Criminal Defense Attorney in Garden City, GA.

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Drug Attorney Garden City, GA
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 Drug Defense Lawyer Garden City, GA
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Learn about our areas of experties involving state crimes, and better understand your rights.

If you are accused of a crime, the only thing standing between your freedom and a verdict of "guilty" is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Garden City, GA.

Those who have been arrested before know that life in the legal system is no laughing matter. Aside from the imminent ramifications of fines and jail time, any goals you have of bettering yourself and advancing your life could be compromised. Without a trusted attorney by your side, you could face a lifetime of embarrassment and poor employment prospects due to a tarnished criminal record.

The good news? Dennis O'Brien and his team of experienced lawyers in Garden City are ready to clear your name. By retaining the help of a criminal defense attorney early in the legal process, you have a much better chance of securing your freedom and living a life as a productive member of society.

At O'Brien Law Firm PC, our practice was founded to fight for the rights of individuals accused of or charged with a crime. Our team of legal experts is well-equipped to take even the most difficult, contentious cases. From violent felonies to DUI, there is nothing we haven't seen and handled. As a former law enforcement officer, founding attorney Dennis O'Brien knows exactly how much a person can lose if convicted. That's why we work tirelessly to secure a verdict that is favorable for our clients.

Regardless of how serious or minor your case may be, know that we will fight fearlessly on your behalf. You deserve zealous representation - when you hire O'Brien Law Firm PC, you will receive nothing less.

 Drug Lawyer Garden City, GA
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The O'Brien Law Firm PC Difference

Many of our clients are surprised to discover that founding lawyer Dennis O'Brien was a police officer prior to his criminal defense career. As a former Field Training Officer for the Memphis Police Department, he has over two decades of knowledge and experience in the criminal justice system. Dennis truly understands the nuance and complexities involved in a criminal defense case. This rare experience gives Dennis a clear edge in any criminal defense case and gives clients priceless peace of mind when they need it the most. Unlike some criminal defense attorneys in Garden City, Dennis O'Brien and his team believe that every client deserves effective, empathetic legal assistance. While some Garden City criminal defense firms will take weekends off or pass along cases to paralegals, Dennis personally reviews each of his cases. There is no case too small or big for O'Brien Law Firm PC. When you hire our firm, you can rest easy knowing that we will be by your side when the going gets tough.

 Federal Defense Attorney Garden City, GA
Here are just a few reasons why O'Brien Law Firm PC is Garden City's top choice in criminal defense:
  • Vigorous Representation
  • Fierce Dedication to Clients
  • Unmatched Experience
  • Face-to-Face Counsel
  • Prompt Response to Inquiries and Questions
  • Commitment to Defending Your Rights
  • Thorough, Effective Research and Investigation
  • Contact Us or Call: 912-704-5150
 Criminal Defense Law Firms Garden City, GA
Our firm has represented hundreds of criminal defense clients in Garden City and is highly qualified to take your case. Some of our specialties include:

Drug Cases in Garden City, GA

When you are charged with a drug crime in Garden City, it can change your life forever. Georgia imposes very strict punishments for drug offenses. The truth is, it's hard to get your life back on track with a drug charge on your record. Your freedom and way of life could be in the hands of your criminal defense attorney. As such, you need a competent lawyer with years of experience handling drug cases. Leaving your fate in the hands of an incompetent attorney could have long-lasting effects on your family and may result in a conviction.

 Criminal Defense Lawyers Garden City, GA

Consequences for drug crimes in Garden City often include:

  • Jail
  • Prison
  • Heavy fines
  • Community service
  • Court-ordered drug and alcohol counseling
  • Probation or parole
  • Permanent criminal record

While the consequences for a drug crime in Georgia are serious, there's reason to be hopeful: O'Brien Law Firm PC is here to fight for you. Remember - being charged with a drug crime is NOT the same thing as being convicted.

Our stellar team has represented many clients facing numerous drug-related charges. While each situation varies, one constant remains the same for clients facing drug charges: a fear of what lies ahead. At O'Brien Law Firm PC our job is to help you overcome the fear of the unknown. We do so by ensuring you understand your charges, the possible outcomes associated with those charges, and the options you need to consider from a criminal defense standpoint.

