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Choosing to adopt a child is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. However, there are complex rules that aim to safeguard the child, which can make the application process difficult. A local adoption attorney in Augusta, GA can provide invaluable guidance, helping you present a strong case and avoid disqualification where possible. Eligibility Rules for Adoption in Georgia In Georgia, there are multiple possible routes to adopt a child, including public adoptions through the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services, agency adoptions, and privately organized adoptions. Regardless of the option you choose, there are basic eligibility criteria that you must fulfill: Aged at least 21, or married and living with your spouse Resident of Georgia when the petition is filed At least 10 years older than the child (unless you are a stepparent) Physically, mentally, and financially able to have permanent custody In addition to fulfilling the above criteria, every person who wants to adopt must undergo a full evaluation. During the evaluation process, checks will be carried out to ascertain whether there are any factors that would make the potential parents unsuitable. more What Factors May Prevent Adoption? Even if you pass the basic eligibility criteria, you may be disqualified for another reason discovered during the evaluation. Common factors that can lead to disqualification include: Criminal Record A prior felony conviction won't result in automatic disqualification, but it is something that will be looked at very carefully. Background checks for any convictions will be carried out based on fingerprints, so it's essential to be honest about your history. Some convictions will present more difficulties than others. For example, any convictions for child abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or sexual misconduct may result in the application being denied. Other non-violent convictions may also be considered significant if there is any evidence of unresolved issues. Mental Health Difficulties Mental health conditions are common and in many cases won't be a cause for concern. However, if symptoms are severe and current, or there is a history of regular relapses with resistance to treatment, approval to adopt may not be granted. Unsuitable Home Environment Georgia expects all prospective adoptive households to have sufficient space and to adhere to safety standards. If your home environment is unstable, too small, or contains hazardous features, approval may be withheld until you have moved to an alternative property. Inspections will also look for stability, consistency, and a loving atmosphere. If there is a history of regular house moves, frequent difficulties within your relationship, or an unstable domestic environment, you may be disqualified. Get Advice From an Adoption Attorney A lawyer can help ensure any unfavorable historical aspects are viewed in context, and that your application is presented in the most positive way. An attorney will be familiar with the adoption procedure and can help you comply with all requirements. This prevents any delays and will secure the best possible result. We have extensive experience in all types of adoption and can support you throughout the whole process. To talk to a compassionate lawyer, contact us today at Davis, Chapman, & Wilder in Augusta, GA. We are proud to serve all the local communities, including Lincolnton, Thomson, Evans, Martinez, Waynesboro, and Grovetown.

If you are facing criminal charges in Georgia, there are many mistakes you need to avoid in order to give yourself the best chance of avoiding a conviction and harsh sentencing at trial. If you make assumptions if you overlook key aspects of the law, or if you fail to approach your case with the seriousness it deserves, you could find yourself facing the consequences for years – if not decades – to come. Charged with a Crime in Georgia? Don’t Make These Costly Mistakes Georgia’s criminal justice system is complicated, and there are several laws and constitutional principles that apply during criminal cases in the Georgia state courts. As a result, the single most important thing you can do when facing criminal charges is to discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Your attorney will be able to help you avoid mistakes such as: Mistake #1: Assuming You Will Be Convicted Regardless of the circumstances leading up to your ticket or arrest, you must not assume that you will be convicted at trial. The prosecutor’s office has the burden of proving your guilt in court; if there isn’t sufficient evidence of your guilt, you cannot be legally convicted even if you committed a crime. In addition, even if you think you committed a crime, (i) the act you committed might not actually be illegal in Georgia, or (ii) you might have defenses that justify or excuse your conduct. Mistake #2: Assuming You Won’t Be Convicted However, while there are many potential defenses to criminal charges in Georgia, you must also avoid assuming that you will walk free if your case goes to trial. Despite carrying a heavy burden of proof, prosecutors secure guilty verdicts all the time, and the rate of wrongful convictions is alarming. Even if you are absolutely certain that you have done nothing wrong, you must still approach your case as if it carries the risk of leading to a conviction – because it absolutely does. Mistake #3: Assuming the Police Followed the Law Police officers make mistakes, just like everyone else. While it is possible that your stop and arrest were conducted in strict compliance with the law, it is also entirely possible that the arresting officer or a police investigator who questioned you when you were taken in for booking violated your constitutional rights. Mistake #4: Assuming Prosecutors Will Follow the Law Prosecutors make mistakes as well. From relying on inadmissible evidence to withholding key evidence during discovery, various prosecutorial mistakes can jeopardize the state’s case and entitle defendants to “not guilty” verdicts at trial. Mistake #5: Missing a Court Date When facing criminal charges in Georgia, you will have to appear in court on multiple occasions (unless your attorney is able to use police or prosecutorial mistakes, or other defenses, to resolve your case early in the process). If you miss a court date, the judge can issue a bench warrant for your arrest and you can be held in jail until your trial. Mistake #6: Simply Waiting for Your Trial Date to Arrive In addition to making sure you appear for your court dates on time, there are various other steps you can take to protect yourself and build an effective defense strategy prior to your trial date. Rather than simply waiting for your case to go to court, you (or your attorney) can: Request access to the state’s evidence against you (through the process of “discovery”) File motions to challenge the admissibility of the state’s evidence in court Negotiate for a reduced charge or a reduced sentence Seek entry into Georgia’s Pretrial Diversion Program (which will result in your charges being dismissed once you complete the program successfully) Take other steps to convince the court that you are remorseful and that you are working on reforming your conduct or seeking treatment for alcohol or drug dependence Mistake #7: Ignoring or Overlooking Possible Defenses As we mentioned above, there are numerous possible defenses to criminal charges in Georgia. When your freedom is on the line, you need to explore all options for avoiding sentencing at trial. Even “minor” details can be enough to prevent the prosecutor’s office from meeting its burden of proof, and you want to be absolutely certain that you are fighting your charges by all means available. Mistake #8: Banking on a Single Defense Along these same lines, even if you have one defense that seems particularly solid, you do not want to rely solely on this defense to protect you. While throwing the kitchen sink at the judge or jury may lead to confusion and make it appear as though you do not have any individual defense that requires an acquittal, relying on one defense when you have multiple defenses available could leave you unnecessarily exposed. Mistake #9: Failing to Understand the Consequences of a Conviction Under Georgia law, all misdemeanors and felonies carry potential fines and jail time. In fact, the maximum penalties for misdemeanors start at up to a $1000 fine and 12 months in jail. In addition, the practical consequences of a conviction can impact all aspects of your work and personal life, from making it extremely difficult to find a job to prevent you from seeing your children. For more information on the consequences of criminal convictions in Georgia, you can read: What are the Penalties for Felonies and Misdemeanors in Georgia? Georgia Criminal Records are Not Eligible for Expungement Mistake #10: Trying to Handle Your Criminal Case on Your Own With these risks in mind, the best way to protect yourself when facing criminal charges in Georgia is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you. Presenting a successful defense requires a thorough understanding of the law and intimate familiarity with the procedures involved in Georgia criminal cases. Contact us to learn more. Contact Our Augusta, GA Criminal Law Offices to Discuss Your Case in Confidence Our Augusta criminal lawyers provide experienced legal representation for individuals who are facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Georgia. For more information about how we can protect you, call 706-200-1578 or contact us online for a confidential initial consultation.