Criminal law is the body of law that relates to crime. It proscribes conduct perceived as threatening, harmful, or otherwise endangering to the property, health, safety, and moral welfare of people
Misdemeanor and Felony Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Some refer to it as Driving Under the Influence (DUI), others refer to it as Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and a small group of states called it Operating Under the Influence (OUI). This criminal offense generally includes either driving under the influence of alcohol to the extent it impairs your physical and mental faculties, or driving while you have an unlawful blood alcohol content regardless of whether the alcohol has had any effect on you. The offense is also mistakenly known as “drunk driving” although that term has no official meaning and is a misnomer because you don’t have to be drunk (or driving) in order to be arrested and convicted of a DUI.
Misdemeanor and Felony Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
Driving under the influence of drugs — including prescription medications as well as illegal drugs — can also result in DUI charges as well. Mixing drugs and driving, whether it’s medicinal marijuana or legally prescribed muscle relaxers, is just as illegal as driving under the influence of alcohol and can also constitute a DUI offense.
Misdemeanor and Felony Vehicular Homicide
Vehicular homicide is a crime that involves the death of a person other than the driver as a result of either criminally negligent or murderous operation of a motor vehicle. In cases of criminal negligence, the defendant is commonly charged with unintentional vehicular manslaughter.
Minor in Possession of Alcohol
A Minor in Possession, or a MIP, (also referred to as an UIP, Under Age in Possession) is a criminal offense, typically a misdemeanor. Anyone who is under the age of 21 and possesses alcohol in the Georgia, with the exception of special circumstances, is violating the law of Georgia, and many times is one of the criminal offenses involving substance use/abuse that act as a gateway to other problems.
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of marijuana involves the intentional or knowing possession of marijuana. Every state regulates marijuana to some degree with some being more lenient than others. However, possession of Marijuana can sometimes represent on of the criminal offenses involving substance use/abuse that act as a gateway to other problems.
Drug Offenses
A drug offense refers to the possession, use, sale or furnishing of any drug or intoxicating substance or drug paraphernalia, that is prohibited by law. Most drug offenses are felonies, and, of course, are almost always a class of criminal offenses involving substance use/abuse. The most common defense raised is to challenge the search and seizure that resulted in the police finding the drugs.
Drug-Related Offenses
Drugs are related to crime in multiple ways. Most directly, it is a crime to use, possess, manufacture, or distribute drugs classified as having a potential for abuse. Cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and amphetamines are examples of drugs classified to have abuse potential. Some crimes related to drugs are theft or property offenses.
Traffic Offenses
Traffic violation law covers any number of unlawful activities involving a motor vehicle. These laws deal with moving violations like DUI and speeding, as well as violations based on the condition or status of a vehicle, such as expired registration.
