Sanders v. The State - Appeal of Murder Convictions

The Supreme Court of Georgia decided Sanders v. The State on March 3, 2026. Appellant Joshua Sanders appealed his convictions for malice murder and related offenses. The court affirmed the trial court's denial of the motion for a new trial, finding the appellant's claims procedurally barred.

Small v. State - Malice Murder Conviction Affirmed

The Georgia Supreme Court affirmed Gregory Small's conviction for malice murder and other charges. Small argued his due process rights were violated due to a lack of formal arraignment and ineffective assistance of counsel. The court found no merit in these arguments and upheld the conviction and sentence.

Strong v. State - Felony Murder Conviction Appeal

The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed the felony murder conviction of Aaron Edward Strong for the fatal stabbing of Maurice Arnold and the stabbing of Deandre Arnold. Strong's appeal challenged the exclusion of text messages and prosecutorial remarks during closing arguments, among other issues. The court found no abuse of discretion and affirmed the trial court's rulings.

Jackson v. The State - Felony Murder Conviction Appeal

The Supreme Court of Georgia partially vacated and remanded a felony murder conviction for Quinta vius Jackson due to a sentencing error. While the evidence was found sufficient, the court identified an error in sentencing Jackson on both felony murder counts, requiring resentencing.

Woods v. State - Appeal of Malice Murder Conviction

The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed the malice murder conviction of Maleik Woods for the shooting death of Francisco Zapata. Woods appealed his conviction, arguing the trial court erred in admitting evidence of other acts and in coercing a jury verdict. The court found no merit in his arguments and upheld the conviction.

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.

Georgia Supreme Court affirms denial of habeas corpus petition

The Georgia Supreme Court affirmed the denial of a habeas corpus petition filed by Exzavious Gibson, who was convicted of murder and armed robbery in 1990. The court found that Gibson failed to demonstrate an actual conflict of interest that adversely affected his trial counsel's performance.

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.

Georgia Supreme Court Opinions Published March 3, 2026

The Georgia Supreme Court affirmed a lower court's denial of a habeas corpus petition filed by Exzavious Gibson, challenging his 1990 murder and armed robbery convictions. The court found no actual conflict of interest that adversely affected his trial counsel's performance, despite a disclosure issue.

Senior v. The State - Appeal of Malice Murder Conviction

Oscar Senior is appealing his 2013 malice murder conviction from a 2012 shooting. The Georgia Supreme Court affirmed the conviction, finding that any deficient performance by his trial counsel in failing to impeach witnesses with prior felony convictions did not prejudice Senior. The appeal was granted out-of-time due to ineffective assistance of counsel in failing to file a timely notice of appeal.