April 30, 2009

Governor Sonny Perdue Visited Douglas County Yesterday to Sign New Victiims' Rights Laws

Across the street from our office yesterday at the Douglas County Courthouse, Governor Sonny Perdue signed two new laws. The first law allows crime victims to testify by video or audio in the sentencing phase of a defendant's trial. This is meant to spare them emotional pain and agony of having to take the witness stand. The second law affords victims' families access to mental health services.

We attended the event and reception afterward. It was a great event for Douglas County and David McDade, the Douglas County District Attorney.

April 28, 2009

Decoding Car Accident Reports in Georgia - The Georgia Uniform Motor Vehicle Accident Report

Each year we review hundreds of accident reports. I recently found a good guide to help people figure-out the cryptic codes and other information contained in Georgia accident reports.

The Georgia Department of Transportation, headquartered in Atlanta, has created a nice guide for deciphering accident reports which can be found here.

Jurisdictions throughout Georgia pretty much stick to a standard accident report form called the Georgia Uniform Motor Vehicle Accident Report. Of course, there are a few law enforcement agencies, most notably in and around Atlanta, that use their own forms or use a modified version of the standard auto accident form.

I think that this guide will be helpful for the public as well as attorneys handling the occasional auto or truck accident case.

April 21, 2009

Safety in the Workplace: A Video That Dramatizes Workplace Injuries

A friend showed me this video on YouTube. This is a real safety video that workers in industrial & manufacturer settings apparently see. While it dramatizes workplace injuries, it is meant to avoid real injuries. I have handles cases involving real injuries that are depicted in this video. I can tell you first-hand that there is nothing funny or "cheesy" about these injuries when they happen in real life.

April 12, 2009

Today I Joined The Christian Trial Lawyers' Association

The Christian Trial Lawyers' Association is a national group of trial lawyers committed to Christian principles in the practice of law.

While watching a video where people on the street were asked their opinions about attorneys, I was moved by one particular response. An older woman peered into the camera with a look of disgust and said she could not express her true feelings because, as she said, "I am a Christian." This dialogue has stuck in my mind ever since.

The sermon I heard in church today compared God's world with the "other world." When I really think about the woman on the video, I see why she feels that way. I see why anybody does when you consider how lawyers are portrayed in the media and, sadly, how some lawyers portray themselves. Turn on your television any day of the week during the day and you will be bombarded with lawyer commercials. I would venture to say that 75% or more of the commercials fall into the tacky or despicable category. Dramatic television is also filled with law shows. We are portrayed as outrageous, cunning, devious, and out for the almighty dollar. Have you ever seen a legal TV show where the lawyers were portrayed as honest, hard-working, ethical, and professional? I haven't seen many. The few I have tended to die a quick death, probably due to low ratings.

I know a large number of attorneys read my blog across Georgia and beyond. Our profession needs a resurrection in the figurative sense. We need repair and healing. Will you do your small part, wherever you are? God bless you and your family.