Valdosta Georgia Personal Injury Blog

Understanding diversion programs for first-time offenders

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Friday, January 4, 2019.

Being accused of a criminal offense for the first time can be a terrifying feeling. It is likely that you are worried about getting a criminal record and having your future prospects severely limited. Unfortunately, these concerns are not unrealistic, and it is possible to face serious consequences as a result of a first-time drug offense.

However, there are opportunities in Georgia for first-time offenders to avoid prosecution. This opportunity comes in the form of a Diversion Program. A Diversion Program presents an alternative to prosecution, with the intention of preventing first-time offenders from re-offending in the future. These programs have certain eligibility requirements, so it is important that you understand exactly how they work and whether you might qualify for the program.

How cocaine affects teenage brains

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Tuesday, December 4, 2018.

Unfortunately, young people continue to experiment with a wide variety of illegal drugs in the state of Georgia. Over the last 20 years, the number of young people using cocaine has been declining at a steady rate. However, there are still a significant number who choose to use the drug, and they can suffer from addiction as well as legal consequences.

If you have a child who is using cocaine in the state of Georgia, it is important that you educate yourself on the state-specific laws that are held in relation to the drug. You should additionally not underestimate the effect that cocaine use can have on your child's brain.

Financial damages can occur when children suffer injuries

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

When your child visits any property or premises that they have a right to visit, the property owner has a responsibility to provide a safe environment, regardless of their age. If your child became injured on a premises in the state of Georgia, you may be wondering whether you can take legal action. You may want to do this to draw attention to the issue and to prevent the incident from being repeated.

Certain financial damages can occur after a child is injured on a property, and these should be taken into account when making a legal claim. Many parents do not realize the amount of money they have spent as a result of a child's injury. In addition, it often does not immediately occur to them that they will likely be able to recoup these financial damages.

How can I gain compensation after a truck accident?

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Friday, October 5, 2018.

If you were driving in a passenger vehicle and you were involved in a collision with a truck in the state of Georgia, it is likely that your vehicle sustained significant damage. In addition, you and the passengers in your car will have likely suffered from physical injuries as well as emotional trauma.

The reason why insurance is taken out on motor vehicles is precisely to help people recover financially after they have been involved in an accident. However, many people choose to settle with less compensation than they truly deserve because they don't understand their rights.

Could a car accident be my fault even if I had the right of way?

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Thursday, September 6, 2018.

When a collision occurs between two or more vehicles, it is possible that many factors contributed to the accident. But when injuries occurred and damage was done to the vehicles, the person who was responsible for the accident will need to be established. This must be done so that an insurance claim can be made and so that all damages can be settled.

If you believe that you have right of way when a collision at an intersection occurred, it is important that you understand how the rules of right of way work. In addition, it is a good idea to read more about how fault is established in any car accident.

When is a premises to blame for your sports injury

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Wednesday, August 8, 2018.

In the summer months, it's a lot of fun to get out and be active. Whether it's enjoying time out on the lake, or hiking in the beautiful nature in Georgia, there are many activities such as kayaking, sailing and climbing to take advantage of. Unfortunately however, there are always risks when it comes to adventure sports, and a number of people do get injured while partaking in such activities in the state of Georgia each year.

If you have been injured while undertaking adventure sports in Georgia, it is likely that you will have suffered considerably, and you may have to pay medical bills as a result. If it can be proven that the premises you were on was responsible for your accident, then you may be entitled to compensation when you take action.

Navigating your child through a drug possession accusation

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Monday, July 9, 2018.

Being found in possession of drugs is always a serious situation to be in, especially in the state of Georgia, where drug charges tend to be particularly harsh. Therefore, if you have found out that your son or daughter is facing a drug charge as a young adult, it is understandable that you will be feeling particularly concerned.

As a parent of a young adult who is facing drug charges, it is a good idea to learn about the typical charges associated with certain drug crimes. It is particularly important to pay attention to the consequences of committing drug crimes in the state in which the young person committed the crime. This article will focus on the drug possession laws in the state of Georgia.

Understanding drug possession consequences in Georgia

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Monday, June 11, 2018.

If you have been found in the possession of any illegal drug, it is very important that you take the time to learn about what this means in regard to the laws in the state that you are currently in. In the state of Georgia, drug laws are relatively strict in comparison with other states, so extra seriousness should be attributed if you are found in possession.

The severity of drug possession in the state of Georgia will depend on a number of factors. However, one of the most defining aspects is the type of drug that you are found to be in possession of. Drug possession laws divide different controlled substances into schedules, and these schedules both relate to the danger and the potential for addiction to the drug, as well as the severity of the consequences of the crime. In addition, charges will depend on the amount of the drug that you have in your possession. If you have over a certain amount of a drug in your possession, you may be accused of possession with the intent to sell, which is a more serious crime. Sentences will also be determined based upon whether the defendant is a first time offender.

A truck accident can involve many responsible parties

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC on Friday, May 11, 2018.

If you spend any time on the road, you know just how devastating truck accidents are for their victims. It's nearly impossible to drive down I-75 without encountering a serious truck accident sooner or later. When you're the one stuck in traffic, such accidents are nuisances, but usually only that. However, when you are the victim of a truck accident, it is a true emergency.

Truck accidents often leave victims with extensive injuries that require multiple medical procedures and ongoing treatment in order for them to recover, even partially. While the victims undergo numerous treatments to address their injuries, the medical bills pile up while their income usually slows to a trickle — if they still have income at all. Without a fair settlement that fully compensates a victim for his or her losses, it is often very difficult to recover from truck accidents financially.

Malls have a responsibility to keep children from danger

On behalf of Jody D. Peterman, LLC posted in blog on Wednesday, April 18, 2018.

When you take a trip to a local mall, it is likely that you will take your children with you, too. You will have much less control of hazards and dangers in comparison to when you are in the safety of your own home. When you are at home, you are able to make sure that all dangers are out of reach of your children. To some extent, you can make their entire environment safe.

When you visit any type of business, however, whether it is a restaurant, supermarket, movie theater or shopping mall, it is the owner and/or manager of the premises that has the responsibility to make the environment reasonably safe. In doing so, they must think of the various hazards and dangers that could present themselves to different people, including the disabled and young children.