Georgia Court of Appeals Upholds New Trial in DUI Case: Key Lessons from State v. Smith

At George C. Creal, Jr., P.C., Trial Lawyers, we pride ourselves on staying ahead of the curve in DUI defense strategies across Georgia. A recent decision by the Georgia Court of Appeals in The State v. Smith, 914 S.E.2d 546 (2025), decided on March 25, 2025, underscores the importance of challenging prosecutorial errors and weighing […]

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Understanding Toxicologist Testimony in DUI Cases: Guidelines and Defense Strategies

As a seasoned Gwinnett County DUI lawyer with over 25 years of experience defending clients against drunk driving charges, I’ve seen firsthand how expert witnesses like forensic toxicologists can make or break a case. In DUI prosecutions, toxicologists often testify about blood alcohol concentration (BAC), drug levels, and their potential effects on impairment. But did […]

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Understanding the Spackman Decision: A Game-Changer for DUI Defense in Georgia

At the law office of George C. Creal, Jr., P.C., Trial Lawyers, we are committed to staying at the forefront of legal developments to provide our clients with the strongest possible defense against DUI and traffic-related charges. A recent landmark decision by the Georgia Court of Appeals, Spackman v. The State (A25A0235, decided July 1, […]

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Navigating Georgia’s New Legal Landscape: An In-Depth Analysis of 2025 Laws Affecting Your Rights

On July 1, 2025, a comprehensive suite of new laws enacted by the Georgia General Assembly took effect, marking one of the most significant shifts in the state’s legal landscape in recent memory. These are not minor administrative adjustments; they are substantial reforms that will fundamentally alter the rights, risks, and strategic considerations for any […]

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Georgia’s Survivor Justice Act (HB 582): A New Era for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse

On July 1, 2025, Georgia’s Survivor Justice Act (House Bill 582) takes effect, marking a transformative step toward justice for survivors of domestic violence and child abuse. This groundbreaking legislation, codified in amendments to O.C.G.A. §§ 16-3-21, 16-5-1, 17-10-1, and 17-10-22, aims to prevent survivors from being unfairly convicted or harshly sentenced for actions taken […]

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State v. Hernandez – You need the right strategy for your Henry County DUI case

On June 18, 2025, the Georgia Court of Appeals delivered a pivotal ruling in State v. Hernandez (A25A0558), overturning a trial court’s decision to suppress blood test results in a DUI case due to a language barrier. This decision has significant implications for DUI defense in Henry County, particularly in cases where law enforcement relies […]

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Understanding the Particularity Requirement in Georgia DUI Blood Warrants: Does a Warrant for Blood Draw Include Testing for Alcohol?

Driving under the influence (DUI) cases in Georgia often involve complex legal issues, particularly when it comes to the Fourth Amendment’s protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. One critical aspect of DUI cases is the use of blood tests to determine the presence of alcohol or drugs in a suspect’s system. However, a recent string […]

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Atlanta DUI Lawyer George Creal on Jennis v. The State – A Significant Victory for Speedy Trial Rights

At the Law Office of George C. Creal, Jr., P.C., we are committed to defending the rights of individuals facing DUI and other criminal charges in Atlanta and throughout Georgia. A recent Court of Appeals decision, Jennis v. The State (A25A0388, decided June 17, 2025), underscores the importance of protecting a defendant’s statutory right to a speedy trial. […]

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DUI Defense in State v. Nelson – Prosecutorial Discretion in Lumpkin County or Due Process without probable cause

As a seasoned DUI defense attorney serving the Enotah Judicial Circuit, I will share insights from a recent Georgia Court of Appeals decision, State v. Nelson (913 S.E.2d 388, decided February 26, 2025), which reversed a trial court’s dismissal of DUI charges in Lumpkin County. This case highlights procedural protections for the State’s right to […]

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