold at $500
A common misconception about shoplifting laws in Georgia is that “it’s just a misdemeanor unless you steal thousands of dollars.”
Before you pocket that next...
First offender act’s double-edged sword
A common misconception in the criminal justice system is that “first offender status is a free pass,” or that “if I mess up, I’ll...
Stand your ground vs. property rights
I frequently encounter misunderstandings about self-defense laws, use-of-force laws, and “shoot, don’t shoot” situations—particularly when it comes to protecting property.
One of the most common...
Balancing mercy and law in the justice system
Even though the district attorney has chosen to drop the charges against the teens involved in last week's senior prank that killed a beloved...
The myth of the ‘no drop’ policy
I have spent over 17 years in law enforcement, working everything from traffic stops to complex criminal investigations in Florida and Georgia. I see...
The ‘equal access’ rule and drug possession in Georgia
NowGeorgia.com Crime Reporter Kevin Angell is a career law enforcement professional with experience serving agencies in both Florida and Georgia. He is a U.S....