Jeff Burtka

Attorney · George Mason University Law School

Jeff Burtka joined the Nolo staff as a Legal Editor in 2023 and focuses on DUI and estate planning law.  

Legal career. Jeff is a member of the State Bar of Michigan. He began his legal career as a law clerk to the judges of the Arlington County Circuit Court in Virginia. He then served as a prosecutor for six years before working in health care law and estate planning. Immediately before joining Nolo, Jeff was a staff attorney at the Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Michigan, where he wrote and edited legal education resources for Michigan attorneys.

Education. Jeff has a bachelor’s degree in English and history from the University of Michigan and a law degree from George Mason University.

Other pursuits. Jeff also has worked as a freelance writer with a focus on articles about sports, the outdoors, and the environment. His articles, such as  How a majority Black school in Detroit shook up the world of lacrosse, have appeared in The Guardian, Outside, Crain’s Detroit Business, Civil Eats, and more. He enjoys running, coaching youth sports, and spending time outdoors.

Articles By Jeff Burtka

Virginia DUI/DWI Laws and Conviction Penalties
Learn about the penalties for a DWI/DUI conviction in Virginia.
Can You Get a DUI on an Electric Scooter?
When does a riding an e-scooter count as a DUI? And what are the penalties for a conviction?
Can I Get a DUI in a Self-Driving Car?
What do current laws say about getting a DUI in a self-driving car? Is it okay to use any self-driving cars while drunk?
Can You Be a Police Officer If You Get a DUI? What Happens If a Police Officer Gets a DUI?
Can someone with a DUI conviction become a police officer? And what happens when a police officer gets a DUI?
What the Prosecution Has to Prove in a DUI Case
An explanation of the elements that the prosecution must prove to get a DUI conviction when a case goes to trial
Does an Out-of-State DUI Count as a Prior DUI?
Does a prior out-of-state DUI count when adding up the number of DUI convictions a person has? And what are the penalties for a conviction?
What Should I Expect If I Get a Second DUI?
The consequences of a DUI are always serious, even for a first offense. But the penalties are further enhanced for second-offense DUIs.
How Are Drug Recognition Experts Involved in DUI Cases?
If you get pulled over for a DUI, what happens if a DRE asks to give you a drug influence evaluation? What happens if you refuse?
What Should I Expect If I Get a First DUI?
When does a DUI count as a first offense? And what are the penalties for a conviction?
Implied Consent and DUI: What Happens If You Refuse a Chemical Test or Field Sobriety Tests?
If you get pulled over for a DUI and the officer asks you to take a blood, breath, urine, or field sobriety test, do you have to? What happens if you refuse?