Why a Georgia Real Estate Attorney Must be at a Real Estate Closing (Part 1)
Buying property can be exciting, but it can also be daunting. There are specific processes that must be followed, as well as forms that must be filled in and documents that must be completed exactly the right way. At the end, the real estate closing will result in the property being transferred to the purchaser.
Most people need to borrow money to buy a home, and this can be a formidable prospect in itself. Again, there are processes and documents involved, as well as negotiations and agreements to be concluded.
While the process of buying property is basically the same in all US states, local law does have an impact. For instance in Georgia the closing must be conducted by a licensed Georgia attorney, who is effectively a real estate specialist. Furthermore this attorney must be physically present at the closing, and according to a Georgia Supreme Court order, “in control of the closing process from beginning to end”. This was as a result of an attorney having participated in a real estate closing telephonically, which the Court found “ethically improper”.
In some other states, only attorneys can give legal advice relating to the closing. Real estate attorneys must also draft all the legal documentation. But a “non-attorney” may handle the closing.
While we don’t regularly handle real estate closings outside of the Metro Atlanta area, we can refer you to other attorneys in the State of Georgia who may be able to assist.
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- Published in Real Estate
Beware of House Flipping Schemes in Georgia
We have seen a rise in the “house flipping” trend over the last several years. House flipping is the process of buying a home, renovating the home, and then selling it for a substantial profit within the course of a very short time. Often, an investor is able to make money from flipping a house by fixing less costly cosmetic issues – such as carpeting, painting, and appliances – and then selling the house at a significantly higher price.
If you are an investor interested in house flipping, you should contact a knowledgeable attorney who can help with all aspects of your real estate transaction. Recently, several house flipping schemes aimed at potential real estate investors have come to light, exposing housing management investment companies and banks working together to defraud potential investors.
In one scheme, a Georgia Bank came under fire after the revelation that one of its co-founders and a chief executive was heavily involved in making fraudulent loans. Through the Bank, chief executive made short-term loans to inner-city investors interested in flipping house in low-income neighborhoods. Because the investors often did not have easy access to loans from traditional banks, the company charged hefty fees and exorbitant interest rates.
Another scheme in involved a European man who enticed flippers – for a substantial fee – with cheap properties and access to expert renovators. He then sent his investors to the Georgia Bank to obtain loans to buy his properties. Allegedly, kickbacks were paid to the loan officers at Georgia Bank who approved the funding. The European man is now in federal custody on charges of fraud. The European Man and the unnamed loan officer made money, but many of the properties were never renovated and the investors lost their money.
These flipping schemes have created additional problems in some of Atlanta’s most needy neighborhoods – with newly flipped homes sitting vacant and attracting criminals and squatters. Although many flipping schemes have come to light over the past decade, The Wall St. Journal reports that home flipping is making a comeback with investors buying up foreclosed properties. These flippers need “cold cash, lots of local-market knowledge and strong nerves.”
The best advice for real estate investors interested in getting involved in the flipping market is to do your homework, be wary of schemes, and be willing to take some risks. We can help you determine if the property you are interested in is suitable for flipping. However, if you believe, you have been a victim of house flipping fraud; please contact us immediately to discuss your case.
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- Published in Real Estate
Civil Liability for Theft in Georgia
Any owner of stolen personal property may bring a civil action for damages against the person that stole the property. Civil liability does not include imprisonment, but can result in the non prevailing party having to pay the prevailing party. Monetary damages in such a case may include:
- compensatory damages, including the value of the property and any other loss sustained as a result of the theft
- liquidated exemplary damages in the amount of $150 or twice the value of the loss, if the value of the total claim is less than $5,000, and
- costs of initiating and maintaining the action
The civil action may proceed if the following conditions are met:
- the property owner provided a demand for payment of his or her losses to the offender at least 30 days prior to filing the civil action
- the offender did not pay the amount demanded by the property owner, or otherwise enter into a payment agreement, within 30 days of receiving the demand for payment, and
- the property owner did not file the civil action until at least 30 days following the date of service of the written demand for payment on the offender, or after the offender failed to make payment as agreed.
If you or a loved one want to pursue monetary damages or be defended against a lawsuit for monetary damages, contact us without delay!
