GA-COURTS

Candace Lanette Sneed Reinstated to Practice Law

The Supreme Court of Georgia has ordered the reinstatement of Candace Lanette Sneed to the practice of law in the state. This decision follows the Court's review of a compliance notice submitted by the State Bar of Georgia, confirming that Ms. Sneed has met the conditions for reinstatement.

Georgia Supreme Court: Municipal Liability for Street Negligence

The Georgia Supreme Court clarified municipal liability for street negligence, vacating and remanding a $35 million judgment against the City of Milton. The court ruled that OCGA § 32-4-93(a) does not waive immunity for road defect claims, which must rely on OCGA § 36-33-1(b) if a ministerial duty is implicated.

City of Milton v. Chang - Municipal Liability for Road Defects

The Georgia Supreme Court vacated lower court decisions in a lawsuit against the City of Milton, ruling that municipal immunity is not waived for road defect claims unless the defect is within the portion of the street intended for travel. The case involved a $32.5 million award to the parents of a man killed in a vehicle accident.

Gines v. State - Murder Conviction Appeal

The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed the murder convictions and sentences for Jamel Kweisi Gines, Dontravious Mahone, and Michael Jamar Dawson. The convictions stem from a 2016 shooting death, and the appeals addressed numerous claims of error following a December 2018 trial. The court denied motions for new trial and upheld the jury's verdicts.

Mitchell v. The State - Murder and Knife Possession Conviction Appeal

The Supreme Court of Georgia decided Mitchell v. The State on March 3, 2026. The court affirmed the conviction of Johnson Bell Mitchell for malice murder and possession of a knife during the commission of a felony. The appeal addressed the trial court's refusal to consider a motion for immunity and an objection to a prosecutor's statement.

Disciplinary Case Recommends Disbarment for Joseph William Cloud

The Supreme Court of Georgia is considering a recommendation for disbarment against attorney Joseph William Cloud. Cloud faces charges for misconduct and abandonment of clients, and has failed to participate in the disciplinary process, leading to a default judgment and a recommendation for the maximum sanction.

Hamilton v. State - Appeal of Felony Murder Convictions

The Supreme Court of Georgia decided the case of Hamilton v. The State, concerning appeals of felony murder convictions stemming from a fatal shooting. The court affirmed the trial court's decisions regarding mistrial motions and evidence admission, upholding the convictions.

State v. Lee - Murder Case Statements Admitted

The Supreme Court of Georgia reviewed a trial court's decision to suppress incriminating statements made by a defendant, Michael Donnell Lee, charged with murder. The appellate court affirmed the suppression of statements under Miranda and Edwards but reversed the suppression under due process principles.

Supreme Court of Georgia suspends lawyer Oksana Klymovych for one year

The Supreme Court of Georgia has suspended lawyer Oksana Klymovych for one year due to violations of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct. The court reversed a default judgment, remanding the case to address the merits of the allegations.

Medina v. State - Felony Murder and Assault Convictions Appeal

The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed the felony murder, aggravated assault, and firearm possession convictions of Terrance Medina. Medina appealed based on issues with jury instructions regarding self-defense and defense of habitation, ineffective assistance of counsel, and erroneous jury charges on prima facie cases. The court found no reversible error in the trial court's rulings.