An op-ed by: Mel Hewitt For Georgia crime victims, the risks and implications of cryptocurrency are no longer theoretical. It is a daily reality in courtrooms, investigations and victim interviews. Recent cases involving crypto in Georgia have included a seizure of over $1 million in stolen crypto assets from a ring targeting real estate agents and
Georgia has entered another year with new laws on the books. Despite being marketed as “efficiency improvements” or “litigation reforms,” we believe this year’s legal changes will hurt Georgia crime victims, creating additional barriers for survivors of violent crime, negligent security and catastrophic injury. These reforms make it harder for victims to present their cases,
Death cannot stop a civil lawsuit. Neither the death of the victim nor the death of an assailant stops a civil action. Death only terminates a criminal prosecution, but the death of a perpetrator before or during civil litigation does not put an end to the proceeding. Q: So, what happens to the civil action
In recent years, tort reform has become a much-debated topic, with advocates claiming it will reduce unnecessary lawsuits and lower insurance costs. However, for victims of personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death and other violent crimes, these changes can pose significant threats to their ability to seek justice. It is crucial to understand how tort
For crime victims seeking justice beyond the criminal system, filing a civil lawsuit can be an empowering way to hold offenders accountable and secure financial compensation. While these cases provide a path to recovery, they often come with unique challenges that victims should be prepared for as they navigate the system. At Isenberg & Hewitt,
For victims of crime, the journey toward justice can be long and complicated, often involving criminal court proceedings and sometimes civil court cases. While many people are familiar with the criminal justice system, fewer understand there even is a civil process that can happen in parallel systems. Civil cases can begin before, during and even
Abuse and domestic violence often leave scars that last beyond the physical injuries, creating emotional and mental trauma, financial hardship and a diminished sense of security for victims of this horrible crime. For many survivors of domestic violence, rebuilding their lives is a long, difficult journey that requires more than emotional and physical healing. Taking
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, an annual event observed every April, raises awareness about the rights and services available to crime victims across the country. The week is dedicated to creating space for victims of crime and their families to share their stories of pain, loss and trauma, and serves as a time to advocate
By Mel Hewitt Why criminal justice data entry is imperative for preventing victimization One of my current cases involves a popular quick serve restaurant franchise that recently made the news for failing to protect an underage employee. It just burns me up how preventable this could have been. I’m a former law enforcement officer and
Both Georgia and the federal government impose numerous restrictions on how people behave. Criminal laws in theory deter people from taking actions that would cause harm to others or at least impose consequences if someone violates certain statutes. There are dozens of laws in Georgia that specifically apply to the operation of a motor vehicle.