Blawg of Attorney Christine M Bechtold

YES! It is important to monitor your online profile and activity in this modern age. More and more courts are allowing online activity to be discussed in court.   “There are strictly defined legal limits on what information can be lifted and what is in the private domain and can be obtained only through legal procedures like subpoenas, depositions and discovery.” NYT 5/13/11 . Many people do not set their privacy settings high which may make their online activity in the public domain and easily used against them in court.   Even if your settings are limited, it is important to re-evaluate your settings from time to time.   Maybe one of your 300 facebook friends is also facebook friends with your future ex-spouse and they post a picture of you doing something you would rather keep private and not discussed in open court.   In fact, “sixty-six percent of the attorneys surveyed by the AAML [American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers] called Facebook the unrivaled leader for online divo

Business or business casual attire is appropriate courtroom attire. Additionally, “in July 2009, the Georgia Judicial Council adopted a policy clarifying that religious headcoverings can be worn in Georgia courthouses.” AJC 5/5/11 . However, recently a judge did not allow a man to wear his religious headcovering repeatedly to a Henry County State Court. If you are in doubt about your clothing, consult the Court you will be attending to determine if they have any specific restrictions.  Perhaps more important than your clothing is the way you handle yourself while in Court.  We all need to treat the Court with seriousness and respect. Judges and others in the courtroom appreciate when courtroom decorum is respected. Be sure to turn your phone off, limit your conversations while in the courtroom, and when it is your turn in front of the judge speak clearly and concisely. If you have questions about courtroom decorum, call The Law Office of Christine M Bechtold, LLC at 770.466.2700 to s

Georgia’s State Legislature recently approved a new immigration bill ( HB 87 - Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011 ) but it has yet to be signed into law by Governor Deal. AJC 4/15/11 . This new bill is similar to the much publicized Arizona immigration bill, with a few changes.  Similar to Arizona, the Georgia bill allows local law enforcement to demand documentation of residency. It also empowers police to detain people they reasonably suspect are here illegally. NYTtimes 4/16/11 . The Georgia bill also establishes an Immigration Enforcement Review Board to investigate complaints about those same enforcements.  Unlike the Arizona bill, the Georgia bill softens the requirements for the federal E-Verify program and requires the investigation into a State run guest worker program by the state Agriculture Department. Opponents to the bill state that it will lead to discrimination and harassment towards Georgia immigrants. Those in