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- Published in Breach of Contract, Civil
Have You Been Charged with Shoplifting in Georgia?
A shoplifting offense will result in a misdemeanor conviction in the state of Georgia where the value of the shoplifted property is $300 or less.
However, a shoplifting offense will constitute a felony under Georgia law if:
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the value of the shoplifted property is more than $300, or
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the property is stolen from three separate stores in the same county within a seven-day period, and the property that is the subject of each theft is worth at least $100.
For an offender’s second shoplifting offense, the court will impose a fine of at least $250, either in addition to or instead of a sentence of imprisonment.
Upon a third shoplifting offense in Georgia, an offender will receive a sentence of imprisonment of 30 days, or an alternative sentence of confinement, such as home detention, for a period of 120 days, and may be ordered to receive psychological evaluation or treatment at the offender’s expense.
Upon a fourth or subsequent shoplifting offense, the offender shall receive a sentence of imprisonment of at least one year, which is not eligible to suspended, and a maximum of ten years.
If you or a loved one are facing a shoplifting charge, contact us to begin mounting an aggressive defense.
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- Published in Criminal, Criminal Defense, Felony, Shoplifting, Theft
Theft as Misdemeanor or Felony in Georgia
When a theft offense involves property valued at $500 or less, the crime is punishable as a misdemeanor in Georgia. Punishment for a misdemeanor includes a fine of no more than $1,000 and a sentence of imprisonment of no more than 12 months. If an offender receives a sentence of six months or less, it is within the authority and discretion of the sentencing judge to allow the sentence to be served via weekend confinement or during the offender’s nonworking hours.
If the theft offense involves property valued at more than $500, the crime is punishable as a felony, or as a misdemeanor, at the judge’s discretion. If theft is charged as a felony, the theft charge carries a sentence of imprisonment of not less than one year and not more than ten years. The other circumstances under which a theft is punishable as a felony in Georgia include:
- theft of anhydrous ammonia (one to ten years of imprisonment)
- theft involving the breach of a fiduciary relationship (one to 15 years of imprisonment, and/or a fine)
- theft of government or bank property, by an employee (one to 15 years of imprisonment, and/or a fine)
- theft involving a gravesite or cemetery decoration (one to three years of imprisonment)
- theft of a motor vehicle or vehicle part worth more than $100 (one to 10 years of imprisonment)
- theft committed while telemarketing, using a computer or computer network, or engaging in home repair or improvement (one to 10 years of imprisonment),
- theft of a destructive device, explosive, or firearm (one to 10 years of imprisonment).
If you or a loved one are facing felony theft charges in Georgia, contact us.
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- Published in Criminal, Criminal Defense, Felony, Theft
Georgia Petty Theft and Other Theft Laws
Theft Defined Under Georgia Law
Theft can occur in a variety of ways under Georgia law. The most common type of theft involves theft by taking, which Georgia statute defines as occurring when a person “unlawfully takes or, being in lawful possession thereof, unlawfully appropriates any property of another with the intention of depriving him of the property, regardless of the manner in which property is taken or appropriated.”
Georgia law also provides for several other types of theft, including:
- theft by deception ( § 16-8-3.)
- theft by conversion ( § 16-8-4.)
- theft of services ( § 16-8-5.)
- theft of lost or mislaid property ( § 16-8-7.)
- theft by receiving property stolen in another state ( § 16-8-8.)
- theft by bringing stolen property into the state ( § 16-8-9.)
- theft by shoplifting ( § 16-8-14.), and
- theft by extortion ( § 16-8-16.).
If you or a loved one are facing theft charges, contact us to begin mounting an aggressive defense.
Call us at 678.324-8511;
E-mail us at Info@LawrenceLegal.Law; or
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- Published in Criminal, Criminal Defense, Theft
Mistakes in Your Adjustment of Status Petition Could Derail Your Family’s Plans
Many immigrants come to Georgia and other parts of the United States and find love. As a result, they may want to marry individuals who are already U.S. citizens. This action could change many aspects of their lives, including their immigration status. Of course, as with any type of adjustment of status, the correct steps need to be taken.
