Georgia Man Harasses Alleged Victim’s Family at First Appearance in Gwinnett County

Reports of a hearing in a courtroom in Gwinnett County made headlines of local newspapers. Jerome Colvin accused of murder asked the victim's family: “You people believe in God?”

According to the reports, the judge had a difficult time reining in Colvin during his first appearance. Colvin allegedly was dining with a coworker when they got into an altercation. Colvin has been accused of shooting Willard outside the restaurant. 

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will focus on the most serious charge that Colvin is facing.

Felony Murder in Georgia

Georgia Law defines the offense of Felony Murder in Georgia as:

A person commits the offense of murder when, in the commission of a felony, he or she causes the death of another human being irrespective of malice. O.C.G.A. §16-5-1.

Felony murder is essentially an expansion of the legal definition of Murder in Georgia. The most simplistic way to explain felony murder is that when someone commits a serious or inherently dangerous felony, and someone else dies during the course of the felony it is the criminal offense of felony murder. 

Felonies in Georgia that are classified as inherently dangerous include:

• Burglary in Georgia
• Arson in Georgia
• Kidnapping in Georgia
• Aggravated Assault in Georgia
• And Cruelty to Children in Georgia. 

These felonies are classified as inherently dangerous because with each of these felonies there are circumstances that create a foreseeable risk of death. 

Practice Murder

Colvin is looking at charges of aggravated assault and felony murder. Right now and according to reports, the judge assigned to his case will make a final decision on appointing him an attorney. 

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a felony offense - even a misdemeanor offenses, contact a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney today.