News from February 2024
Lt. Gov. Jones: Tort reform bill will 'provide the critically important aid to Georgia’s business community'
By A. K. Howerter | Feb 29, 2024
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones (R-Ga.) has announced that Senate Bill 426 (SB 426) aims to safeguard Georgia's businesses from potential exploitation of the legal system. The bill, which recently secured approval from Georgia's Senate, is designed to curtail direct action lawsuits.
Kratom Lawsuit Reveals Hidden Dangers and Shady Tactics in the Industry
By GA News Gazette | Feb 29, 2024
A class-action complaint has been filed in California federal court against Ashlynn Marking Group, Inc. for allegedly not disclosing the severe risks of addiction associated with its Kratom-containing products.Kratom is known to cause addiction and has resulted in deaths or catastrophic injuries to hundreds, if not thousands, of users. Additionally, the products do not inform users about other deadly risks. These products are available for purchase in convenience stores or online by people of any age, which means it’s not just adults suffering.Attorneys Roger Smith and...
LANORRIS DODSON SENTENCED TO LIFE WITH A MINIMUM 25 YEARS IN PRISON WITHOUT PAROLE ELIGIBILITY FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF A TEENAGE FEMALE
By GA News Gazette | Feb 29, 2024
On February 26, 2024, Lanorris Dodson, 38, has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 25 years before parole eligibility for sexually abusing a 15-year-old female. The sentencing was finalized by Superior Court Judge John Simpson who accepted the plea agreement presented by the State.Assistant District Attorney Jared Parrish and DA Investigator Sonia Green were instrumental in prosecuting the case, while Newnan Police Department Detective Joseph Castro led the investigation that uncovered the disturbing details of the case.The investigation revealed that...
Lori A. Ringhand presents on Constitutional challenges to VRA Section 2
By GA News Gazette | Feb 29, 2024
Hosch Professor & Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor Lori A. Ringhand recently presented a session titled "Constitutional Challenges to Section 2 of the VRA." The presentation took place at the "State of the South: The Center for Access to Justice's Annual Conference" hosted by the Georgia State University College of Law in February.During the session, Ringhand delved into the complexities surrounding Section 2 of the VRA, shedding light on the constitutional challenges it faces. Her expertise and insights provided valuable perspectives on this critical issue.
Abundance of 'nuclear verdicts' in Georgia raise insurance costs for consumers
By E. F. Cullerton | Feb 28, 2024
Atlanta residents are grappling with a cost of living that exceeds the statewide average, compounded by increased expenses such as insurance. This surge in prices is attributed, in part, to a high number of "nuclear verdicts" in Georgia.
TWO INDICTED IN FATAL NOVEMBER 2022 OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING
By GA News Gazette | Feb 28, 2024
Feb 28 2024Two DeKalb County Police Department officers have been indicted in connection with the fatal shooting of a man inside his Stone Mountain home in November 2022.Former DKPD Officer Russell Mathis, 30, has been indicted on charges of felony Involuntary Manslaughter and misdemeanor Reckless Conduct, while DKPD Officer Jordan Vance, 30, faces a charge of Reckless Conduct.The incident took place on November 4, 2022, when Officers Mathis and Vance responded to a call about a stolen car parked in the driveway of a home on Autumn Crest Court in Stone...
LITHONIA MAN CONVICTED IN FATAL STABBING OF HIS MOTHER
By GA News Gazette | Feb 28, 2024
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has announced that a Lithonia man, Antonio Williams, has been convicted by a jury trial for the fatal stabbing of his mother, Terri Alexander. Williams, 28, was found guilty on charges of Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Knife During the Commission of a Felony stemming from the incident on March 5, 2020.According to the investigation, officers from the DeKalb County Police Department responded to a person down call at a home in Lithonia, where they found Williams sitting in...
Rodrigues featured on Bloomberg
By GA News Gazette | Feb 28, 2024
University Professor & Kilpatrick Chair of Corporate Finance and Securities Law Usha Rodrigues was featured on Bloomberg regarding Digital World Acquisition Corporation stock and its sale. Rodrigues' insights were included in the article titled "Trump Eyes $4 Billion Stock Windfall as His Legal Bills Pile Up" by Bailey Lipschultz, published on 2/27/24.Rodrigues' expertise in corporate finance and securities law provided valuable analysis on the topic, leading to the article being republished by various media outlets nationwide.The article sheds light on the potential...
Georgia Laboratory Owner Pleads Guilty to Felony Charge and Agrees to Pay $14.3 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations
By GA News Gazette | Feb 28, 2024
Andrew “Drew” Maloney, the owner of Capstone Diagnostics in Georgia, has pleaded guilty to a criminal information for conspiracy to pay health care kickbacks. As part of a global settlement, Maloney and Capstone have agreed to pay $14.3 million to resolve allegations of violating the Anti-Kickback Statute by paying commissions for unnecessary medical tests. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton emphasized that such payments can undermine the integrity of federal health care programs.U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan expressed commitment to prosecuting...
Brunswick Man Convicted of Aggravated Assault in 2020 Shooting
By GA News Gazette | Feb 27, 2024
District Attorney Keith Higgins announced on Friday, February 23, 2024, that a Glynn County jury found Alvin Eddie Canidate guilty of two counts of Aggravated Assault and one count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. The jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on his co-defendant, leading to a mistrial declared by Chief Judge Stephen G. Scarlett Sr. A second co-defendant in the case had previously pleaded guilty and testified at trial.The evidence presented during the trial revealed that on December 5, 2020, Canidate and his co-defendants...
