Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyers Blog

Mass Electronic Surveillance Suspected In Protests

Published on: August 4, 2020 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Federal agencies can use the “national security” exception to avoid search warrants and use unobtrusive stingrays and dirtboxes to obtain cell phone numbers, owners’ names, and owners’ addresses. Without targeting a suspect, they can access large swaths of data by using this technology in crowds. They can even use that data after participants leave a gathering to track and investigate the people in attendance.

What are Stingrays and Dirtboxes?

https://theintercept.com/2020/07/31/protests-surveillance-stingrays-dirtboxes-phone-tracking/

Protect your Georgia nursing license after substance use arrest

Published on: July 29, 2020 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

When a nurse struggles with substance use, he or she may worry that seeking help will result in career damage. In fact, self-reporting a problem with drugs or alcohol can help protect your ability to practice as a nurse.

Learn how a DUI or drug diversion arrest could impact your Georgia nursing license.

Understanding mandatory reporting requirements

Could you face prosecution for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) Loan Fraud?

Published on: June 12, 2020 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020.

A major part of the CARES Act provided for a total of $669 million in federal funds to be designated for financial relief for small and medium-sized businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The crush of applications meant the fund ran out in minutes. Lenders scrambled to handle applications and disburse money to struggling businesses, with 4 million disbursements made by the middle of May. However, many companies that were eligible were unable to access assistance. Public outcry about nationally recognized businesses receiving funds led to the Small Business Administration and Treasury Department establishing a “Safe Harbor” return program whereby businesses could return loans. The Safe Harbor deadline, originally set for May 7, was extended twice but ended on May 18.

Now, federal authorities are investigating and filing fraud charges against those thought to have taken advantage of the new program. Applicants who falsely certified any part of the loan request could face criminal charges, fines, and restitution. In addition, as forgiveness applications are submitted and approved, use of PPP funds for anything other than allowed business purposes could subject applicants to investigation.

After a Data Breach, What to Do?

Published on: May 14, 2020 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

After the Hack: A Data Breach Post Game Show

As chair of the Cyber Crime committee at iTechlaw, Meg Strickler gives her insight on data breaches from various perspectives on an iTechlaw webinar this week. She and the other panelists discuss:

The criminal charge of BEC (Business email compromise) fraud

Forging a drug prescription may lead to a prison sentence

Published on: April 21, 2020 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Whether you have an illness, injury or medical disorder, modern medicine likely offers a few different ways to treat it. For many conditions, prescription drugs reduce symptoms or eliminate them altogether. Accordingly, if you need medication to improve your quality of life, seeing a physician is critical.

Doctors receive extensive training on diagnosing and treating medical conditions. They also understand how to check for drug interactions and allergies. As such, even if you think you know what prescription drugs to take, you should not take matters into your own hands. That is, not only may forging a prescription cause you physical harm, but it may also lead to serious criminal consequences.

Valid prescriptions must meet certain criteria

Economic losses prompt GBI to crack down on cybercrimes

Published on: April 16, 2020 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

In late 2018, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations opened a new cyber center, training a new unit of investigators to take on cases of alleged cybercrime. The move was an attempt to stem the tide of theft, fraud and other offenses committed electronically.

According to a special agent in charge of the new investigation unit, cybercrime costs the state of Georgia at least $38 million per year. However, that estimate could be severely low.

Misleading numbers

4 distinguishing characteristics of embezzlement

Published on: April 6, 2020 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

If charged with embezzlement, you could face a federal court, or a state court could hear your case, depending on the circumstances. In either case, embezzlement is a serious matter, as well as a complicated one.

Embezzlement begins with property in your lawful possession, though not belonging to you. If you were to then use it in a way that goes against your agreement with the property owner, there could then be an embezzlement case against you.

The requirements to prosecute an embezzlement charge are different from those of a comparable crime like larceny. Here are some important distinctions that set embezzlement apart.

Super Lawyer Meg Strickler wins big in Fulton County superior court.

Published on: February 29, 2020 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

This past week, Conaway & Strickler’s Meg Strickler and her associate tried a capital case in Fulton County Superior Court. Our client was facing life in prison. Ms. Strickler was able to secure a NOT GUILTY verdict. The jury deliberated just 30 minutes.

What to do when the state examiners walk into your dental office

Published on: December 6, 2019 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

You spent all those hours and training to pass the Georgia Board of Dentistry only to turn around and have that license threatened by something you do to help your patients. As a dentist, you focus on keeping your patient’s oral health in good order and helping them achieve a better smile. Unfortunately, when the state examiners show up, it can be difficult to know what to do.

Know the rules

The Georgia Board of Dentistry has 11 board members who determine the current rules and regulations. Not only do they handle the rules, but they also approve licensing and renewals for the state. While the National Board Examination administers the exam, you must go through the board to obtain a license. Dentists must also submit to HIPAA guidelines because they handle patient information. Understanding the various rules on what procedures and prescriptions you can administer can help you avoid negatively impacting your license.

Investigating the investigators

Published on: September 13, 2019 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Right now, in Georgia and throughout the United States, investigators are watching people and keeping track of their activities on the internet. There is a great deal of information out there, however, and these investigators do not always get everything right.

Additionally, law enforcement officers sometimes overstep their bounds. At Conaway and Strickler, P.C., we make it our mission to ensure that our clients’ rights are protected. One of the ways we do this is by performing our own investigations.

There is an old saying it goes something along the lines of “what is good for one is good for the other.” We make a point of employing equal or superior techniques to state and federal agencies during our own examinations of the facts. We see this as the minimum requirement for a successful case.