Vereen Law Offices: Serving Atlanta in Person and Online

E. Michael Vereen III serves the citizens of the Atlanta, Georgia, area from his law offices in Canton. With a focus on bankruptcy, criminal defense, personal injury, speeding tickets, and vehicular accidents, he aims to provide comprehensive representation to his clients. 

On its website, the practice provides general information to acquaint prospective clients with details of bankruptcy and criminal defense matters. The site enumerates the ramifications of applying for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, answers frequently asked questions, and provides an overview of common issues. Whether the question involves the receipt of official letters and legal motions with confusing terminology, procedures after changing employers mid-bankruptcy, or the effect of falling behind on payments, clients can expect to find helpful information to prepare them for their consultation.

Similarly, the website’s section on driving under the influence (DUI) charges and other criminal defense matters lays out some basic terminology and concepts to educate prospective clients on matters involving blood and breath tests, driver license suspensions, and other topics. Of course, this information cannot substitute for contact with a legal professional. Prospective clients are encouraged to contact the office directly for a personalized consultation.

Emory University

During my years earning a Master of Laws from the Emory University School of Law, I greatly enjoyed the atmosphere and academics of this prestigious college in Atlanta. The school began as Emory College in 1836. Founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church, Emory struggled for years. By the turn of the century, the church sought to create a university in the South. Asa Candler, founder of the Coca-Cola Company, donated $1 million and land in Atlanta.

Emory has since achieved many distinctions, and U.S. News & World Report lists it as one of the nation’s top colleges. Famous teachers at Emory include former President Jimmy Carter, novelist Sir Salman Rushdie, and the Dalai Lama. Emory professor Natasha Trethewey recently won recognition as the United States Poet Laureate. The HIV drugs Emtriva and 3TC were developed at Emory. Emory’s enrollment as of fall 2011 was some 14,000 individuals, almost half of which were graduate or professional students.

One Man's Contribution to Horticulture

A number of ancient civilizations developed horticulture, the art and science of growing and propagating plants. This term, first used in 1678, comes from the Latin “hortus”, or “garden”, and “culture”, meaning “to cultivate.” Since its beginnings, horticulture has substantially developed; today, it far exceeds the mere growing of plants practiced in antiquity. Horticulturists may engage in this pursuit for pleasure; many, however, treat it as a profession, spending their lives in dedication to researching and improving horticultural practices. Dr. Freeman S. Howlett provides a prime example of the latter.
A professor at Ohio State University, Dr. Howlett spent years researching topics related to horticulture, particularly the relation of hormones to cultivation, the structure and reproduction of plants, and leaf analysis. His notable accomplishments include the development of the Melrose apple, in addition to several lesser-known varieties.

Dr. Howlett contributed his expertise to numerous professional organizations, including the American Institute of Biological Science, where he held a chair on the Board of Governors. He also served for a time as the President of the Society of Horticultural Science and a Fellow of the London Royal Horticultural Society. In honor of his achievements, Ohio State University named its horticulture and food science building Howlett Hall.

After teaching for nearly half a century, Dr. Howlett retired, leaving his students to continue his horticultural work. However, his online courses on the history of horticulture perpetuate his legacy.

About the Author: For more than two decades, Michael Vereen has practiced law from his office in Kennesaw, Georgia. His areas of expertise include bankruptcy claims, DUI charges, and personal injury cases. In his spare time, Michael Vereen spends time expanding his horticulture skills.

An Interview with Michael Vereen

Attorney Michael Vereen has made a successful career of providing legal representation to individuals throughout the state of Georgia. Below, Mr. Vereen shares more about his areas of expertise, his practice, and his cases.

Q: Describe your education and experience.

Michael Vereen: I take pride in having a degree from Atlanta's own Emory School of Law. I graduated in 1989, earning my Juris Doctor and Master of Laws. I joined the Georgia Bar the same year, and I have remained a member in good standing since that time.

Q: Most lawyers tend to focus on one or two areas of expertise in order to create a niche for themselves. In what areas do you excel?

Michael Vereen: Early on, I decided to emphasize bankruptcy law in particular. I am also well versed in DUI laws and different facets of criminal law. Additionally, I have considerable experience handling personal injury matters and automobile accidents. Those legal areas can be difficult to navigate, so clients can trust that my 20-plus years of experience will serve them well.

Q: Besides expertise in your chosen areas of interest, what do you offer clients that other attorneys may not?

Michael Vereen: Since beginning my career after graduation, I vowed to do more than simply win cases for my clients. When facing legal difficulties, many people want more than a lawyer; they want someone sympathetic to their situation and personal feelings. The individualized services I offer go a long way in establishing the powerful foundation of trust that should exist between attorneys and clients. I feel that trust has defined my career, and I take great pride in that.

Q: In your free time, what do you enjoy doing outside of the courtroom?

Michael Vereen: I have a wife and three children who keep me quite busy. To stay involved with my kids, I coach youth sports teams such as baseball and basketball. I also enjoy spending time in my backyard working on my garden.

Georgia's DUI Laws

Before pleading guilty to a DUI (driving under the influence) charge, it remains in your best interest to consult with an attorney who specializes in these matters. At the very least, you should understand Georgia's DUI laws. Law enforcement has the benefit of experience and the resources of the state prosecutor, and a DUI conviction stays on your criminal record permanently. Lack of preparation on your part can cause serious ramifications for the rest of your life.

First of all, the well-known 0.08 blood alcohol reading applies only to certain individuals. Those under the age of 21 must have a blood alcohol content below 0.02; otherwise, they may be charged with a "DUI - Less Safe" under state laws. In addition, the operators of commercial vehicles may not have a blood alcohol content above 0.04. The 0.08 limit applies only to individuals over the age of 21 operating private vehicles.

Secondly, law enforcement officials can charge an individual with more than one DUI at once. Officers can issue DUIs for alcohol or drug use, including both prescription and illegal drugs. The court may convict the individual of separate charges for each substance, leading to more than one sentence.

In Georgia, the first DUI offense is often considered a simple misdemeanor. Limits are imposed on this benefit, however, based on a five-year "look back" period into the defendant's criminal record. Previous guilty or nolo contendere pleas prevent persons from receiving this special treatment. In addition, drivers with blood alcohol levels over 0.15 remain ineligible.

Repeat offenders face mandatory minimum punishment increases for each offense within the last five years. However, most judges look back at the entire criminal record, including convictions from other states, when deciding on a sentence. They can and often do impose more stringent sentences than the minimum. Any conviction that resulted from a guilty plea or verdict, or from a nolo contendere plea, counts as a previous offense.

Also keep in mind that, should you receive community service or probation, you maintain responsibility for paying for the costs of these activities on a monthly basis, instituting a de facto fine. In addition, should you fail to meet the requirements of your sentence, you may be placed in jail.

Rather than a minor penalty or fine, a DUI conviction constitutes a serious, criminal offense. In order to prevent a potential DUI conviction from permanently affecting your life, contact an attorney as soon as possible.

About the author: Attorney Michael Vereen possesses over 20 years of experience in bankruptcy and criminal law, including DUIs and personal injury cases. For more information on Michael Vereen and your options, visit vereenlaw.com.