With more than a decade of experience as Garden City drug crime attorneys, we have the experience and resources to defend you in court no matter what your charges may be, including:

  • Marijuana
  • Crack
  • Cocaine
  • Heroin
  • Methamphetamine
  • Ecstasy

No matter what charge you are facing, our team has the experience and resources to build a comprehensive defense strategy for your drug case in Garden City, GA. Without a criminal defense attorney acting as your advocate, you could be facing very harsh penalties. Here are a few punishments you could be facing for drug crimes in Garden City:

  • Schedule I or Schedule II Drug Possession
    Schedule I or Schedule II Drug Possession:

    Having less than a gram (or one milliliter for liquids) of this type of drug results in a prison term of one to three years. Having four grams or milliliter carries a term of one to eight years.

  • Schedule III, IV, or V Drug Possession
    Schedule III, IV, or V Drug Possession:

    Any substance on this list is punishable by a prison sentence of one to three years.

  • Non-Narcotic Schedule II Drug Possession
    Non-Narcotic Schedule II Drug Possession:

    If you have less than two grams or milliliters of this substance, punishments can be between one year and three years. Having up to four grams or milliliters results in a prison sentence of one to eight years.

  • Possession of Marijuana
    Possession of Marijuana:

    Those who are in possession of less than an ounce of marijuana are subject to a jail sentence of up to 12 months. Fines may be no more than $1,000. Possession of more than an ounce of marijuana can result in a prison term of one to 10 years.

To avoid these life-changing punishments, you must take action now. Contact O'Brien Law Firm today for a consultation about your case.

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 Defense Lawyers Garden City, GA
 Criminal Defense Attorney Garden City, GA

Violent Crime Cases in Garden City, GA

Violent crime offenses in Garden City typically involve some form of bodily harm to another individual, actions committed against an individual's will, or threatening someone with bodily harm. Aggravated violent offenses are more severe charges and often occur when a violent crime is made more serious due to circumstances like deadly weapons.

Much like serious drug cases, violent crimes create an added layer of negativity that follows the accused for the rest of their life. In these cases, even an accusation is enough to cause irreparable damage to a person's reputation. Those convicted of a violent crime face severe penalties that can include years in a correctional facility.

Common crimes of this nature include but are not limited to:
  • Murder
  • Assault with the intent to murder
  • Vehicular homicide
  • Domestic violence
  • Assault
  • Battery
  • Kidnapping
  • Rape
  • Robbery
  • Carjacking

When you are accused of any of the above crimes, your freedom hangs in the balance. The outcome of your case will determine whether you leave the courtroom with your freedom intact or stripped away to serve time behind bars. Because the punishments for violent crimes are so extreme, you should be seeking legal counsel from a criminal defense attorney in Garden City, GA, as soon as possible. As a former police officer with a long record of positive verdicts in violent crime cases, Dennis O'Brien is well equipped to represent you in court.

Having a criminal defense lawyer by your side is the best way to avoid the serious punishments associated with violent crimes. These punishments usually result in prison time if convicted and include:
Forced rape: 20 years
Armed robbery: Up to 20 years
Simple assault: Up to 12 months
Aggravated assault: 10 to 20 years
Aggravated battery: Up to 20 years
Involuntary manslaughter: One to 20 years
Vehicular homicide Up to 15 years
Murder: Life in prison or the death sentence
Zealous Representation Without Judgement

As a former police officer, Dennis O'Brien has seen the toll it takes on a person when charged with a crime. His time in law enforcement allows him to empathize with his clients who desperately need competent representation. Despite being innocent until proven guilty, accusations are scary, and conviction could be a reality. That is why you must work with a trustworthy criminal defense lawyer in Garden City, GA who will work tirelessly to clear your name.

Clients choose O'Brien Law Firm because we believe in open communication, honesty, and hard work. It is not our job to act as judges for those who have been accused of crimes. Rather, our goal is to find the best defense that allows us to protect our clients' rights and freedoms.

