Two Dekalb County Police Officers Facing DUI Charges

Jail records show that on July 7, 2019, not one but two Dekalb County Police Officers were arrested for driving under the influence in separate instances. The arrest report for Sergeant Tim Paske indicated that he was arrested for DUI on Cotillion Drive near Shallowford Road. Paske, 32, was booked into Dekalb County jail at 2:30 a.m. and was released eight hours later on a $950 bond.

Though the report did not specify the nature of Paske's arrest, a statement from a Dekalb County official revealed that Paske was off-duty and driving his personal vehicle. The statement also confirmed Paske was placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.  

Approximately 12 hours after Paske's arrest, Dekalb County Detective Justin Hamilton was arrested by Atlanta Police officers. Like Paske, Hamilton was driving his personal car off-duty. Unlike Paske, however, Hamilton struck a pedestrian. The woman was taken to Atlanta Medical Center to be treated for minor leg injuries. Hamilton was charged with DUI-Drugs, though it was not revealed what kind of drugs he is being accused of taking.
 
Common Misconceptions about DUI in Georgia

As a Dekalb County DUI Attorney, my office gets many calls from people that have been researching DUI on the internet. Online research lacks the critical aspects of context and experience from a qualified attorney. This research can often lead people to make poor decisions in their case that can have lasting consequences. In today's post, I'll be talking about some of the most common misconceptions about DUI in Dekalb County.

1. If I've failed a breathalyzer, there's nothing a DUI attorney can do. 

There are many defenses to a breathalyzer test that a qualified attorney can make. This includes the voluntariness of the test, the equipment used to perform the test, and the legitimacy of the reason for the stop – also called articulable suspicion.

2. DUI laws are the same throughout the United States.

Georgia DUI Law is very different from the law in other states. In fact, Georgia has been ranked as the second most stringent state to receive a DUI charge according to Georgia's punishments and driver's license consequences.

3. I can't afford a good attorney.

Most law offices, including the Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson, have many attorneys at different experience levels that charge varying prices. We also offer payment plans and accept credit cards.

4. My arrest means I'm guilty.

Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. We have represented many innocent clients and have obtained favorable results.

Practice Note

As a Dekalb County DUI Lawyer, I know that turning to the internet to research a DUI charge may seem like a good thing to do. However, an internet search does not take into account the many variables that can significantly affect the outcome of your case. If you have been charged with a DUI, call our office today.