Author Archives: Jay Butchko
The Importance of Seeking Medical Treatment After a Slip and Fall Accident
A slip and fall accident can result in serious–and potentially fatal–injuries. That is why you should always seek medical attention following a fall, even if you think you feel well enough to get up and walk away. In many cases, the injuries produced by a fall accident are not immediately obvious, and any delay… Read More »
How Does Proximate Causation Affect a Georgia Car Accident Lawsuit?
One of the necessary elements of any Georgia personal injury case is establishing proximate causation. In simple terms, the plaintiff must prove that “but-for” the defendant’s negligent or reckless act, the plaintiff’s injury would not have occurred. This means that a defendant can avoid liability by showing that an intervening act by a third… Read More »
What Is the Role of a Grand Jury in a Georgia Criminal Case?
When someone is charged with a crime in Georgia it takes the form of either an accusation or an indictment. An accusation–also known as an “information” in other jurisdictions–is where the district attorney or county solicitor’s office files a formal charge following a suspect’s arrest or citation by the police. Accusations are used in… Read More »
Can a Broken Taillight Lead to a Felony Drug Arrest in Georgia?
For many of us, getting pulled over for a traffic ticket is an inconvenience that leads to a misdemeanor charge at worst. Unfortunately, once the police initiate a lawful traffic stop–even on something as benign as driving with a broken taillight–that can lead to further investigation and potential arrest on a more serious felony… Read More »
How Making “Terroristic Threats” Can Lead to Serious Criminal Charges in Georgia
In recent years, state and local governments have become more vigilant in trying to guard against acts of violence intended to terrorize local communities. Here in Georgia, there is a state law that expressly defines the “offense of a terroristic threat,” which can be used to convict someone even if they never actually carry… Read More »
Can You Withdraw a Guilty Plea to a Criminal Charge in Georgia?
Most criminal prosecutions in Georgia result in some form of plea bargain. Typically, the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for some consideration from the prosecution, such as a lesser charge or a joint sentencing recommendation. In other cases, a defendant may simply decide they wish to accept responsibility and enter a guilty… Read More »
Can I Go to Jail for an Open Container Violation in Georgia?
You know that drinking and driving is illegal in Georgia. But did you know it is also illegal for a driver or a passenger to even possess an open container of alcohol while a vehicle is on the road? Georgia’s “open container” laws are actually more complicated than you might think. And in some… Read More »
What Is the Statute of Repose? And How Could It Affect My Georgia Personal Injury Claim?
Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations in personal injury cases. For example, if you are injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, you typically have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. If you wait past the two-year deadline, your case will likely be thrown… Read More »
How Much Uninsured Motorist Coverage Do You Have?
Georgia is a fault-based state with respect to car accidents. In simple terms, if you are injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver, you can seek compensation from that driver–or, more commonly, from their insurance company. All Georgia drivers must carry a minimum amount of insurance coverage that covers both bodily liability… Read More »
How a “Crime of Moral Turpitude” Can Affect Your Immigration and Citizenship Status
A criminal conviction in Georgia may carry severe consequences beyond serving time in prison or paying a hefty fine. If you are not a natural-born U.S. citizen you may face serious immigration consequences as well. Your right to remain in the country can be revoked, even if you are already a naturalized citizen. Atlanta… Read More »