DUI Cases in Garden City, GA

Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most common crimes committed in Georgia. Punishments for such a crime can be severe, and for understandable reasons - when a person operates a vehicle while they are intoxicated, they're putting their life and the lives of others at risk.

While DUI is a serious crime that completely upend the accused's life, the earnest desire to end drunk driving can make police officers too eager to catch a person who they believe is under the influence.

 Criminal Defense Law Firm Garden City, GA

The city of Garden City, Georgia, has implemented severe punishments for DUI, even for first-time offenders. Individuals charged with DUI in Garden City could face:

  • Very expensive fines and fees
  • Loss of license
  • Incarceration

Fortunately, if you or someone you love has been charged with DUI, there is hope. This is particularly true when the accused is administered a breath or blood test for DUI. In fact, cases that involve a breath and/or blood test are beaten daily. When you hire O'Brien Law Firm PC, we will dive deep into your DUI case in Garden City and examine every angle possible for your case to be dismissed. Here are just a few questions our team will investigate:

  • Was the stop legal? If not, your case could be dismissed
  • Is there enough evidence or probable cause to arrest you? If not, Dennis O'Brien will file a pre-trial motion and will fight hard to have your case dismissed before trial.
  • Did the police read you your implied consent rights? If not, your case could be thrown out. Failure to read implied consent rights to the accused is one of the most common police errors.
  • Were your blood testing records and breathalyzer results maintained? Breath testing comes with inherent weaknesses that can create doubt in a juror's mind.

There are numerous ways to beat a DUI case in Georgia, from unreliable field sobriety tests to inaccurate state-administered breath tests. As a veteran criminal defense lawyer in Garden City, GA, Dennis O'Brien has the knowledge and experience to expose the state's mistakes and fight for your rights. When you hire O'Brien Law Firm PC your chances of dismissal are greatly increased. When your case is dismissed, you can continue living life without the burden of a criminal record.

 Criminal Justice Attorney Garden City, GA

If you or someone you love is accused of a crime in Garden City, GA, don't leave fate up to the prosecution. Take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family before it's too late.

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Latest News in Garden City, GA

Garden City family still recovering after Valentine’s Day fire, asking for community’s help

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – A family in Garden City is asking for the community’s help after they lost everything in a Valentine’s Day house fire.Kelli Solomon spoke with WSAV NOW along with her daughter, Alexis McGill, about the impact of the fire on the life of their family.“My four-year-old son got hurt real bad- he sustained second and third-degree burns,” Solomon said.Solomon is having to take her son, Max, to Augusta up to twice a week to receive treatment for his burns. She said he doesn&r...

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – A family in Garden City is asking for the community’s help after they lost everything in a Valentine’s Day house fire.

Kelli Solomon spoke with WSAV NOW along with her daughter, Alexis McGill, about the impact of the fire on the life of their family.

“My four-year-old son got hurt real bad- he sustained second and third-degree burns,” Solomon said.

Solomon is having to take her son, Max, to Augusta up to twice a week to receive treatment for his burns. She said he doesn’t understand why he got hurt in a fire that destroyed their home.

“He goes around asking everyone ‘Why you let the fire hurt me?'” Solomon explained. “It breaks my heart when he complains of hurting and it’s not much I can do.”

Meanwhile, McGill said that she lost all of her art supplies and electronics that had the books that she had been writing on them.

“I started drawing around fourth grade and now I’m in eighth and all that progress is just gone now,” she explained. “I had an iPad that had all of my art stuff on it and that also got burned in the fire.”

All of her notebooks with the information for her four different books? Gone.

“Right now we are displaced- we’re sleeping on my in-law’s sofa,” Solomon said. For a family of six, she said that space is tight. “We’re just trying to take it one day at a time.”

“Trying to find a place to stay, that’s our most important thing right now,” she explained.

Struggling to find somewhere that’s decently priced is difficult in the area, but Solomon said it’s even harder because her family had just recently lost their restaurant, Baja Tacos before the fire. Now, without a place to live, Solomon cannot continue working from home like she was prior to the fire.