Individuals hoping to obtain a marriage-based green card have many mistakes they need to avoid. Even a seemingly minor error could result in serious issues and possibly the denial of an application. If an immigrant entered the United States legally, his or her spouse could apply for the green card on the person’s behalf. If the individual did not come into the country through legal means, he or she will not qualify for this visa.
Additionally, it is important not to jump into the process too soon. For instance, if a person entered the country on a tourist visa then immediately attempts to apply for a marriage-based green card, this action could raise suspicions that the visa was fraudulent or that other wrongdoing has occurred. Even if individuals know that their relationships are legitimate and are simply ready to move forward with the process, being too hasty can lead to issues.
Another factor that individuals hoping to obtain this green card need to remember is that professional assistance could make all the difference. An adjustment of status is not an easy process to complete, and without the right information, individuals may find themselves at a loss. It is wise for interested individuals to consult with us to help with this complicated process.
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- Published in Family-Based Petition, Fiance Visa, Immigration
DNA Testing Asylum Seekers Raises Concerns
Already, immigrants have numerous hurdles to jump in efforts to come to Georgia and other parts of the United States. Unfortunately, it appears that those seeking asylum will continue to have more hurdles placed in front of them and more difficult journeys toward safety in a new country. According to recent reports, an additional step that some may face is DNA testing at the border.
Utilizing this testing is purportedly to help find “fraudulent families” that may be attempting to enter the United States with children who are not related to them. Because children and families are not subjected to indefinite holds in immigration detention, there is speculation that some individuals are attempting to cross the border with unrelated children in hopes of avoiding prolonged detention. The testing would reportedly inform investigators in approximately 90 minutes whether individuals are related.
Understandably, this proposed testing has caused much concern for immigration advocates. Previously, immigration authorities have unnecessarily separated families and have considered families fraudulent after suspecting that a child is older than 18, and this testing may cause more unnecessary separations. Additionally, DNA testing could cause significant problems for parents or guardians who are not biologically related to their children.
Seeking asylum may be some individuals’ desperate attempt to find better lives for themselves and their families when danger presents itself in their homelands. Of course, the idea of going through the necessary procedures and potentially ending up in immigration detention can seem almost as harrowing. Still, individuals hoping to reach the United States safely may want to contact us to understand their rights and options for these matters.
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- Published in Asylum, Immigration
What Topics Are Covered on the Naturalization Exam?
The Naturalization Exam covers the following areas:
- -Read, Write and Speak basic English
- -Basic understanding of the United States Constitution
- -Basic understanding of US history and civics
After you pass this exam, then the USCIS officer will review your file to decide whether to grant or deny you citizenship application.
At our law office we take great pride in our work and help you every way we can. We understand how important your citizenship is and want to help you. We are here to answer all your questions so that you feel confident in your application. Contact us today to discuss the particulars of your case.
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- Published in Uncategorized
What is the Eligibility Criteria needed to become a Naturalized U.S. Citizen?
Eligibility Criteria for applying for U.S. Citizenship:
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- Legal Permanent Resident at least 5 years (there is a 3 year exception for petitions who gained a green card through marriage)
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- At least 18 years old
- Continuous residence in the United States for 5 years
- Live within the United States Customs and Immigration Services District for at least 3 months prior to applying
- Demonstrate you are a person of “Good Moral Character”
Once you are sure you fulfilled all those requirements you can now be eligible to apply for citizenship. We always recommend to consult with a lawyer for any immigration matter because of its importance. The applicant’s history that can make them ineligible to apply for a citizenship. If you have ever been arrested, you need to consult with an immigration attorney to discuss your situation.,
After you are sure you are eligible to apply, you must fill out the Naturalization application with its supporting documents. USCIS requires a filing fee to submit the application to one of its service centers. Once the application is received they will schedule you for an interview with a USCIS officer. At the interview the officer will go through your entire application and documents to make sure everything is satisfactory. The officer has the discretion to grant or deny your application. That is why it’s so important to consult an attorney and make sure the application is done correctly.
The applicant will also have to take a test at the USCIS office. The test is used to determine if the applicant is well enough versed with the history and ways of the country.
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- Published in Employment-Based Visa, Family-Based Petition, Immigration