Routine Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Trafficking Arrest in Austell

Cobb County Sheriff

Austell, Ga. - Cobb County police officers pulled a driver over last Friday night for what was only believed to be a broken taillight.

But, if you are a consistent reader, you know as a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I tend to cover news stories where what starts as a minor violation results in much more serious charges such as DUI in Georgia.

According to reports, officers stopped the vehicle for a broken taillight near Old Alabama Road. This led to a search of his person as well as his vehicle. Officers discovered over a kilogram of fentanyl in the car.

So what started as a minor traffic violation ended with felony drug trafficking charges. Needless to say, the driver was arrested and remains at the Cobb County Jail after being denied bond.

In today's post, I will cover the initial traffic offense that led to the search of the vehicle and the subsequent arrest.

Taillight Violation in Georgia

The laws surrounding taillights in the state of Georgia are very detailed. Every vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, etc. must be equipped with two taillights. The law goes on to say that every taillight on the vehicle must be located at a height between 60 and 20 inches.

The laws regarding taillights are outlined in O.C.G.A. §40-8-23. The statute also states that:

All lenses on taillights shall be maintained in good repair and shall meet manufacturers' specifications.

This is how the majority of drivers are charged with taillight violations. Much like any other traffic violation, the traffic stop that occurs, as a result, can lead to serious investigations.

If you have been arrested for DUI in Georgia, you probably were given other traffic offenses or other related charges.  For example, generally before being charged with a DUI, you were pulled over for some other offense such as speeding, failure to maintain lane, reckless driving, and other Georgia traffic offenses.  

Practice Note

Our firm specializes in DUI Defense, which includes all traffic offenses (no matter how minor or how serious) that are related to DUI. We also specialize in any crimes that occur afterward like drug possession.

Call our offices today if you or a loved one has been arrested. A Georgia DUI Attorney can help you with your case now.