Richard Scott Lawson’s Answers

The motion is correct. It is a "reduction" to go from no bond to some amount of bond.

There appears to be a misunderstanding about ignition interlock waivers. The waiver does not allow for the person to immediately driver without the interlock. All the waiver does is all the driver to choose to remain on a hard suspension for an additional 6 months instead of having the interlock. So, if you get the waiver, you are deciding not to drive at all and save the expense of the interlock. The waiver does not allow non-interlock driving any earlier.

I agree with Mr. Cohen. Hire a lawyer now to start working on the Gwinnett case before he is transferred.

You can always go to court and ask the prosecutor to put you in a diversion program. I don't recommend ever going to court without a lawyer. But, if you plan on not hiring an attorney you can meet with the prosecutor and ask. If you are told no, then ask to reset your case to hire a lawyer. Don't feel intimidated and feel forced to go forward with your case. Ordinarily you can ask for a continuance to hire a lawyer if it's a first court date. Fayette County is not known as an easy...

You could also have an actual time sheet attached to the community service. That could add to the credibility.

If you are charged with a Felony you may qualify for first offender treatment. The standards in Fulton County are no different than in most places. Your sentencing judge must agree to sentence you under the first offender act. In addition, remember that first offender is a double edge sword. If you successfully complete your probation, you can honestly answer that you are not a convicted felon. However, if you violate probation, you can have your first offender revoked. Then you will...

Ms. Veal is correct. I would suggest if you have defenses to hire an attorney prior to the warrant application hearing. Prior to the hearing, your lawyer may be able to broker a settlement between you and the other party that causes the warrant application process to no go forward. If a hearing is necessary, you lawyer can make a record for your that can be used in your defense later on. A properly cross-examined witness against you cannot later change their testimony if they later figure...

You could also apply for a pardon. You would make application to the pardon's and parole board. You do not need an attorney to file for it.

As a matter of law a person is entitled to credit for time served while awaiting a plea or trial. However, if the person is being held on another sentence then they may not get credit. For example, if someone is serving a sentence in one county on a probation violation, they may not be accruing time served on their new charge. However, a person's attorney can sometimes still negiciate credit for time served even if being held on another charge.

Yes, your probation officer can find out. Many probation officer's run your GCIC (criminal history) before every visit. If so, they will see the arrest. Also, failure to tell your P.O of a new arrest is a further violation of probation. Hire a lawyer to negotiate with your probation prior to your next scheduled visit. That is your best chance of staying out of jail or minimizing the impact.