Author Archives: Jay Butchko
DUI Drug Recognition Experts (DREs): What They Are and Why They Matter in DUI-Drugs Cases
When most folks think of a DUI arrest, they automatically think about a breath test for alcohol. However, in the State of Georgia, a DUI case may involve drugs, whether it be a prescription, an illegal substance, or a mixture of both drugs and alcohol. In some cases, a Drug Recognition Expert or DRE… Read More »
How Prior Drug Convictions Can Affect DUI and Drug Offense Sentencing in Georgia
If you have been arrested in Georgia for DUI or a drug-related crime, one of the first things that may cross your mind: “What’s going to happen next?” The reality is that in many DUI and drug-related arrests in Georgia, what a person has to look forward to can depend on more than what… Read More »
Getting Pulled Over for DUI During the Holidays in Smyrna, Georgia
Holiday DUI stops are often made under pressure. Decisions have to be made quickly during periods of high volume. In some cases, mistakes occur. A traffic stop has to be both constitutional and legal. Procedures have to be followed when giving field sobriety tests. Equipment, such as breathalyzer machines, needs to be calibrated and… Read More »
What to Do After a DUI Arrest in Georgia: Your Legal Rights and First Steps
Being arrested for a DUI in Georgia can be a frightening and stressful experience. A DUI arrest doesn’t just carry the possibility of jail time, it can threaten your driver’s license, employment, insurance rates, and future opportunities. Knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath of an arrest can make a significant difference in… Read More »
DUI “Less Safe” vs. Per Se DUI in Georgia: What’s the Difference?
In Georgia, not all DUI charges are the same. Many people are surprised to learn that you can be charged with DUI even if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below the legal limit. In other cases, you can be charged with DUI without even a chemical test. That’s because Georgia recognizes two primary… Read More »
Possession With Intent to Distribute: Why It’s More Serious and What It Means for Your Case
Getting charged with possession with intent to distribute is a whole different situation than just simple possession, even if you never sold anything. In Georgia, prosecutors can use that charge if you had a larger amount of drugs or if they think the circumstances look like you were planning to sell. Sometimes it’s just… Read More »
What Happens When You’re Charged With Drug Possession in Georgia?
A drug possession charge in Georgia can come out of nowhere. One second you’re at a traffic stop or walking down the street, and the next, you’re in handcuffs. A lot of people don’t realize just how fast it can happen or how serious it really is until they’re already in the middle of… Read More »
When Prescription Medications Trigger a DUI Arrest in Georgia
Most people associate DUI charges with alcohol or illegal drugs. But in Georgia, you can be arrested (and even convicted) for DUI even if you only took lawfully prescribed medication. Georgia’s DUI statute doesn’t distinguish between illegal drugs and substances you’re legally allowed to take. What matters to police and prosecutors is whether the… Read More »
Marijuana & Hemp-Derived THC: Current DUI Risks and Legal Developments in Georgia
As cannabis laws continue to evolve across the nation, many Georgia drivers assume that hemp-derived THC, Delta-8 products, CBD, or even small amounts of marijuana carry minimal legal risk. Unfortunately, when it comes to driving, Georgia law remains strict. You can be charged with DUI based on THC, even if it’s legally purchased, and… Read More »
Felony vs. Misdemeanor Drug Possession in Georgia: What the Prosecutor Will Use Against You
If you’ve just been charged with drug possession in Georgia, it’s perfectly normal to feel afraid or overwhelmed. This is especially true when nobody’s telling you whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony. That part alone can throw you off. The difference is not just legal jargon. It’s your life. A misdemeanor might mean… Read More »