Past Arrests can haunt you… even 25 years later…

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal reported on accusations of crimes from the past affecting current employment for some. This is an important thing to consider. When you are arrested for a crime, you automatically have a criminal record generated.  In Georgia, this is commonly known as your GCIC (Georgia Crime Information Center) report. Even if the charges are later dropped, either through a pre-trial program or other means, the arrest stays on your record and can follow you throughout your life.

Recently I helped a client who had a 25 year old arrest and conviction for a misdemeanor marijuana possession.  We arranged to have his record restricted, so that future employers can no longer see this arrest and conviction.  Are there any skeletons in your closet that you wouldn’t want your current or future employer to know about?  There are ways to make sure a mistake of the past does not affect your future. Talk to an experienced criminal law attorney to explore your options.

To schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with the Law Offices of Brandon Rosenbloom, call us at 678-609-8724 or contact us online.

Criminal defense attorney Brandon Rosenbloom represents clients who have been accused of crimes, including DUI, traffic violations, theft and drug possession.

A former Fulton County prosecutor, Brandon combines his training, experience and passion to serve those accused of crimes in the greater Atlanta area, including Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties.

What should I do before I enter a plea?

When a client seeking criminal defense representation comes into my office for the first time, we sit down and discuss his/her case, the facts, prior record, as applicable, and what they should do next. I typically recommend that before we see a judge or a prosecutor, it’s a good idea to proactively complete activities such as community service, alcohol and drug evaluation and testing or a driver’s safety course.   

“Why?” I’m often asked “If the court hasn’t ordered me to do anything, why do it now?”

Two very good reasons:         

                                  

1.    Generally, the time between your arrest and the time your case is heard in State or Superior Court can take up to a year or more.  It’s in your best interest to use that time to minimize your damages. Performing community service, taking a Driver’s safety course, drug or alcohol therapy may have a positive effect on your sentencing. Performing anticipated sentencing requirements can help show the court you are serious about rehabilitation and in turn, the prosecutor or judge may be easier on you come sentencing time. Of course, there is no guarantee that taking these preemptive steps will change anything, especially if the facts of your case or your prior criminal history are too extreme to ignore, but an experienced attorney can help you anticipate those possibilities.

 2.    Every Community Service hour, counseling course and driver safety class you complete prior to sentencing can reduce or eliminate the need for probation. Probation is not only another aspect of punishment, but what most people don’t realize is that it also costs money. In Fulton County, for example, a year of probation runs at least $600. Tack that on to whatever you are paying for rehabilitation classes, court fines and fees, increases to car insurance – and it really adds up.

If you’re facing charges, consult a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer to help minimize the damages and save yourself some money in the long run.

To schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with the Law Offices of Brandon Rosenbloom, call us at 678-609-8724 or contact us online today.

It’s not easy being green.

Today my wife and I decided to go green and bought an electric car. As I was filling out the paperwork, and learning about how and where to charge the car, it reminded me of a recent news story. An Atlanta area man who owns an electric car was using a public school outlet to charge his vehicle while he waited for his son to finish his tennis lessons. Someone reported the suspicious activity and the police arrived and questioned the car owner. He admitted to using the outlet and became belligerent, insisting that it was an accepted practice. 

That's where it all went downhill. Had he just apologized or said he wasn't aware that it was an issue, we wouldn't be reading this story, but of course that wasn't the result. The car owner got upset that he was being questioned about the use of the electricity, was uncooperative and even insulted the officer by making cracks about his dirty car. And as a result, he was arrested for stealing what the article indicated as "pennies" worth of electricity.

Time and time again, it's not necessarily the crime itself that leads to an arrest; it’s the attitude and reaction of the accused. What could have been a warning or a small fine led to 14 1/2 hours in jail for this individual. I have always told clients and colleagues, the police officer is just doing his job, mouth off at your own risk.

If you’re arrested for any reason, hire a good criminal defense lawyer.