54-Year-Old DUI Suspect Involved in Fatal Crash in Georgia

A 54-year-old woman from Stone Mountain, Georgia was involved with a car crash that killed one woman and injured two others near the city of Norcross on February 11, 2019. 

The scene was responded to by Georgia State Patrol troopers which happened on Beaver Ruin Road near Buford Highway, in the unincorporated portion of Norcross. The accident occurred at around 9:30 p.m.

Doris Gatesbusch was driving a Lincoln Navigator at the time of the accident. She crossed the center turn lane and struck a Nissan sedan in a head-on collision. The driver of the Nissan, Erica Everett, died as the result of her injuries caused by the crash.

After Everett's sedan was struck, Gatesbusch then struck a Toyota truck from behind, which contained two occupants. The two occupants of the truck were dealt with minor injuries, according to the Georgia State Patrol. Gatesbusch was not injured as a result of the crash.

Gatesbusch was taken into custody at the scene and transported to Gwinnett County Jail. She has been charged with:

• homicide by vehicle,
• driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol,
• driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs, and
• improper lane change.

If you or someone you care about faces similar DUI-related charges, you need an experienced Cherokee County DUI Attorney to defend your case and fight for your rights. You do not have to face this process alone.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

Most people, when they think about a DUI arrest, imagine a drunk driver who smells of alcohol and has had a few too many while at the local bar. However, just as common, and just as likely to result in charges, is driving under the influence of drugs.

DUI drug charges are treated the same as alcohol charges, with the same penalties for first, second, or even subsequent DUI charges. However, DUI drug charges come with a number of significant differences from those related to alcohol.

Separate Drug Charges

When facing a DUI drug charge, it is very possible that you also face separate drug charges stemming from your arrest. Often, as part of a search incident to arrest, officers find drugs on the person of those they arrest. Depending on the amount and type of drugs found by law enforcement, the charges against you might be quite severe. You could face charges for drug possession, or more seriously, trafficking in drugs.

Defending Your Drug Case

A motion to suppress evidence is filed when evidence is improperly obtained by Georgia law enforcement. When a police officer collects evidence in violation of your constitutional rights, you can file to have that evidence thrown out, so that it cannot be used against you.

This can be a major "win" that can cause your charges to be reduced or even dismissed.

Consult a Cherokee County DUI Attorney

Charges for DUI drugs and separate drug charges are extremely serious. An experienced Cherokee County DUI attorney can protect your constitutional rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.