“It’s hard right now,” she said.

She said that her family needs a range of material items from household goods and toiletries to school supplies and clothing. The family also has a GoFundMe set up for raising money so that she can transport her son to get treatment for his burns.

Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

'You always need a helping hand': Nonprofits partner for food giveaway in Garden City

For Bennita Jackson, an amputee, traveling to get food is a challenge. So, she's grateful to S2S Fact's Inc. and CEO Donna Williams for bringing her food and sponsoring events such as a recent food giveaway in Garden City."It's nothing like having a clear mind when she brings the food in, and you can feed your family for the night," Jackson said. "Maybe even a few days. It's such a need because a lot of people are going hungry and you always need a helping hand."S2S, which serves youth, senior...

For Bennita Jackson, an amputee, traveling to get food is a challenge. So, she's grateful to S2S Fact's Inc. and CEO Donna Williams for bringing her food and sponsoring events such as a recent food giveaway in Garden City.

"It's nothing like having a clear mind when she brings the food in, and you can feed your family for the night," Jackson said. "Maybe even a few days. It's such a need because a lot of people are going hungry and you always need a helping hand."

S2S, which serves youth, senior citizens and women, joined with several community partners, including America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, to hold the giveaway Monday on Senior Citizens Day.

More:America's Second Harvest breaks ground on new campus, same fight to end hunger

More:Hunger fight? Second Harvest feeding kids, seniors during summer vacation

“We understand that there’s definitely a need in the community,” said Donna Williams, CEO of S2S. “That’s why we do these quarterly. We understand that gas prices, food prices are steadily increasing but the wages aren’t, so we’re serving not only those in poverty or the homeless, but working individuals as well.”

Before the giveaway opened at 10 a.m., people gathered in the Cricket Wireless/Food Lion Shopping Center to receive produce such as grapes, broccoli, blueberries, bread, granola bars, chips, snacks and more than 1,000 pounds of meat. They ran out of food by 11:30 a.m., and served more than 300 families today from throughout Chatham County. Another pop-up pantry will be held on Nov. 21.

“It went like hotcakes,” Williams said. “We had individuals walking up to get food, and in wheelchairs and walkers. You name it, we saw it. We had a phenomenal turnout.”

Williams said they always make a stop in Garden City because they have the highest poverty rate with the lowest number of residents. According to the U.S. Census, 10,426 people live in Garden City, making it the 110th most populated city in Georgia. About 12.2% of Garden City families live in poverty.

“It’s always great to make sure that we’re able to serve a population in a food desert,” Williams said. “There’s only one grocery store here in Garden City, and there’s no grocery stores in that west Savannah area and that’s why the need is so great.”

Senior citizens who came also received gifts from the nonprofit. Jackson herself received a mug and face cleansers and wipes.

"It's fortunate that she brings me different kinds of cosmetics, and basic needs and food," Jackson said. "It's basically things that I buy and sometimes that doesn't happen."

Garden City K-12 Multi-Site Campus Plans

On Tuesday, June 13, 2023, a District 8 Town Hall was held at Brock Elementary School for the purpose of sharing information on construction of the new K-12 facility in Garden City that will house Gould Elementary, Mercer Middle, and Groves High School on one campus. For those unable to attend the meeting, please find the presentation available in both English and Spanish below....

On Tuesday, June 13, 2023, a District 8 Town Hall was held at Brock Elementary School for the purpose of sharing information on construction of the new K-12 facility in Garden City that will house Gould Elementary, Mercer Middle, and Groves High School on one campus. For those unable to attend the meeting, please find the presentation available in both English and Spanish below.

New K12 Multi School Campus.pdf

Nuevo Campus de Multiples Escuelas K-12.pdf

Questions from the June 13th District 8 Town Hall Meeting

Q1. Is there a separation between the elementary, middle, and high school students during lunch?

Yes, there will be a partition to separate the high school and elementary/middle school sides of the cafeteria. This partition is a permanent separation. There is a large window on the partition (pictured below) that will allow light to come through, however, students will not be able to see the other side of the cafeteria through the window. There are two controlled access doors on the partition as well, however, students will NOT be able to go through these doors.

