Getting charged with a DUI often happens to people with no previous criminal history and can wreak havoc on your life. Results include an arrest record, loss of your privilege to drive, potential loss of current and future employment, fines, increased insurance premiums, and damage to your reputation. DUIs can be complicated cases, and it is important that you hire an attorney that is well-versed in Georgia DUI law. Ms. Mason will investigate and challenge whether the law enforcement officer has reasonable suspicion to conduct an investigation and whether there was probable cause to arrest you. She will also determine whether roadside and scientific tests were properly administered and provided accurate results and if your Constitutional rights were violated.

Ms. Mason is experienced in handling all types of domestic violence crimes, including:

Family Violence Battery

Cruelty to Children

Violation of a Protective Order

Stalking/Aggravated Stalking

Crimes of Domestic Violence can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. For example, a first charge of family violence battery is a misdemeanor which carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in custody; however, a second charge of family violence battery is a felony and carries a maximum of five years in custody. It is also important to understand that a conviction of domestic violence can prohibit your ability to carry a firearm. Bond conditions while your case is pending will likely prohibit you from having contact with the family member that is involved in the charges. These cases have detrimental and permanent effects on families so it is vital to hire an experienced domestic violence attorney immediately.

Ms. Mason is experienced in handling all types of drug offenses, including:

Drug trafficking

Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act by Manufacturing, Selling, Possessing with Intent to Distribute or Possession

Simple Possession of Marijuana

Possession of THC

Prescription Drug Fraud

Drug charges often involve Constitutional issues, such as an individual’s 4th Amendment protection from unreasonable search and seizure by law enforcement. An experienced drug crimes defense attorney can explore these issues and ensure that your rights are protected.

Ms. Mason is experienced in handling all types of felonies and violent offenses, including:

• Murder

• Manslaughter

• Armed Robbery

• Aggravated Assault

• Kidnapping

• Carjacking

• Home Invasion

Felonies, particularly violent and sexual crimes, are the most serious cases in Georgia and are prosecuted the most aggressively. Many of these offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences with no possibility of parole. It is imperative that anyone charged with a violent crime hires an attorney experienced with these types of crimes as soon as you are aware of any potential charges.

Those accused of crimes under the age of 17 are generally charged in Juvenile Court, although there are certain serious crimes that require that a child be charged as an adult. Common criminal acts that children may face are:

Underage drinking

Possession of Marijuana/Illegal Drugs

Traffic Violations

DUI

Shoplifting/Theft

Fighting

Having a child charged with a criminal act is an extremely stressful event that impacts the entire family. It is critical to have an experienced and compassionate juvenile court attorney to help navigate the juvenile court process, which is very different from the adult court system. Accusations of criminal acts can also result in school disciplinary hearings. A good result in these hearings can be crucial to your child’s future.

If you have been hurt due to no fault of your own, you can seek financial compensation to assist you in covering your medical expenses, lost wages, property damages, pain and suffering, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Being injured because someone else was negligent is frustrating, and Ms. Mason can help you get the compensation you deserve. She has experience handling a wide array of personal injury claims and is hired on a contingency fee basis. This means that she will not be paid unless you are.

Probation is a sentence of incarceration which is served outside of a jail cell. As a result, it can be revoked if you do not follow every condition specifically. Even a miscommunication with a probation officer or an accident can lead to a probation revocation arrest warrant and the potential to serve the rest of your sentence in custody. Having your probation revoked by a Judge can not only lead to the loss of your freedom but also result in the loss of your job and family. Contact Ms. Mason as soon as you are aware of any potential problems while on probation so that she can help.

Ms. Mason is experienced in handling many types of property crimes, including:

Burglary

Theft

Shoplifting

Possession of Stolen Property

Arson

Criminal Trespass

Vandalism

Property crimes can be categorized as felonies or misdemeanors; however, many property crimes carry the risk of long sentences of incarceration. It is important to hire an attorney experienced in this area as soon as you are aware of any potential charges in order to mitigate the situation.

What used to be called expungement is now called record restriction. This is the process of having an arrest record removed from your Georgia criminal history. There are categories of cases which are eligible for record restriction. In addition to filing a motion to restrict your record, Ms. Mason understands that is equally important to get a restricted record sealed in the Clerk’s office. As a result, private background services will not have access to your criminal records. A motion will need to be filed after your record is restricted, and a Judge will need to be persuaded that the harm to your privacy in having your records available to the public is outweighed by the public’s interest in having them available. These issues are critical, especially when applying for jobs and entry into schools.

Those convicted of most sex offenses are required to register on the sex offender registry for the rest of their lives. This is an incredibly burdensome process, but there are avenues for relief. Most people who qualify for removal from the registry are those who have completed their sentences and can prove to the Court that they are not at risk to re-offend. If it has been less than 10 years since the completion of your sentence, you will not qualify for removal unless you are classified by the Sexual Offender Registration Review Board as a Level I offender. Ms. Mason can not only file your Petition for Removal from the Registry in Superior Court but also request an Order that the SORRB Board level you in necessary. Ms. Mason can determine whether you meet the necessary qualifications for removal and give you an opinion as to your chances of success. This is a complex procedure, and Ms. Mason has helped countless clients remove this stigma from their lives.

Ms. Mason is experienced in handling all types of sex offenses, including:

Rape

Sexual Battery

Child Molestation

Aggravated Sodomy

Child Pornography

Enticing a Child

Indecent Exposure

Failure to Register

Prostitution/Pandering

In addition to mandatory minimum jail sentences, many sexual offenses in Georgia require those who are convicted to register as a sex offender. This additional penalty is often more burdensome than incarceration, making sexual offenses extremely serious.

Ms. Mason handles all moving and traffic violations, including:

Speeding

Racing

Reckless Driving

Suspended License

Driving without Insurance

Commercial Drivers License Violations

Tickets for Accidents

Drivers Under 21

Missed Court Dates

You should always consult an attorney, even for what you might think is a minor traffic violation. This is particularly important for drivers who are under 18, who face severe penalties. Convictions of traffic offenses are misdemeanors in Georgia and can result in your privilege to drive, points on your driver’s license, fines, increased insurance premiums, and even jail time.