Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Evidence Do Prosecutors Use to Prove a DUI Case in Georgia?
In the State of Georgia, when a person faces a DUI charge, the prosecutor must show that they were under the influence when they were behind the wheel of their car. DUI charges are established based on the evidence obtained during the traffic stop and arrest. Knowing what types of evidence the prosecutor might… Read More »
DUI and Out-of-State Drivers: What Happens If You’re Arrested in Georgia?
Each year, the Georgia roads welcome millions of people who come to visit, travel on business, or even just pass through the state. However, if you are a driver who comes from another state and you’re stopped for a DUI offense while visiting Georgia, you might be confused about how this could impact your… Read More »
How Police Build a Drug Trafficking Case in Georgia: Evidence Prosecutors Use
The most serious of all drug offense charges is a drug trafficking charge. Most believe that a drug trafficking charge is only levied against those who are large-scale dealers. The truth is that a drug trafficking case is built on a number of different pieces of evidence, which is not necessarily based on finding… Read More »
How Georgia Traffic Stops Turn Into Drug Trafficking Charges
Many serious drug charges in Georgia begin with an event that is nowhere near as dramatic and exciting as an investigation by police. In fact, it has been noted that many arrests for drug trafficking often begin with a routine traffic stop by police for speeding or another violation. While the situation at first… Read More »
What Happens After a Drug Trafficking Arrest in Georgia? The Criminal Process Explained
It can be overwhelming and frightening for someone to be arrested for the offense of trafficking in drugs in the State of Georgia. These types of charges are among the most serious that can be brought against someone. Conviction can have very serious consequences for the defendant, including mandatory minimum sentences in prison. Arrest… Read More »
Can Georgia Police Use Drug Dogs During a Traffic Stop?
One of the most common ways in which a drug investigation starts is through a traffic stop. A person can be stopped for a minor offense, like speeding, but the situation can rapidly change if police suspect that there are drugs present in the vehicle. Police officers often employ one of their most common… Read More »
Georgia Drug Trafficking Thresholds: What Quantities Trigger Charges and Mandatory Minimums
In Georgia, drug trafficking charges are not necessarily based on your intent to sell the drug. In fact, the charges can be initiated purely on the basis of the quantity of the drug found in your possession. This makes it important to understand the concept of drug trafficking by weight if you are a… Read More »
Fentanyl Trafficking in Georgia: Small Quantities, Severe Consequences
Fentanyl is one of the most aggressively prosecuted drugs in the State of Georgia. Because of its strength and its role in overdose deaths across the country, the State of Georgia takes fentanyl trafficking very seriously, even in small amounts. A lot of folks are surprised to learn that an amount small enough to… Read More »
Sentencing Enhancements and Special Circumstances in Georgia Drug Trafficking Cases
The penalties for drug trafficking charges in Georgia are already among the most severe in the nation. However, many of those charged with these crimes are not aware of the fact that there are a number of factors that can actually increase the severity of these charges. Understanding sentencing enhancements is vital in dealing… Read More »
The Collateral Consequences of a Georgia Drug Trafficking Conviction
A drug trafficking offense in Georgia has consequences that stretch far beyond jail time and fines. While the mandatory minimums get a lot of attention, the average person is unaware of the other consequences that can stick with you for a lifetime. This includes every aspect of your life. Prison time is only the… Read More »