Insights
At Shewmaker & Lewis, we believe that knowledge is power—especially when it comes to the law. Our Insights page is your resource for exploring a wide range of legal topics, from Family Law and Military Justice to Criminal Defense and beyond. Through our blog articles, videos, and in-depth discussions, we break down complex legal issues in a way that’s clear, practical, and relevant.
Looking for even more candid legal conversations? Be sure to check out our Podcast/Vodcast here ,where we tackle important legal topics with real talk—no billboards required.
What is Titling in a Military Investigation?
Titling occurs when a military investigative service names an individual as a subject in a criminal investigation report. It is not a judicial or legal action and does not mean an individual has been arrested, charged or convicted of a crime. The ramifications of being titled, however, can be far reaching and damaging for the service member, impacting promotional, security clearance and military assignment decisions. The titling can even impact the service member after their military career is over – impacting future civilian employment. Steve Shewmaker and Mickey Williams of the Law Firm Shewmaker & Lewis discuss titling, how it can impact service members and what you should do if you’ve been titled.
What Type of Discharges Can You Receive in the Military?
When a member of the armed forces is released from their obligation to serve it’s considered a military discharge. Enlistment in the U.S. military typically requires a substantial commitment. In this article, we discuss the various types of military discharges that can occur before that satisfying that commitment, in particular the “Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge” which can be devastating to the service member’s benefits and future civilian prospects.
Georgia Governor Clarifies Stay at Home Order regarding Custody Exchanges
On Friday, April 3rd, Governor Kemp clarified his stay at home ordered issued on April 2nd to exclude custody exchanges. Governor Kemp's clarifying order specifically states that "no provision of Executive Order 04.02.20.01 shall limit, infringe, suspend, or supplant...
Georgia Supreme Court Extends Judicial Emergency to May 13th
Chief Justice Melton of the Georgia Supreme Court extended the judicial emergency until May 13th. Courts are still advised to proceed as possible within the current public health guidelines. The Courts of each County are establishing their own rules on what and how...
Should a Military Member Facing Court Martial go with Outside Counsel?
A court martial is the most serious trial-level military court. The decision the accused military member must make is whether to accept the military criminal defense attorney assigned to them or to hire a civilian military lawyer. The JAG attorney is similar to a civilian public defender in how they serve the accused service member, and may be less experienced than a civilian military lawyer. Steve Shewmaker and Robert Capovilla of the military defense law firm Shewmaker & Lewis discuss that important decision and the factors that go into it.
Northern District of Georgia extends Judicial Emergency Order until May 15, 2020
See below for the Northern District of Georgia's Order extending the judicial emergency to May 15, 2020. I would expect other Courts to follow suit soon. The Northern District of Georgia has also issued an Order allowing video teleconferencing and telephone...
Should I Ask For a Jury Trial?
Should I ask for a jury trial in a legal proceeding? There are a number of factors to consider and there is typically a great deal at stake. Steve and Patty Shewmaker of the Shewmaker & Lewis Law Firm go into details about making the right choice when faced with that important decision.
Fulton County – Order Declaring Judicial Emergency, March 13, 2020
Below is Fulton County's Order Declaring a Judicial Emergency. If you have questions or concerns about your case or situation, please call or email us today. ORDER DECLARING JUDICIAL EMERGENCY WHEREAS, IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED that a Judicial Emergency exists in Fulton...
DeKalb County – Order Declaring Judicial Emergency, March 13, 2020
We want to continue to keep you updated on the status of the Courts during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Below is the Order declaring a Judicial Emergency from DeKalb County's Chief Judge. Keep checking back here for updates and our Shewmaker & Lewis facebook page. If...
Updates on Courts during the Covid-19 Pandemic
The Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court has declared a judicial emergency limiting judicial operations during the Covid-19 Pandemic. What does this mean for you if you have a case pending or your were thinking about filing a case? It means that at this time,...
What is Toxic Leadership in the Military?
Toxic leadership in the military describes a combination of behaviors that can have negative effects on subordinates, missions and an organization. It can involve “self-centered attitudes, motivations and behaviors” along with lack of concern for others. It can be typified by selfish actions that “deceive, intimidate, coerce, or unfairly punish others.” Steve Shewmaker and Robert Capovilla of the Shewmaker & Lewis Law Firm discuss the nature of toxic leadership, the possible ramifications and when a military member needs legal representation.
Is the Spouse of a Military Service Member Entitled to Half their Pension?
Spouses of military members often think they are entitled to half of their spouses assets including their military pension. Steve Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis of Shewmaker & Lewis discuss the facts surrounding division of assets in a military divorce.