A. I. Benavidez News
Court completes maintenance on CM/ECF system; public access restored
By A. I. Benavidez | Nov 16, 2024
The necessary maintenance on the case management and electronic files (CM/ECF) system has been finalized.
Rising auto insurance rates in Georgia spark calls for tort reform
By A. I. Benavidez | Nov 16, 2024
Georgia drivers are facing a sharp increase in auto insurance premiums, with the state now ranking among the top five in the nation for the highest rates.
Final defendant convicted in Augusta-area meth-trafficking case
By A. I. Benavidez | Nov 14, 2024
The final defendant in a drug trafficking operation in the Augusta area has been found guilty.
Georgia’s soaring auto insurance rates spark debate over tort reform
By A. I. Benavidez | Nov 13, 2024
Georgia residents are facing sharp increases in auto insurance rates, and experts say the state's growing mass tort litigation crisis is a key factor driving up costs.
Federal charges announced against four for illegal firearms possession
By A. I. Benavidez | Nov 12, 2024
Federal authorities in the Southern District of Georgia have returned indictments on several individuals facing felony charges related to illegal firearms possession.
Court updates forfeiture schedule for misdemeanor and petty offenses
By A. I. Benavidez | Nov 12, 2024
The Court has released a new Forfeiture of Collateral Schedule for Misdemeanor and Petty Offenses, as stated in S.D. Ga.
Homeless veterans get legal help from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School
By A. I. Benavidez | Nov 11, 2024
As Veterans Day is observed, the challenges faced by veterans, including homelessness, are highlighted.
Uber continues collaboration with MARTA to enhance public transport access in Georgia
By A. I. Benavidez | Oct 18, 2024
Uber continues its collaboration with Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) through the MARTA Connect Early Bird Program.
Federal firearms charges lead to multiple convictions in Georgia
By A. I. Benavidez | Oct 15, 2024
Federal authorities in the Southern District of Georgia have returned indictments involving illegal firearms possession and drug distribution. Several defendants face federal prison sentences or are awaiting further proceedings after pleading guilty to gun-related charges.
University of Georgia School of Law adds five attorneys to clinical program
By A. I. Benavidez | Oct 14, 2024
The University of Georgia School of Law has expanded its clinical program by adding five new attorneys in 2024. This move aligns with the school's ongoing efforts to enhance legal education for students and provide legal services to underserved communities.
Advocacy Executive Board announces leadership roles for 2024-2025
By A. I. Benavidez | Oct 8, 2024
Kristen Gough has been named President of the Advocacy Executive Board for 2024-2025. Gough, originally from Annapolis, Maryland, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice/Criminology from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science in Crime Scene Investigation from Stevenson University. Her achievements include being selected as Best Appellee in her LWRA II Spring 2023 class and competing as an attorney in the Spring 2024 National Trial Competition. She received the CALI award for Trial Advocacy during her time at law school. "Serving as President of the Advocacy...
Walter Hellerstein presents at OECD meeting on crypto-asset taxation
By A. I. Benavidez | Oct 8, 2024
Distinguished Research Professor and Shackelford Distinguished Professor in Taxation Law Emeritus, Walter Hellerstein, co-presented at a meeting of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Technical Advisory Group. The meeting focused on the VAT/GST treatment of activities involving crypto-assets and was held in October as part of Working Party No. 9 on Consumption Taxes.
Moore participates in AALL Annual Meeting presentation
By A. I. Benavidez | Oct 4, 2024
Wendy Moore, the Associate Director for Collection Services, participated as a co-presenter in the "Experience Active Learning Implementation" session at the American Association of Law Libraries 2024 Annual Meeting. The event also featured presentations from S. Nolan, H. Simmons, and A. Taylor.
Russian man sentenced for unlicensed money transmitting business involving $150 million
By A. I. Benavidez | Oct 2, 2024
Feliks Medvedev has been sentenced to three years and ten months in prison for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business that moved over $150 million from Russia. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, "Medvedev threatened our national and economic security by illegally transferring and laundering illicit Russian money." He emphasized the commitment of his office to pursue individuals involved in illegal transfers of foreign funds.
Attorneys challenge Johnson & Johnson's third bankruptcy attempt over talc-related cancer claims
By A. I. Benavidez | Oct 1, 2024
Beasley Allen, along with other attorneys representing tens of thousands of women with ovarian cancer linked to Johnson & Johnson’s talc products, have vowed to fight the company’s latest bankruptcy filing. The New Jersey-based pharmaceutical giant claims that 83% of surveyed plaintiffs have agreed to the terms of their pre-packaged bankruptcy plan, but attorneys argue this is a manipulation of the process.
Richmond County man sentenced for threatening Augusta's Social Security office
By A. I. Benavidez | Sep 26, 2024
A Richmond County man has been sentenced to federal prison for threatening to blow up Augusta’s Social Security office. Keyon Tishaye Dickens, 39, of Augusta, received a 36-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to using a telephone to make a threat to injure a person or damage a building by explosives. U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall also mandated that Dickens serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.
U.S., Cobb County reach settlement on voting accessibility
By A. I. Benavidez | Sep 19, 2024
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia has entered into a settlement agreement with the Cobb County Board of Elections to resolve a multi-year compliance review that identified physical barriers at many polling sites. Cobb County has agreed to make certain corrections in time for the November 2024 general election and to conduct a systemic review to ensure accessibility for all future polling locations.
Former Lithonia High School teacher indicted for sexual contact with student
By A. I. Benavidez | Sep 17, 2024
A Union City man has been indicted on charges related to an alleged sexual relationship with a student.
Increase in negligent security suits amid rise in short-term rentals
By A. I. Benavidez | Sep 6, 2024
During the pandemic, the short-term rental industry experienced significant growth as hotels closed their doors. However, this surge has also led to an increase in incidents such as drownings, shootings, and other safety issues at these properties.
Wilbanks CEASE Clinic assisted over 55 survivors last year
By A. I. Benavidez | Sep 6, 2024
The Wilbanks Child Endangerment and Sexual Exploitation Clinic, which began operations eight years ago, continues to demonstrate the value of quality, trauma-responsive legal representation for survivors. Last year, more than 55 survivors in 12 Georgia counties received direct client services from the clinic, while dozens more received indirect advocacy through the clinic’s partnerships with law firms, child advocacy centers, and other agencies across the state. The clinic was established in 2016 thanks to a founding gift from 1986 School of Law alumnus and Board of Visitors...