Defendant Sentenced for Violent Assault of FBI Special Agent and Distribution of Methamphetamine
By GA News Gazette | Feb 27, 2024
Cedrick Hill, 31, of Marietta, Ga., has been sentenced to 26 years of imprisonment for the violent assault of an FBI special agent and the sale of multiple kilos of methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, “Determined to escape at all costs, this defendant gravely injured an FBI special agent in the line of duty.” Buchanan added, “No sentence can remedy the physical and emotional harm suffered by the agent because of Hill’s conduct, but hopefully this sentence will cause others to think twice before risking harm to law enforcement officers during the...
UGA Students Shine in Spong Invitational Moot Court Tournament
By GA News Gazette | Feb 27, 2024
UGA finishes as semifinalists in Spong Invitational Moot Court TournamentFeb 27, 2024Congratulations to second-year students Adesh Dasani and Casey E. Wofford for finishing the 53rd Annual William B. Spong Jr. Invitational Moot Court Tournament as semifinalists. The achievement highlights their dedication and skills in the field of law.Additionally, a second UGA team, consisting of second-year students Mona E. Abboud, David T. Harris, and Kyle R. Nelson, demonstrated their legal prowess by finishing in the top 16 teams of the prestigious competition. This...
UGA Strengthens Campus Safety Measures with $7.3 Million Investment
By GA News Gazette | Feb 27, 2024
The University of Georgia has announced new measures to enhance campus security, with a focus on public safety. President Jere W. Morehead stated, "The protection of our students, faculty and staff at the University of Georgia is always top of mind for me and our senior administration, and we are continually evaluating our safety programs."The $7.3 million investment includes a 20% increase to the UGA Police Department budget, additional campus safety personnel, more security cameras, lighting upgrades, license plate readers, and the installation of combined security...
UGA Law finishes as finalists in Miller National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition
By GA News Gazette | Feb 27, 2024
UGA Law finishes as finalists in Miller National Environmental Law Moot Court CompetitionFeb 27 2024Congratulations to second-year students M. Drake Jones, Joseph P. Will, and Emily C. Wood for their outstanding performance in the 36th annual Jeffrey G. Miller National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition held at Pace University's Elizabeth Haub School of Law. The trio showcased their legal prowess and advocacy skills throughout the three-day appellate advocacy competition, where they represented three different parties in six separate oral arguments.Jones and...
Professor Norins featured in Atlanta Civic Circle on Georgia 'deepfake' bill
By GA News Gazette | Feb 27, 2024
Clinical Assistant Professor & First Amendment Clinic Director Clare R. Norins has been highlighted in the Atlanta Civic Circle in relation to Georgia Senate Bill 392. The article titled "Does Georgia's bill banning 'deepfakes' go too far?" was penned by Ryan Zickgraf and released on 2/21/24.In the article, Ryan Zickgraf raises the question, "Does Georgia's bill banning 'deepfakes' go too far?" The piece likely delves into the implications and controversies surrounding the bill and its potential impact on the freedom of expression and digital manipulation.Norins'...
UGA Law finishes in top 16 at Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition
By GA News Gazette | Feb 27, 2024
UGA Law's second-year students Ceilidh F. Buckley, Joseph M. "Joe" Colley, Katherine A. Lewis, and Brennan A. Rose, along with third-year student Hao Chen "Bobby" Dong, achieved a commendable feat by finishing in the top 16 teams at a regional tournament of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. The team was supported by third-year students Andrew N. Arrington and Madeleine B. "Maddie" Hoss, as well as 2023 alumnus J. Caleb Grant.The accomplishment was a result of the team's hard work and dedication to the competition. Their success reflects their...
Brunswick Man Convicted of Aggravated Assault Following Jury Verdict
By GA News Gazette | Feb 27, 2024
Kelvin Jeffrey Jones, a 58-year-old resident of Brunswick, GA, was found guilty by a Glynn County jury of Aggravated Assault by Strangulation. District Attorney Keith Higgins revealed that the jury deliberated for a mere 10 minutes before arriving at their decision.During the trial, it was revealed that on July 8, 2020, Jones had a physical altercation with his girlfriend at the Oleander Motel in Brunswick. The victim was dragged into their room, strangled, and hit in the face by Jones, who also prevented her from calling for help by throwing her phone. The victim managed...
Beasley Allen Attorneys Recognized Among Best in 2024 Annual Lawdragon Guides
By GA News Gazette | Feb 27, 2024
Lawdragon has recognized 18 Beasley Allen attorneys for their work in the legal community. Among them, Toxic Torts Section Head Rhon Jones expressed his gratitude for being selected for The Lawdragon Green 500, which honors the nation’s leading environmental lawyers. Managing Attorney Tom Methvin was also recognized, being selected for the 2024 Lawdragon Hall of Fame. Methvin stated, "It is an honor to be included in this prestigious group of attorneys who have made significant contributions to the legal profession."Mass Torts Section Head Andy Birchfield, along with...
UGA Students Finish as National Finalists in Mock Trial Competition
By GA News Gazette | Feb 27, 2024
UGA finishes as national finalists in Shark Beach Showdown Mock Trial CompetitionFeb 27 2024Congratulations to the team of UGA students who achieved the remarkable feat of finishing as national finalists in the inaugural Shark Beach Showdown Mock Trial Competition. The team, comprised of third-year students Shepherd Bridges, Delaney Davis, Jessica L. Davis, Ericka L. Love, and second-year student Wesley E. Tillman, showcased their exceptional skills throughout the competition.Davis, one of the team members, received special recognition for delivering the "best opening...
'Frivolous' lawsuits contribute to Georgia’s rising car insurance costs
By A. A. Sanchez | Feb 26, 2024
A recent report from MarketWatch, a subsidiary of Dow Jones, reveals that car insurance costs in Georgia surged by 22% in 2023. Other reports have found that a high number of “frivolous” lawsuits has contributed to the state’s rising costs.