Author Archives: Jay Butchko
When Are Property Owners Liable for Assaults Under Georgia’s Negligent Security Laws?
If you were assaulted on someone else’s property—such as in a parking lot, apartment complex, nightclub, or hotel—you may be wondering who is responsible. In Georgia, property owners can be held liable for violent crimes that occur on their premises under the legal theory of negligent security. But not every incident leads to liability…. Read More »
The Stigma of a Crack Charge: Fighting Bias and Building a Strong Defense
A charge involving crack cocaine carries not only serious legal consequences, but also a powerful social stigma that can follow someone for the rest of their life. Even before a trial begins, people facing crack-related charges may be judged harshly by society, employers, and even the legal system itself. At The Spizman Firm, our… Read More »
Can You Appeal a Fraud Conviction in Georgia? What You Need to Know
Being convicted of fraud is a life-altering event. Whether the charge involves credit card fraud, insurance fraud, identity theft, or wire fraud, a conviction can carry steep penalties—including prison time, fines, and lasting damage to your reputation and career. But a guilty verdict is not always the end of the road. In Georgia, you… Read More »
Arrested in Atlanta? Here’s What to Do Right Away to Protect Your Rights
Getting arrested is a frightening and overwhelming experience—especially if it’s your first time encountering the criminal justice system. Whether you’re accused of a misdemeanor or felony in Atlanta or elsewhere in Georgia, what you do in the minutes and hours after your arrest can significantly affect the outcome of your case. At The Spizman… Read More »
Facing Heroin Charges in Georgia? What the State Must Prove—and How to Defend Yourself
Being charged with heroin possession or distribution in Georgia is a serious matter that can carry harsh penalties, including prison time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you’ve been arrested on heroin-related charges, you may feel like your case is hopeless—but the law requires prosecutors to meet a strict burden of proof… Read More »
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Drunk Driving Accident in Georgia
Losing a loved one is always devastating—but when their death is caused by a drunk driver’s reckless actions, the pain is compounded by anger and injustice. In Georgia, families have the legal right to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation and hold the at-fault driver accountable. At The Spizman Firm, our Atlanta… Read More »
Charged with Assault After a Bar Fight in Atlanta? Why Your Side of the Story Matters
Bar fights are messy, chaotic, and almost never as simple as they seem. Whether it’s a misunderstanding, self-defense, or someone else starting the confrontation, it’s not uncommon for the wrong person to end up in handcuffs. If you’ve been charged with assault after a bar fight in Atlanta, it’s crucial to remember this: your… Read More »
Can You Get a DUI Without Driving? Yes—And Here’s How It Happens in Georgia
Most people assume a DUI charge requires you to be caught driving under the influence. But in Georgia, that’s not always the case. You can be arrested and charged with DUI even if your vehicle wasn’t moving at all. If that sounds surprising, you’re not alone—but it’s a legal reality that has caught many… Read More »
Implied Consent and Federal DUI Law
While most drunk driving cases are tried under state law, the federal government can prosecute DUIs that occur on federal property, such as national parks or military bases. Except for national parks, where DUI falls under a specific regulation, most federal drunk driving cases follow the substantive law of the state where it occurred…. Read More »
When a Defective Product Causes a Fatality: Wrongful Death Claims in Georgia
The unexpected loss of a loved one is always devastating, but when that loss results from a defective product, the grief is compounded by a sense of injustice. In Georgia, families have legal avenues to seek accountability and compensation through wrongful death claims. The Spizman Firm understands your rights and are here to help… Read More »