Like many of our other sites, the multicampus will have perimeter fencing all the way around the building and controlled access exterior doors. Doors in areas that separate the high school from the elementary and middle school will also have controlled access to prevent students from crossing over.

Q3. How will the district handle transportation?

We cannot answer this question at this time. More details will be provided as we approach the completion of the building. Currently all students who live a mile and a half or more from their zoned school are offered school bus transportation.

Q4. When will the school be open?

We cannot answer this question at this time. More details will be provided as we approach the completion of the building.

Q5. Will the school uniform colors change?

School uniform colors are at the discretion of each individual school. At this time, there is not expected to be a change in uniform for Gould, Mercer, or Groves. Each school is expected to maintain their own identity.

Q6. What will the site be named?

At the July 2023 meeting of the Board of Education, Board members approved naming the site Gould/Mercer/Groves Multicampus, or G/M/G for short.

Q7. What spaces will be shared between grades?

Elementary and middle school students will share their side of the building and operate similarly to our K-8 schools. Elementary and middle school students will share a cafetorium, gym, and learning commons. High school students will be completely separated from elementary and middle school students as they will also have their own cafeteria, gym, and learning commons. The only space that will be shared by all three schools is the auditorium.

Q8. Has this K-12 model been tested in other districts?

Yes, our district looked at various schools across the nation that operate a K-12 model. A list of those we looked at includes:

SCHOOLWebpageLOCATION
Jenkins County Schoolshttps://www.jchs.com/Millen, GA
Presidio School

https://presidioschool.com/our-school/

Tucson, AZ
Deer Trail School Elementary School & Deer Trail Junior-Senior High School

https://www.dt26j.com/en-US/schools

https://www.moaarch.com/news/deer-trail-colorado-pk-12-campus-opening/

Denver, CO
Laura Irwin Elementary School & Riverside Middle/High School

https://www.bgh4.org/38220_1

https://www.moaarch.com/project/laura-irwin-elementary-school-riverside-middle-high-school/

Basin, WY
Burlington Schools K-12

https://www.bighorn1.com/Burlington

Burlington, WY
Pinecrest Academy Sloan Canyon

https://www.pinecrestsloancanyon.com/

Henderson, NV
Hillsdale Local School District

http://www.hillsdale.k12.oh.us/district/new-facilities

https://www.times-gazette.com/story/news/local/2020/09/30/hillsdale-has-groundbreaking-new-k-12-facility/3588008001/

Jeromesville, OH
Lowellville Local School District

https://www.lowellville.k12.oh.us/

Lowellville, OH

We also currently have many schools with grades K-12 in close proximity to each other. Examples of this concept are Beach-DeRenne-Hodge, and Islands-Coastal-Marshpoint.

Garden City Rescue Mission looks for help to keep from closing

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The layers to solving the homeless crisis in our community run deep but one critical piece to the puzzle is emergency housing and shelters where the homeless can have a safe place to rest their heads.Mercy Ministries recently shut down and Garden City Rescue Mission is now in danger of closing their doors too.The rescue mission rescues about 400 men from the streets every year. Right now, they house about 60 men.If they ...

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The layers to solving the homeless crisis in our community run deep but one critical piece to the puzzle is emergency housing and shelters where the homeless can have a safe place to rest their heads.

Mercy Ministries recently shut down and Garden City Rescue Mission is now in danger of closing their doors too.

The rescue mission rescues about 400 men from the streets every year. Right now, they house about 60 men.

If they can’t come up with half a million dollars soon, we’ll see all of those they help back on the street.

MORE | Salvation Army helps take people from homeless to housed

Some of the men have stayed with the rescue mission for months and others years.

“I kept coming back and forth down this road right here and I kept hearing the music,” said Chester Hope, who stays at the rescue mission.

“My life is entirely different all because I chose to come here,” said Mitchell Morris, who stays at the rescue mission.

“I don’t have a lot of everything now, but I have something and that’s the Garden City Rescue,” said Curtis Hunter, who stays at the rescue mission.

