Jeff Burtka

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

Tennessee's Vehicular Homicide Laws and Penalties
A motorist who kills another person while driving recklessly will likely face vehicular homicide charges.
North Carolina's Reckless Driving Laws and Penalties
Read about how North Carolina defines "reckless driving" and the penalties for a conviction.
Indiana's Cell Phone-Use and Texting-While-Driving Laws
Indiana’s distracted driving law generally bans using a handheld phone for texting or calls for all motorists. Read about the law's specifics, including the costs of a ticket.
Florida's Vehicular Homicide and DUI Manslaughter Laws and Penalties
Florida motorists who cause the death of another person while driving may face vehicular homicide charges. Read about how this offense is defined and the consequences you'll face if convicted.
North Dakota Speeding Laws and Ticket Penalties
North Dakota has two types of speeding laws: “absolute speed limits” and a “basic speeding law." Violations of these speeding laws carry fines, points, and potential license suspensions.
Florida’s Teen Driver’s License and Insurance Requirements
Learn about the requirements for teens to obtain a driver’s license in Florida and what insurance is required.
Talking on the Phone and Texting While Driving in Louisiana
Louisiana's distracted driving law prohibits the use of handheld devices by all drivers, with limited exceptions. The penalties for distracted driving depend on where the infraction occurs.
Virginia Speeding Laws and Ticket Penalties
Virginia has two types of speeding laws: “absolute limits” and a “basic speeding law.” This article explains the differences between the two and the consequences of getting a speeding ticket.
Virginia's Reckless and Improper Driving Laws and Penalties
Reckless driving is a misdemeanor in Virginia. Read about how the offense is defined and the penalties you'll be facing if convicted.
Driving Without a Valid License or on a Suspended License in North Dakota
North Dakota's driver's license rules and the consequences for getting caught driving without a valid license and driving on a suspended license.