Am I Allowed To Protest In Georgia?

The First Amendment allows you to have the right to free speech as well as to protest peacefully (peaceful assembly) and while this is your right; it is important that you understand that the same amendment that allows you the freedom of speech, peacefully protest and address the government with your concerns, also allows law enforcement to maintain reasonable regulations during times of protest.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED A “PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY”?

Under the law, peaceful assembly covers a variety of activities. So what actions does it cover?

• Giving and Making Speeches
• Holding peaceful rallies
• The ability to picket
• Passing out flyers
• Collect signatures for your cause

The activities that are allowed under the First Amendment exempt any language the incites violence, intents to cause harm, or violate any laws. Provocative speech or text that instigates violence or harm is illegal.

WHERE CAN I PEACEFULLY ASSEMBLE?

Peaceful assembly locations depend on the state and are generally regulated through different local government agencies on the local level. In the state of Georgia, you can generally exercise your right to peacefully assemble on sidewalks, in public parks, and other public locations. In some cases, you may be required to obtain a permit, and not doing so would be illegal.

What You Are Not Allowed To Do

The First Amendment does not protect you if your speech incites, instigates or intends threats of violence, violation of laws, harm and injury to others, and physical violence on persons or property.

Crossing The Threshold Into Illegal Activity

While protesting is allowed and you may follow all of the legal guidelines, there may be specific locality guidelines with respect to hours and locations– and even in the most peaceful of protests, if you violate those local ordinances like permits and curfews or a dispersal order, all of which can cross the threshold into illegal activity, that unlawful activity can lead to your arrest.

Have You Or A Loved One Been Charged With A Crime?

Contact our office today to learn how we may be able to help you.

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What happens when a domestic dispute goes wrong?

High Family Tensions

There is no doubt that tensions can run high when it comes to disagreements and arguments combined with escalating tempers in familial situations such as contested divorces or something as simple as a few drinks with friends that went wrong. A simple discussion can get away from you and that can lead to yelling and shouting and before you know it, the police have been called and are standing at your front door.

Here’s the thing about family tension and arguments though, once law enforcement is called, what was once a small argument that snowballed into a larger disagreement and spiraled out of control, is now a lifechanging event and you may not be able to turn the hands of time back to change the circumstances yet to come.

ONCE LAW ENFORCEMENT INTERVENES IN A FAMILY DISPUTE, IT CAN QUICKLY ESCALATE TO A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGE

Make no mistake about it; having the police show up at your door can go one of two ways:

• Either they understand that a neighbor misconstrued what they heard and complete a quick check to see that all is well. Once they confirm that all is well, they move on leaving your family intact.

• Unfortunately, it can go south pretty quickly if tempers are still running high by the time law enforcement arrives. If any party involved says too much or gives the impression that all is not well, one of the parties involved may leave in handcuffs thereby, changing your family dynamic forever.

LAW ENFORCEMENT MAY BE FORCED TO MAKE AN ARREST

In some cases, law enforcement officers may not be satisfied with any explanations provided to them and choose to file charges. This is also the case if one makes an accusation against another out of spite, law enforcement will have no choice but to make an arrest. 

You Can’t Take It Back

Later, if that party chooses to change the statement, it may be too late as the state can often continue to prosecute a party without the cooperation of the accuser. Once you accuse a family member of domestic violence, it can be almost impossible to take it back. The cats out of the bag so-to-speak and law enforcement often may believe that a person is changing their story out of fear. 

Consequences Of Domestic Violence Charges

Not only is a domestic violence charge life-changing, under the Family Violence laws in the state of Georgia, if convicted you can face felony charges , fines, jail time and orders of protection among other penalties. Family violence is considered criminal behavior and thus, you will have a permanent conviction on your record that can affect employment and educational opportunities. Make no mistake, this is considered a violent crime in the State of Georgia and the ramifications are very real.

Get Help With Your Domestic Violence Charges In Cobb County Today

Contact Cobb Criminal Defense today to learn more about what options are available for your defense. Protect yourself, your family and your future. Call today.