It’s a place open to many yet on the verge of having its doors shut forever.

MORE | Businesses see impact of more housing, growth in downtown Augusta

“The original owner went to heaven some years ago and now the family has decided to liquidate the property,” said Executive Director Patrick Feistel. “So our long-term lease has been shortened.”

There is a price tag of $500,000 attached to stay.

“If I had all the money in the world, I would pay for it,” said volunteer Jeanette Hernandez.

Any dollar or penny will help the rescue mission.

“We need to try to do our best to save our rescue. I don’t say ‘the rescue’ because it’s our rescue mission,” said Hernandez.

“We’re at the doorstep of eternity for a lot of people in their life,” said Feistel.

MORE | Giveit4Ward surprises Augusta woman turning 106 years old

Each life and story is just as different as each face.

“Eight years ago, I was a drug addict,” said Morris. “I was a needle junkie.”

“I was a full blown alcoholic,” said Hunter. “I haven’t had a drink in seven months, thanks to this place.”

“I thought I was just gonna come here and lay down, eat a meal but no, that didn’t happen,” said Hope. “It happened but I got a little more than that.”

It is more than one can imagine.

“There are some men right now that come through here and if they didn’t have this place and was out there on the streets, they wouldn’t be alive,” said Feistel.

MORE | Special day to include showers, other services for Augusta’s homeless

Now the rescue mission is fighting for its own life.

“The city doesn’t need less shelters and less places where people are being introduced off the streets,” said Feistel.

The rescue mission instead wants to bring folks in for a chance at life.

To donate to Garden City Rescue Mission, visit their website.

On Sunday, Victory Baptist Church is hosting a silent auction starting at 1 p.m.

On September 2, Hernandez is hosting a 5k run starting at 8 a.m. at Mill Village Trailhead. To learn more and register, visit here.

On September 14, the rescue mission is hosting a telethon where you can call and help raise money. News 12 will update you on more details as we continue to follow.

Copyright 2023 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

Garden City multischool project almost complete, ready for new school year

GARDEN CITY, Ga. (WTOC) - The largest project in the Savannah-Chatham County School System history is almost finished.The new K-12 multi-school project in Garden City will be more than 400,000 square feet and will be the new home for about 2,400 students.Construction work will wrap up in June and students will be inside for the school year in August and be home to Groves High, Mercer Middle and Gould Elementary students.Construction started on this project in January of 2021. The project manager says it was not always ea...

GARDEN CITY, Ga. (WTOC) - The largest project in the Savannah-Chatham County School System history is almost finished.

The new K-12 multi-school project in Garden City will be more than 400,000 square feet and will be the new home for about 2,400 students.

Construction work will wrap up in June and students will be inside for the school year in August and be home to Groves High, Mercer Middle and Gould Elementary students.

Construction started on this project in January of 2021. The project manager says it was not always easy getting supplies in the middle of the pandemic but despite challenges, they are still on time.

Right now, they are just putting on the finishing touches with paving, electrical and cabinetry inside and the project manager says he is proud of the team for tackling this massive project.

“I’ve been in the school business for 35 or so years and this is the largest project I’ve ever worked on, the team has lived this thing for 26 months before that in the planning and design and then even master planning before that so it has been a long initiative for the district,” said Project Executive Dr. Slade Helmly.

The total price tag for the project is just over $135 million fully paid for by ESPLOST funds. It stretches out over 42 acres in the area.

The actual building is just phase one. Phase two to build the stadium and fieldhouse will begin sometime this fall. The good news for drivers in this area is that Priscilla Thomas Way will be back open on April 1.

Not only is this the district’s largest project, it will be the district’s first school where students from kindergarten through 12th grade are all learning in the same building.

“We think big, we think logically for our education to be able to have all of the educators under one roof from K-12 think about how you are transferring that knowledge, you are looking at the end when you come in at the beginning,” said SCCPSS Deputy Superintendent Vanessa Kiagler.

The deputy superintendent says right now they are working internally on a timeline for parents, students and staff and will begin to release those plans for the transition sometime next month.

Copyright 2023 WTOC. All rights reserved.

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